Are you embarrassed by brown or yellow teeth? You are not alone. Tooth discoloration is a common concern amongst adults of all ages. However, did you know not all stains are the same? As a result, there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution to combat the issue. Determining the underlying cause is crucial to creating a personalized treatment plan to reveal brighter teeth. Here’s what you need to know to turn back the clock to restore a white smile.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Teeth come in a variety of colors and shades naturally. Not to mention various factors affect their color. Teeth can have a gray or bluish tint from medications, trauma, and other issues. Thankfully, they aren’t as common as yellow or brown teeth, which are easier to treat. Various methods can improve stains, depending on their cause, which can include:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing habits at home can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. Without regular dental appointments to remove the accumulations, your smile can darken over time.
- Smoking: Tar and nicotine can stain your pearly whites.
- Age: Enamel becomes thinner over the years, causing more yellowing dentin to be visible.
- Diet: Frequently consuming dark foods and drinks can cause the pigments to seep under your enamel.
- Dental Problems: Untreated oral health issues, like decay, can negatively affect the vibrancy of your smile.
Treating Tooth Discoloration
Unfortunately, no amount of brushing will reverse tooth discoloration. While you can purchase OTC whitening kits, they won’t have any effect on stains because they don’t contain professional-strength ingredients. Not to mention, whitening systems aren’t effective for all types of discoloration. The only way to achieve the drastic, lasting results you want is with the help of your cosmetic dentist. They’ll create an individualized plan to revamp your smile, which may include:
- In-Office Whitening: Get your teeth up to 8 shades whiter in a single appointment with an in-office solution.
- Take-Home Kit: Achieve professional results in 2 weeks from the comfort of home. Your dentist will give you everything you need to whiten your teeth gradually.
- Veneers: A veneer covers the front surface of a tooth, hiding a variety of imperfections, like discoloration or chips. When applied to the teeth visible when smiling, they correct multiple issues simultaneously, including gaps. Veneers are stain-resistant, so your new smile can stay bright for 10 years or longer with the right care.
Enjoy a Bright and Beautiful Smile
Your cosmetic dentist can turn the smile of your dreams into reality. If you are ready to stop hiding your teeth, it’s time to schedule your consultation to say goodbye to stains.
About Dr. Randall Nameth
Dr. Nameth earned his dental degree from the Ohio State University and regularly continues his education to offer advanced services, like cosmetic dentistry. He strives to help each patient achieve a healthy, beautiful smile they are proud to share with the world. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for teeth whitening.