Are you tired of having stained teeth? You might not like how they aren’t bright white, but there are ways you can fix them. Cosmetic dentistry is a great choice as these treatments are designed to transform the look of your smile. However, which service is right for you depends on the type of dental discoloration you have. Here’s more about the different kinds and their solutions.
What Types of Tooth Stains Are There?
In short, there are three main types of tooth stains. This is what you should know about each one:
- Extrinsic: This type of tinting is when only your enamel is affected. It can be caused by several things, such as food, drinks, and even tobacco. So, the more you have stuff, like coffee and red wine, the more intense the flaw may be.
- Intrinsic: This discoloration often goes much deeper than the above and typically involves the dentin, the second layer of a tooth. This makes it more resistant to whitening, but you may notice a grayish look. You may develop this from certain medications, dental injury or trauma, decay, or your genetics.
- Age-Related: As you get older, your teeth may start to wear down and get a yellow look. This can be caused by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors!
How Can I Get Rid of My Tooth Stains?
Completely avoiding tooth stains may be nearly impossible, but there are several ways you can get the brighter look you want. Here are some cosmetic treatments you can consider:
- Professional teeth whitening is often the go-to for discoloration, as high-quality bleaching gels are used to break down dark particles on and within your enamel. You can get up to an eight-shade difference either in-office or with a customized take-home kit.
- Veneers may be recommended for intrinsic ones as they are thin, durable shells that cover flaws underneath them. You’ll be able to get a more dramatic change to a balanced-looking grin in about two weeks.
- Cosmetic bonding may be helpful if the imperfection is only on a tooth or two. Using composite resin, it will be sculpted against the structure to hide stains. It can be done on one visit, so you get your confidence back with little downtime.
In the end, it’s always best to talk to your dentist about how you can get the aesthetic smile you want. Through a consultation, they will determine the cause of the tinting and pair you with the right treatment. That way, you get toward the brighter look you dream of.
About the Practice
At Cristina Herrera, DDS, our team is passionate about helping patients in Los Gatos achieve their brightest, most confident smiles. Dr. Herrera has over 25 years of experience, which she uses to offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments. By getting to know your goals, she can come up with a plan that helps you get the gorgeous grin you love. If you have tooth stains you want to get rid of, schedule an appointment or call our office at (408)378-8773.