Everyone wants to have a beautiful and white smile that they’re ready to show off at any given time. Discolored teeth are one of the most common dental concerns and have many common causes. Each cause can impact how our dentist treats the stained teeth. If you’re suffering from discolored teeth in Northeast Philadelphia, Dr. Drew Shulman can help you.
Dr. Shulman has treatments that can give you your dream smile. The cause and severity of your tooth discoloration will determine the treatment option that’s best for you.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
For starters, our teeth naturally get more discolored as we age. The layer of enamel starts thinning, showing more of the yellow hue of the dentin underneath. Genetics may also make you more predisposed to tooth discoloration.
Our lifestyle habits make a huge impact on the color of our teeth as well. Certain medications can cause staining of various colors on the teeth. Using tobacco and regularly drinking staining drinks like coffee or tea can discolor your teeth faster. These extrinsic stains occur on the outer layer of the tooth enamel.
Stains that occur beneath the tooth enamel, within the dentin layer are intrinsic stains. Trauma that affects the tooth’s nerve can cause an intrinsic stain, as well as many other factors. Factors like aging, certain medications (such as tetracycline antibiotics), and excessive fluoride intake during childhood.
Poor oral hygiene can cause discoloration as well. Inadequate brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and good oral hygiene practices are essential to prevent and manage tooth discoloration.
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Treating Tooth Discoloration
We have many ways we can fix discolored teeth at our Philadelphia dental office. First, you’ll have a cosmetic dental consultation with Dr. Shulman. He will assess the discoloration of your teeth and discuss treatment options with you. Depending on your situation, Dr. Shulman will recommend one of the following treatment options.
Professional Teeth Whitening
We offer both in-office and at-home professional teeth whitening. In the office, we use Zoom! teeth whitening system. You can get teeth up to eight shades whiter in about an hour at our office.
First, we will cover your gums before applying the whitening gel to protect them. Then we will use a special light to activate the whitening agent in the gel. In-office teeth whitening treatments are a great way to quickly get whiter teeth.
At-home teeth whitening is more convenient but is also a more gradual process. First, we take molds of your mouth to create custom bleaching trays. You can wear the trays for a few hours each day or while you’re sleeping for convenience. In about two weeks, you’ll see the results of your teeth whitening procedure.
Porcelain Veneers
We can’t remove all stains with traditional whitening methods. For these instances, porcelain veneers are available at our dental office. Porcelain veneers are ideal for intrinsic stains because they effectively mask the discoloration from such stains.
Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove through conventional teeth whitening methods. Since intrinsic stains are deep within the tooth enamel, applying whitening agents on the surface of the teeth will not work.
This is where porcelain veneers come into play. Veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that go over the front and sides of your teeth. The porcelain in veneers is extremely durable and has the ability to mimic the natural sheen of tooth enamel. Dr. Shulman designs veneers to precisely match the color, shape, and size of adjacent teeth.
Porcelain veneers offer a comprehensive solution for teeth with intrinsic stains. The veneer covers the stained tooth surface entirely, and effectively masks the underlying discoloration.
Since porcelain is a non-porous material, it’s highly resistant to staining. This means the veneers will maintain their color and shine for a long time. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals with stubborn intrinsic stains that traditional whitening methods cannot address.
Dental Bonding
We recommend dental bonding if you want a more economic way to get the same coverage as veneers. The dentist uses a malleable composite resin that he matches to the color of your teeth or the shade you choose. Your dentist will mold it to the shape of your tooth, harden it with a curing light, and polish it to match the natural sheen of your real teeth.
However, they are a more temporary solution. You should plan on it lasting around three to ten years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth.
How to Keep Your Teeth White
Keeping your teeth bright and white takes a little effort, but with good habits, you can maintain a healthy, confident smile. Many people notice their teeth becoming darker or more yellow over time due to food, drinks, and everyday wear. Thankfully, you can take simple steps to keep your teeth bright.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Good oral hygiene is the foundation of a white smile. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent stains from building up. Using a whitening toothpaste a few times a week can also help remove surface stains.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Some foods and drinks are more likely to stain your teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas can all cause stains over time. If you enjoy these beverages, try to drink them through a straw. You should also drink water with these drinks to reduce the chance of surface stains.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vape pens contain chemicals that can cause stubborn, deep stains on your teeth. Tobacco use also irritates and damages your gums, which can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and other serious oral health problems.
When you stop using tobacco, you can protect your teeth from discoloration, keep your gums healthy, and improve your overall well-being. Quitting these habits is one of the most effective ways to maintain bright teeth.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings in our office go beyond what you can achieve at home. Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. These deposits can lead to tooth discoloration and cavities. During your cleaning, our skilled dental hygienists carefully removes this buildup and can lift surface stains.
Rinse with Water After Meals
Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking is a simple habit that can make a big difference for your teeth. When you eat or drink, tiny bits of food and natural acids from your food or beverages can stick to your teeth. These particles and acids can slowly wear down your enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth, and make your smile look dull over time. By swishing water around your mouth, you help wash away these substances before they have a chance to cause stains or damage.
Get Treatment for Stained Teeth in Our Dental Office
Professional solutions are far better than over-the-counter kits to treat discolored teeth. Let our trusted professional give you the smile that you’re searching for using teeth whitening treatments. Call us or schedule an appointment online to whiten your teeth today!