Many people want to keep their smile looking beautiful and pearly white. But over time, your smile might start to turn yellow, form dark stains, or otherwise dull or diminish in color. You might feel self-conscious and notice a decline in overall confidence as a result.
Your dentist can evaluate your smile to find the best cosmetic dental solution to brighten your smile once again in a way that will look both gorgeous and natural. But not all stains on your teeth are the same.
Your teeth can form several kinds of stains that will take different treatments to eradicate from your smile. Learn about the two types of dental discoloration you might develop on your teeth and how your dentist will address them to give you the whiter smile of your dreams.
Surface Tooth Stains
Extrinsic stains, commonly known as surface stains, refer to a type of discoloration on your teeth that forms in the top layer of your enamel, the hard outer shell of your tooth. In some cases, a toothbrush can scrub away some surface stains, but most of the time, the bristles cannot reach the discoloration within the enamel.
These dark spots often come from consuming substances that contain staining agents, such as dark-colored foods and drinks or tobacco products. To prevent these stains, you may want to cut out or limit these items from your diet.
If you want to get rid of these stubborn stains, your best bet is to consult your cosmetic dentist. They can identify the type of discoloration and provide professional teeth whitening to remove these stains.
The whitening treatment begins with take-home whitening kits which feature trays filled with bleaching gel. You wear these trays as directed to gradually lift stains to the surface where they can more easily wash away. You will also attend in-office procedures where a dentist will apply whitening gel to your teeth.
The combination of treatments ensures maximum brightening effects. And the attention from your dental professional reduces your chance of side effects, unlike with over-the-counter whitening products.
Intrinsic Dental Discoloration
Not all dental stains will respond to this form of teeth whitening treatment. You might also develop intrinsic tooth discoloration, a type of stain that forms deeper in the enamel where bleaching products cannot reach to lift the stains.
Intrinsic stains usually develop due to factors outside a patient’s control, like aging or medication side effects. You may feel frustrated that these disrupt the appearance of your smile, but your dentist can still help you enhance your tooth color.
They may recommend porcelain veneers to cover these tricky stains. These custom-made shells attach to the front of your teeth to leave your smile looking brighter but also natural. They also resist staining for long-lasting aesthetic benefits.
Discover the best smile enhancement treatment for your unique needs by scheduling a dental consultation today. You can reach your dentist in Charlotte, NC by calling 704.486.8911.