Have your teeth become dull or discolored over time? Don’t worry – everyone’s smile changes over the years. Tooth stains and discoloration are completely normal occurrences that can happen for a wide range of reasons. Luckily, there are several ways your cosmetic dentist can brighten your grin and help you beam with confidence once again. Read along to learn more about the different types of tooth stains and their causes.
Types of Tooth Stains
Did you know there are three types of tooth stains? Let’s take a closer look at each one and its causes.
Extrinsic
Extrinsic staining affects the outermost layer of a tooth (enamel). It happens when staining particles build up in the film of protein that covers the enamel. This type of discoloration often appears yellow or brown in color – it’s the one most people are familiar with. Common reasons why extrinsic stains develop include frequent consumption of dark-colored foods and drinks (i.e., chocolate, berries, red wine, tea, soda) and tobacco use.
Intrinsic
Intrinsic staining occurs on the inner layer of a tooth (dentin). Since dentin is yellow and is located beneath the enamel, it becomes more prominent as it darkens over time. Eventually, it creates a yellow-looking smile. Common causes of intrinsic stains include trauma or injury to the tooth, excessive fluoride use as a child, and genetics. Because this discoloration is more permanent, it won’t respond to teeth whitening treatment as well as extrinsic stains will.
Age-Related
As we get older, the aging process causes our enamel to thin. The thinner this layer becomes, the more exposed dentin is, giving the appearance of a yellow smile. Unfortunately, this type of discoloration is unavoidable no matter how well you take care of your teeth. Age-related stains combine the results of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Are you unhappy with the stains and discoloration on your teeth? Here’s how your cosmetic dentist can get rid of them:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening – The in-office whitening treatment can give you beautiful, bright results in just one appointment. Most procedures are completed in about an hour!
- Take-Home Whitening Kit – If you’d rather brighten your grin from the comfort of your home, you can opt for a take-home whitening kit. It’ll give you the same results as the in-office treatment, except you’ll obtain them over two weeks.
- Porcelain Veneers – Some people have severe stains and discoloration that can’t be fixed with a whitening treatment. For these cases, porcelain veneers are an excellent solution to consider. The ultra-thin shells are cemented to the front of teeth, hiding any imperfections, and instantly creating a bright smile!
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding – Do you have minor stains? Your dentist can apply a composite resin to the flawed area and sculpt it to perfection, giving you a stunning new grin! Like teeth whitening, this procedure can also be completed in just one hour.
If you’re tired of hiding your smile, ask your cosmetic dentist about their services. With their help, you can enjoy a beautiful, stain-free grin once again!
About the Practice
At Salt Run Family Dentistry, we strive to provide truly comprehensive, world-class, individually tailored services that are guaranteed to leave you smiling after every visit. Our team uses the latest technologies, materials, and techniques to help you achieve a grin you can proudly show off. If you would like to improve the color of your teeth, our cosmetic dentist can help you do just that with cosmetic dentistry. Visit our website or call (904) 824-3540 to schedule a consultation.