Do you have a discolored smile? You might feel self-conscious and try to hide it any chance you get. Although stains on your teeth can be embarrassing, they’re highly common occurrences that can happen for several reasons. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with them forever! There are many ways your cosmetic dentist can make your pearly whites bright again. Read along to learn about the different types of tooth stains, their causes, and how cosmetic dentistry can correct discoloration.
Types of Tooth Stains
Did you know that there are three different types of tooth stains? Let’s take a closer look at each one and its causes.
Extrinsic
Extrinsic staining affects the enamel, or the outermost layer of a tooth. This type of discoloration is what most people are familiar with, often appearing as yellow or brown in color. Although extrinsic stains aren’t as permanent as intrinsic ones, they may still only respond to professional treatment. The most common causes are coffee, tea, soda, wine, and tobacco products.
Intrinsic
Intrinsic staining develops on the inner layer of the tooth, or the dentin. Even though this layer is beneath the enamel, darkened dentin can create a discolored appearance. This type of discoloration is more permanent, meaning it won’t respond to teeth whitening the same way extrinsic stains will. The most common causes are trauma or injury to the tooth, medical conditions, excessive fluoride use as a child, and genetics or family history.
Age-Related
Over time, the enamel becomes thinner and exposes the dentin more, resulting in a yellowed smile. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth, the aging process will still affect them and cause discoloration. Age-related teeth stains combine the results of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
How Your Dentist Can Help
If you’re unhappy with the color of your smile, your cosmetic dentist can remove even the most stubborn stains with the following services:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening – Professional whitening treatment uses a powerful gel to bleach discolored tooth enamel, making your teeth up to eight shades brighter in just 45 minutes!
- At-Home Teeth Whitening – If you’d rather whiten your smile from the comfort of your home, a take-home whitening kit can give you a brighter smile in just five days.
- Porcelain Veneers – These thin shells of porcelain are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth, hiding all kinds of flaws from view. Veneers can address even the most severe stains, giving you a flawless white smile in as little as two appointments.
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding – Do you only have minor stains you want to address? Your dentist can eliminate them by applying a composite resin to the flawed area and mold it to mask any imperfection from view.
Knowing what type of tooth stains are present is the first step in achieving a brighter smile. If you’re ready to enhance your grin, ask your cosmetic dentist about their services – with their help, you’ll be beaming with confidence in no time!
About the Practice
At Plush Dentistry, we will always make your oral health needs a priority. Our team uses the latest techniques, technologies, and materials to give you a smile you can proudly show off. If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, our cosmetic dentist can make them bright again with cosmetic dentistry. We’ll determine what type of tooth stains are present to choose the most effective treatment for your unique needs. Visit our website or call (469) 850-0786 to schedule a consultation.