Do your teeth look more yellow or brown when you catch a glimpse of your smile in the mirror? Unfortunately, if you’re overly worried about being judged for your looks, you might avoid spending time with others.
Thankfully, many dentists offer various cosmetic procedures that can brighten your smile and boost your confidence. But the right service for you can depend significantly on the type of dental discoloration you have developed. Continue reading to learn more about 3 types of stains and how to treat them!
Type #1: Extrinsic
If the blemishes on your teeth have accrued after years of consuming darkly tinted foods and drinks, you likely have extrinsic stains. These form on the outermost layer of enamel, and though they might make you feel self-conscious about your grin, they can often be successfully addressed with topical whitening treatments.
Although over-the-counter products may claim to whiten your teeth, they often contain diluted bleaches that are less effective and can cause uneven coloration. Meanwhile, your dentist uses professional-strength solutions, such as the KöR system, to brighten smiles. Whether you opt for the more immediate results of an in-office procedure or prefer a take-home kit with custom-fitted applicator trays, this service can help reduce extrinsic stains to improve your appearance.
Type #2: Intrinsic
Unfortunately, not all dental discoloration exists on the surface level or can be easily resolved with topical treatments. If these intrinsic imperfections seeped into or originated in the lower layer of dentin, you might require repeated whitening services or another cosmetic procedure altogether/
In some cases, your dentist might recommend a combination of teeth whitening with other services to help you achieve your smile goals. For instance, placing color-matched dental bonding can also improve the shade of your smile, enhancing your self-confidence. This putty-like material is applied to your enamel and then hardened with a special ultraviolet light to mend or mask aesthetic imperfections.
Type #3: Age-Related
Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance made by the human body? It’s even stronger than bone, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Years of daily biting and chewing or exposure to acidic foods and drinks can eventually wear it down. This allows more of the underlying layer of dentin, which has a darker yellow hue, to show through.
Teeth whitening may be able to help to a degree, but your dentist might also suggest other options, like fitting you with customized veneers that can be made to match (or improve) the shape, size, and color of your natural enamel. They’re also strong enough to resist additional damage and discoloration and help protect the underlying teeth from harm.
If you’re unsure what types of stains you have or the best way to boost your confidence, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your provider!
Meet the Author
Dr. Cesar Rodriguez is passionate about helping his patients build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctorate in Stomatology from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic and then achieved a Master’s in Prosthodontics and Oral Implantology. He then moved to the U.S. and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. Today, he offers a variety of procedures, including cosmetic options, to help meet all your unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or call (407) 894-4921.