Tooth discoloration is a common dental concern we treat in our office. Many of our patients suffer from low self-esteem because of tooth stains. Cosmetic problems like tooth stains can keep you from smiling or speaking out of embarrassment. People may develop discolored, yellow, or stained teeth for many reasons. Thankfully, Dr. Elizabeth Duling offers several treatments for discolored teeth in Owens Cross Roads, AL.
Why Do I Have Discolored Teeth?
External or extrinsic discoloration affects the surface of the tooth. It is often due to lifestyle habits or environmental factors that come into contact with the teeth. Some of the most common external causes include:
- Food and Drinks: Certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth over time. Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda have strong pigments that stick to your teeth. Foods like berries, soy sauce, and tomato-based sauces can also lead to discoloration. These stains can build up gradually and make your teeth appear dull or yellow.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the biggest causes of tooth discoloration. Nicotine and tar from cigarettes leave yellow or brown stains on the surface of your teeth. Over time, these stains can get darker and harder to remove.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If you don’t brush or floss, plaque and tartar can build on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. If it’s not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can cause yellow or brown discoloration. Tartar buildup makes teeth look stained and creates an environment where more stains can develop.
- Dental Products: Some dental products can contribute to stains. For example, certain mouthwashes with alcohol or strong ingredients can leave stains if used over a long time. Abrasive toothpaste can wear down your enamel, which makes teeth appear darker.
Internal Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Internal or intrinsic discoloration occurs beneath the surface of the tooth. This type of discoloration is often more difficult to treat because it involves changes in the structure or health of the tooth. Common causes include:
- Aging: As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears down, exposing the dentin underneath. Dentin is naturally yellow, so the teeth can appear more yellow or gray when the enamel becomes thinner. This is a natural part of aging and affects most people to some extent.
- Medications: Some medications can cause internal discoloration. For example, antibiotics like tetracycline can discolor teeth if taken during childhood when teeth are still developing. Also, some antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy treatments can lead to changes in tooth color.
- Dental Trauma: Injury to a tooth can cause it to turn dark or gray over time. When a tooth is damaged, the blood vessels inside may break, leading to internal bleeding. Even if the tooth survives the injury, it will still look darkened.
- Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake during childhood can lead to fluorosis. While fluoride helps prevent cavities, too much fluoride can cause white spots or streaks on the teeth. In more severe cases, the teeth may take on a brownish hue.
- Genetics: Some people are born with thicker or thinner enamel, which can affect how white their teeth appear. People with naturally thinner enamel may be more prone to discoloration because the dentin beneath becomes more visible.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain chemicals or minerals in water can contribute to tooth discoloration. For example, high levels of iron or manganese in drinking water can cause teeth to develop brown or black stains.
Treat Discolored Teeth in Owens Cross Roads, AL
No matter the cause of your tooth discoloration, we offer a treatment to fix the issue. When you visit our Owens Cross Roads, AL, dentist’s office, Dr. Duling will examine your smile to determine which treatment option is best for you.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Having your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist is an affordable way to brighten your smile. Dr. Duling offers a take-home teeth whitening kit that will deliver superior results compared to store-bought products. It involves placing whitening gel in a tray and placing it on your teeth for a certain amount of time.
Dr. Duling will provide specific instructions on how long you should wear your whitening trays daily. Each patient is unique and will require different treatment times for the best results. On average, you can see results from take-home teeth whitening in about a week.
Dental Bonding
Teeth bonding is another affordable method to hide stains if your teeth do not respond to professional teeth whitening. This method is not permanent. However, it will produce great results. Dental bonding uses a composite material that your dentist will place over a tooth and shape by hand. The tooth-colored bonding material will hide tooth imperfections like discoloration.
Porcelain Veneers
You can choose porcelain veneers if you want a more permanent solution to cover discolored teeth. Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that your dentist will bond to the front of your teeth. They can hide stains in the front of the mouth.
Veneers require removing a small bit of your tooth’s surface to make space for them, which is why they are permanent. We recommend this treatment if deep tooth stains don’t respond to teeth whitening.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are dental restorations. A dental crown is a cap that completely covers single teeth. If you have tooth wear and discoloration, we will recommend crowns. Like veneers and dental bonding, we color-match dental crowns so they match other teeth in your mouth. Crowns add structure to damaged or worn teeth and can change tooth color.
Why Is Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Ineffective?
Store-bought teeth whitening treatments may be your first choice to whiten your teeth. While convenient, these treatments do not deliver results. Over-the-counter gels, toothpaste, and strips are less effective than professional treatments. Many people waste time and money on products with less concentrated formulas.
Professional treatments use gels with active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, which penetrate the tooth enamel to help lift stains. Veneers, tooth bonding, or dental crowns are best for sensitive teeth or tooth damage. Professional whitening makes it simple for patients to brighten one or more teeth.
Which Tooth Discoloration Treatment is Best for Me?
The right treatment for you depends on your type of discoloration and desired results. Professional teeth whitening is an excellent option if you have healthy teeth and gums but want a brighter smile. Tough stains may not respond to treatment. In this case, your dentist will recommend veneers, bonding, or crowns.
If you want a complete smile makeover that includes more than simply whitening your teeth, veneers would be the way to go. Veneers can also cover small tooth gaps, slightly crooked teeth, and other problems. This option will also provide the longest-lasting results.
Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid after whitening to maintain results?
Yes, avoid dark-colored foods and drinks for at least 24 to 48 hours after whitening. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and tomato sauces. Acidic or highly pigmented items can stain freshly whitened teeth more easily. Stick to light-colored, non-acidic foods to protect your results in the early stages.
Can I combine whitening with other cosmetic procedures like Invisalign or bonding?
Yes, whitening is often combined with treatments like Invisalign or bonding. Dentists usually recommend whitening before bonding so the bonding material matches your whiter teeth. With Invisalign, you can whiten during or after treatment. Your dentist will plan the timing to ensure a natural, even result.
How can I prevent tooth discoloration from returning after treatment?
Brush and floss daily, avoid frequent intake of staining foods and drinks and rinse with water after consuming them. Use a straw for dark beverages to limit contact with teeth. Regular dental cleanings and occasional touch-up whitening help maintain your results. You should also avoid smoking or tobacco.
Is it safe to whiten teeth if I have existing dental restorations like crowns or fillings?
Yes, it’s safe, but whitening products won’t change the color of crowns, fillings, or veneers. This can lead to uneven coloring if your natural teeth whiten, but your restorations don’t. Your dentist may recommend whitening first, followed by replacing restorations if needed, for a better color match.
Brighten Your Teeth
Erase years of tooth stains with teeth whitening. Call 256.202.4186 to treat discolored teeth in Owens Cross Roads, AL. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Duling online. If you have questions about which treatment is right for you, please let us know at your next visit.