I quit worrying about white teeth years ago. At some point in the near future I'll have white teeth again but they'll be porcelain instead of enamel and dentin.
Once I realized I was heading down the same path as Dad, I just quit spending money on fillings, etc since in my dad's case the end result (dentures) was the same but cost a bunch more over a period of years getting a tooth filled, then a couple of years later getting the same tooth crowned, then loosing the tooth a couple of years after that. Needless to say, my smile ain't too pretty right now with missing and broken teeth but over the long term it's costing me a whole lot less to end up in dentures anyway.
I went through the denture ordeal last year.
First, 6 visits to get remaining bad teeth pulled. Next, had to have both upper and lower jawbone shaped to ensure a good fit. Now, even with much Novocain, still very painful procedure. Whole surgery took about 2 hours. Next, suture removal and mold made. Next, fitting with molded upper and lower plates. Next, fitting of completed denture. Next, follow-up visit for minor alterations.
My dentist highly recommended not to go to a clinic that does the whole thing in one day because the dentures would be of low quality and most likely would not fit snuggly. For a proper fit you will most likely need the surgery on both upper and lower jawbone. The surgery is relatively inexpensive, total of $800. Dentures were much more of course.
I am still trying to get used to eating with them but it is better than not having any teeth. I need to start wearing them on a regular basis.
Both of my parents had bad teeth too. It is hard to get around your genetics. Of course, you should use proper hygiene to extend the useful life. I was lacking somewhat in that area too. It did not help matters either having periodontal disease. You can do all of the deep cleaning procedures below the gum line you like but it is almost impossible to eliminate the disease. I believe that the word periodontal comes from an ancient Greek term meaning 'around the tooth'.
I sort of slacked off my dental hygiene once I lost a crown and several of my teeth gradually becoming loose. Pieces were breaking off on a regular basis. It was quite a mess.
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