If you have dental staining, your cosmetic dentist can offer you numerous treatment options to help improve your smile. While there are a number of effective treatments for dental stains, the cause of your stained teeth needs to be determined before your dentist can recommend the appropriate therapy. Here are some types of dental stains and effective treatments your cosmetic dentist may recommend.
Superficial Extrinsic Staining
Your cosmetic dentist may recommend laser bleaching if you have superficial extrinsic dental staining. This means that the stains on your teeth are on the surface and will likely respond to the whitening effects of hydrogen peroxide, which is typically activated by a special heating element or lamp. Superficial extrinsic dental stains are generally the result of consuming deeply pigmented foods and drinks such as coffee, blueberries, red wine, and cherries.
Cigarette and cigar smoking can also cause superficial stains, and while your dental professional can do a good job of getting rid of tooth stains caused by tobacco, they may recommend that you quit or cut down on your smoking. Not only does smoking cause stained teeth, but it can also raise your risk for gum disease. If you develop advanced gum disease such as periodontitis, then cosmetic dentistry procedures may need to be postponed until your gums have healed.
Deep Intrinsic Staining
Another type of staining is known as deep intrinsic staining. Children of mothers who took the antibiotic known as tetracycline when they were pregnant have a higher risk of developing intrinsic staining than do those children whose mothers did not take tetracycline. Children who take tetracycline may also be at risk for developing dental stains even though their mothers did not take the antibiotic during pregnancy.
Tetracycline and calcium ions bind together, causing discolorations of the teeth that may range from yellow to gray. Laser bleaching is not effective in eliminating intrinsic stains, and because of this, your cosmetic dentist may recommend veneers. While veneers do not eradicate the stains, they can improve the appearance of the teeth by concealing the stains. Dental veneers are resin or porcelain covers or "jackets" that are affixed to the surface of the teeth to hide the stains.
If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth, make an appointment with your cosmetic dentist. After a comprehensive examination, they will develop an effective treatment plan so that you can enjoy a brighter smile. Contact a cosmetic dentist to learn more.
