If you have stains on your teeth, they might make you a bit self-conscious. You may want to get them corrected right away, but how can you? The first step is to figure out what type of discoloration you have! It might seem odd that there’s more than one, but here’s all you need to know about this dental flaw and what your dentist can do to effectively brighten your grin.
Extrinsic Stains: Tinting on the Surface
When you run your tongue across your teeth, you may notice how smooth they feel. While they might seem completely solid, they are actually porous. Dark particles can find their way into these spaces and lead to a yellow tint on your enamel. Berries, tomato sauce, coffee, and red wine are some foods or drinks that can cause this surface discoloration.
Thankfully, you can do your part in preventing this flaw! Make sure you brush and floss twice daily, as plaque can hold onto pigments. You can also drink water after having items like the ones above to wash them away. Using a straw can also be helpful.
Intrinsic Stains: Deeper Discoloration
Discoloration that’s beneath your enamel is known as an intrinsic stain. These are often caused by things like genetics, decay, and certain medications, to name a few. They are much deeper, so teeth whitening may not give you the results you want. The good news is that there are several other options you can consider.
How Can I Get a Bright Smile?
Your dentist is here to help you achieve an aesthetic smile you love, regardless of the type of stain you have. Cosmetic dentistry has a wide range of treatments you can get, such as:
- Professional Whitening: This service is typically the go-to for this flaw as it uses a high-quality bleaching gel that’ll break down dark particles on and within your enamel. You can get it in-office or through a take-home kit, but both can brighten your teeth by up to eight shades.
- Direct Bonding: If you have a tooth or two that’s discolored, then this option might be best. It’s a composite resin that’ll be molded against the imperfection, effectively hiding it. Better yet, it’s shaded to your grin, so it will blend in seamlessly.
- Veneers: These are thin, durable shells that cover imperfections underneath them. A dental lab customizes each one to you, so you get a gorgeous transformation in the end.
Although there are a couple of different types of stains, your dentist is here to give you the confident smile you deserve.
About the Practice
At Indy Dental Group, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are happy to help the local communities get the aesthetic set of teeth they deserve with a wide range of cosmetic treatments, like whitening. By customizing a plan for you, we can get you to your goals effectively and efficiently. If you want to get rid of dental discoloration, schedule an appointment or call any of our 7 offices near you.