When you smile at yourself in the mirror, do you think your teeth could use some sprucing up? You aren’t alone, as stains can make anyone feel a bit self-conscious! But did you know there are different types of tooth discoloration? While some may be on the surfaces of your teeth, others go deeper. However, your dentist offers professional whitening to help combat them. Keep reading to learn more about this flaw.
Starting On Top with Extrinsic Stains
This type of dental stain is the most common of the two. It’s the easiest to treat because it only affects your tooth enamel. This top layer of your teeth can get discolored due to certain foods, drinks, and unhealthy habits. Berries, red wine, tomato sauce, and tobacco products are some items that have dark pigments that linger.
Although enamel might look completely solid and smooth, it’s a bit porous. These particles can find their way into these small spaces and cause the imperfection that you want to get rid of. You can try drinking through a straw or rinsing with water to help prevent it, but your dentist can more effectively get rid of it.
Digging a Bit Deeper with Intrinsic Stains
These types of discoloration are found inside your teeth. It can be caused by your genetics, decay, and certain medications, to name a few. This stain is often beneath your enamel, so it’s a bit harder to treat solely with whitening. Instead, you can opt for another service, but plenty of people have found success by going to their dentist to get it fixed.
How Can My Dentist Fix My Tooth Stains?
With all that being said, your dentist has plenty of ways to fix your tooth stains. A popular choice is professional whitening. For this treatment, your dentist uses a high-quality bleaching gel that breaks down dark particles on and within your enamel.
You can get it in-office or through a take-home kit, but both can give you results that are six to eight shades brighter. These are much more reliable than store-bought options, which can cause sensitivity when misused or not give you the results you want.
If you have more stubborn discoloration, then you can consider getting dental bonding or veneers. These are effective at covering the flaw and giving you the pearly whites you want. But the best way to find the right solution for your tooth stains is by talking to your dentist. They can work with you and help you feel more confident about showing off your smile.
About the Author
Dr. JD Hansen earned his dental degree from the University of Louisville. He has since taken advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, allowing him to give the Cottonwood Heights community the high-quality care they deserve. By choosing Dr. Hansen to enhance your grin with teeth whitening or another treatment, you can trust that you get results that help you look your best. If you want to get rid of any dental stains, schedule an appointment or call his office at (801) 719-2113.