Are you tired of your discolored teeth that distract from your otherwise beautiful smile? Professional teeth whitening treatment can tackle the majority of stains. However, discoloration caused by certain medications or conditions, it just can’t. If you have deep intrinsic stains that have penetrated your teeth, there are still other options to brighten and perfect your smile. Read on to learn how you can achieve a beautiful grin, even if teeth whitening isn’t for you.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration and Staining?
There are several reasons that your teeth could develop a yellow tint or discoloration. Although some people attribute stained teeth to an unhealthy mouth, that’s not always the case. Here are some of the most common causes of a stained smile:
- Consuming foods and beverages that are rich in color and tannins, like red wine, coffee, and tomato-based sauces.
- Dental trauma.
- Natural effect of aging.
- Excessive exposure to fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics as a child.
- Tobacco use.
- Poor oral hygiene.
Most people don’t know that a slightly yellowing smile as they age is completely natural. The outermost layer of your teeth is your enamel. As you age, this will naturally thin out, revealing your dentin. Dentin has a yellow hue that will start to show through your thinning enamel, making your smile appear stained.
Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work For Everyone?
There are several types of stains, ones caused by aging, ones that are internal, and stains that are external. Professional teeth whitening treatment can break apart and whiten smiles that suffer from external discoloration caused by tobacco use and consuming rich-colored foods and beverages; however, it can’t always tackle deep intrinsic stains that are caused by medications. It’s also important to keep in mind that if you have restorations like a bridge or crown, treatment won’t work on these either.
The best way to learn whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. There are several cosmetic services that can brighten your smile, even if you have deep stains that can’t be removed.
What Options Do I Have To Make My Smile Whiter?
If you’ve tried every whitening option available, and you still can’t manage to brighten your smile, there’s no need to worry. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers to conceal stains and discoloration that you’re self-conscious about.
Porcelain veneers are custom-crafted shells made to be permanently placed over your natural teeth. They can mimic the qualities of natural enamel by reflecting light for a completely flawless appearance. Over the course of three appointments, your dentist can improve a single distracting tooth or your entire smile.
Cosmetic bonding is a cost-effective and fast dental procedure that can be completed in a single appointment. Many patients choose this because it can repair minor damage and restore the appearance of your smile.
If you’re concerned about how you will get rid of staining and discoloration that is causing you embarrassment, ease your worries by consulting with your cosmetic dentist first. They can examine your mouth and discuss which option would be best to achieve the results you’d like.
About the Author
Dr. Dennis Stansbury has been practicing dentistry for over 44 years. Today, he’s just as passionate about taking care of his patients and helping them achieve a smile they’re proud to let show as he was on day one. He enjoys dentistry because it’s constantly changing, which is why he strives to stay abreast with the latest advancements in technology and techniques by continuing his education each year. He is a certified provider of oral conscious sedation and Six Month Smiles and offers a large menu of cosmetic treatments to help patients improve the appearance of their grin. For questions or to schedule a consultation for teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, visit Stansbury Dental’s website or call 903-561-1122.