There are many different things that can stain and discolor your teeth. This also means that there are different types of staining to the teeth. What works to treat one kind of teeth staining may not be the right solution for another kind. Dr. Mark Sowell is a cosmetic dentist in Plano, TX that offers treatment for all types of teeth staining.
The Types of Teeth Stains
There are three different kinds of teeth staining. You may be experiencing one or a combination of the different kinds of staining. With every cosmetic dental issue, we do a full consultation before treatment starts. This includes a thorough oral exam to determine the type of staining on your teeth so that we can provide you with the best treatment option for your specific case.
Extrinsic Stains
These types of stains occur on the outermost layer of your teeth, the enamel. They only show on the outside of the tooth and they’re usually a yellow color. These stains are caused by choices you make in your lifestyle and diet. Smoking and other tobacco use cause this, as well as regularly drinking dark beverages like coffee, tea, and some sodas.
Intrinsic Stains
This type of discoloration occurs in the interior part of the tooth. A material called dentin is underneath the enamel of your teeth. When these stains happen, the dentin yellows or the shade of it darkens. As they’re embedded into the tooth structure, these are difficult to get rid of. These stains are typically caused by things like trauma, tooth decay, certain medications, and more.
Age-Related Stains
Age has an impact on your smile, as it does on every other part of your body. Age-related stains are a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Our teeth get stained over time from the things we eat and drink. The layer of enamel on the outside of our teeth also thins over time, exposing the dentin layer more. Dentin naturally yellows and discolors over time.
Treating Discolored Teeth
Your treatment plan will vary depending on the kinds of staining you have. Professional teeth whitening is the most common form of treating discolored teeth. This is best for extrinsic staining. Bleaching gel is painted onto your teeth, whitening the enamel on the outside of your teeth. Multiple sessions can be done depending on the severity of your staining.
Teeth whitening isn’t able to tackle intrinsic stains. One of the recommended solutions is dental veneers. We offer both porcelain and minimal/no-prep veneers. No-prep veneers aren’t permanent, but they’re also thinner and may not be able to cover the stains as well. For severe staining, porcelain veneers will be recommended.
Porcelain veneers are a permanent dental solution. They require the removal of tooth structure so that they lay flat with the rest of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are made of a thin layer of dental ceramic. Though they’re thin, they’re thicker and more robust than no-prep veneers. They’re able to cover even really severe stains.
For a more cost-effective option, cosmetic bonding can be used. The bonding material is a biocompatible resin that’s moldable to cover the tooth. It’s also color-matched to whatever color you desire. This solution is also temporary and can be completely removed if you decide you no longer want the bonding or desire a more permanent solution.
Treat Discolored Teeth At Your Plano, Texas Cosmetic Dentist
Do you have stained teeth that are making you self-conscious about your smile? We can help. Call us or schedule a cosmetic consultation online to get started.