Stained teeth are one of the most common reasons why people pursue cosmetic dentistry. However, it’s important to recognize that not all dental discoloration is exactly the same. There are actually multiple types of stains that might appear on your smile, and the kind that you have can potentially influence the kind cosmetic treatment that your dentist suggests. Below is a closer look at the various types of tooth discoloration as well as how they can be addressed.
The Main Types of Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration typically falls under one of three main categories:
- Extrinsic Stains: Consuming dark-colored foods and beverages can cause stains to form on the surface of your teeth. These are referred to as extrinsic stains, and they’re typically easier to remove than other kinds of discoloration.
- Intrinsic Stains: Stains that form beneath the enamel are called intrinsic stains. They can appear for a variety of reasons, including fluoride overexposure or specific medications such as tetracycline. Generally speaking, intrinsic stains are more difficult to get rid of than extrinsic ones.
- Age-Related Discoloration: Sometimes your dental discoloration is just a sign that you’re getting older. Over time, the enamel layer gradually wears down, which makes the dentin layer beneath it more visible. Dentin is yellower than your enamel, so as it becomes more prominent, it can cause your smile to look duller than before.
Solutions for Dental Discoloration
Once your dentist has determined what sort of dental discoloration you have, they can point you toward an appropriate cosmetic dental solution. Some of the treatments they may recommend include:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: An in-office whitening procedure can often significantly brighten your smile in just one visit. The treatment uses a powerful bleaching gel that can break up stains above and below the surface of the enamel.
- At-Home Teeth Whitening: If you would like to brighten your smile in the comfort of your own home, your dentist can give you a personalized whitening kit. Each kit comes with trays that are meant to be filled with bleaching gel and worn for a certain amount of time each day. Many patients with extrinsic and intrinsic stains are able to enjoy dazzling results after just two weeks of using a professional whitening kit.
- Direct Bonding: A direct bonding procedure involves applying tooth-colored composite resin to the enamel in order to hide small stains and other minor imperfections. This can be a good option for discoloration that doesn’t respond to teeth whitening.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin shells that can be placed over the fronts of your teeth, thereby correcting multiple aesthetic issues at once. Patients with age-related discoloration or particularly stubborn intrinsic stains often benefit from getting veneers.
No matter what kind of dental discoloration you’re dealing with, you can count on your dentist to help you find the right treatment to brighten your teeth, allowing you to once again enjoy a dazzling, confident smile.
About the Practice
At Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry, our team brings our patients exceptional dental care, including a wide range of personalized cosmetic dentistry services. For teeth that are stained or otherwise discolored, we offer professional teeth whitening, veneers, and direct bonding for creating brighter smiles. If you’re ready to improve the appearance of your smile, you can schedule an appointment at our practice in Orange Park by visiting our website or calling (904) 272-0800.