There are many different things that can stain and discolor your teeth. This also means that there are different types of staining on the teeth. What works to treat one kind of tooth staining may not be the right solution for another. Dr. Mark Sowell is a cosmetic dentist in Plano, TX, who offers treatment for all types of teeth staining.
The Types of Teeth Stains
There are three different kinds of tooth staining. You may be experiencing one or a combination of the different kinds of staining. For every cosmetic dental issue, we conduct a full consultation before treatment begins. This includes a thorough oral exam to determine the type of staining on your teeth, so we can provide the best treatment option for your specific case.
Extrinsic Stains
These types of stains occur on the outermost layer of your teeth, the enamel. They only appear on the outside of the tooth, and they’re usually yellow. These stains are caused by choices you make in your lifestyle and diet. Smoking and other tobacco use cause this, as well as regularly drinking dark beverages like coffee, tea, and some sodas.
Intrinsic Stains
This type of discoloration occurs within the tooth. A material called dentin is underneath the enamel of your teeth. When these stains occur, the dentin yellows or darkens in shade. As they’re embedded in the tooth structure, these are difficult to get rid of. These stains are typically caused by factors such as trauma, tooth decay, certain medications, and more.
Age-Related Stains
Age affects your smile, as it does every other part of your body. Age-related stains are a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Our teeth get stained over time by the foods and drinks we eat and drink. The enamel layer on the outside of our teeth also thins over time, exposing more of the dentin. Dentin naturally yellows and discolors over time.
Treating Discolored Teeth
Your treatment plan will vary depending on the kinds of staining you have. Professional teeth whitening in Plano is the most common treatment for discolored teeth. This is best for extrinsic staining. Bleaching gel is painted onto your teeth, whitening the enamel on the outside. Multiple sessions can be done depending on the severity of your staining.
Teeth whitening can’t address intrinsic stains. One of the recommended solutions is dental veneers. We offer both porcelain and minimal-prep or no-prep veneers. No-prep veneers aren’t permanent, but they’re also thinner and may not cover stains as well. For severe staining, porcelain veneers will be recommended.
Porcelain veneers are a permanent dental solution. They require the removal of tooth structure so that they lie flat with the rest of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are made of a thin layer of dental ceramic. Though they’re thin, they’re thicker and more robust than no-prep veneers. They can even cover really severe stains.
For a more cost-effective option, cosmetic bonding can be used. The bonding material is a biocompatible resin that can be molded to cover the tooth. It’s also color-matched to whatever color you desire. This solution is also temporary and can be completely removed if you decide you no longer want the bonding or desire a more permanent solution.
Call Your Plano, Texas Cosmetic Dentist
Do you have stained teeth that are making you self-conscious about your smile? We can help. Call us at (972) 382-6855 or schedule a cosmetic consultation online to get started.