Tooth stains are a common dental concern that many patients face. Discolored, yellow, darkened, or dull teeth negatively impact patients’ confidence in the look of their teeth. At Perfect Smiles of Bensalem, we treat discolored teeth in Bensalem, PA, to create brighter smiles. If you want to change the look of discolored teeth, we can recommend one of our whitening treatments to meet your cosmetic goals.
Why Do I Have Discolored Teeth?
There are some controllable and uncontrollable causes of tooth stains. Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include:
- Foods and Drinks: Coffee, tea, and wine can stain teeth. Eating dark berries and tomato sauces can also lead to tooth discoloration. This is because compounds in these foods and drinks enter the tooth enamel or outer tooth layer.
- Poor Dental Hygiene: If you do not brush or floss properly, bacteria can change the color of your teeth. Plaque is a bacterial film that covers teeth and can make them appear yellow. As plaque builds, it creates white deposits on or between teeth.
- Tobacco: Smoking cigarettes, vaping, or using other tobacco products can turn teeth yellow or brown. The nicotine and tar from these products enter the teeth.
- Dental Injuries: A hit to your tooth or a chip or cracked tooth can discolor your tooth. After dental trauma, you can damage your tooth’s blood vessels, creating a discolored look. A worn-down tooth can also expose the dentin or the underlayer beneath the enamel. This layer is darker than the outside of your tooth.
- Medications: Tooth discoloration can be a side effect of some medications. Tetracycline, antibiotics, antihistamines, and other medications can discolor teeth.
Sometimes, brushing and flossing are not enough to remove tooth stains. Schedule a dental consultation with our dentist to brighten your teeth with in-office tooth bleaching, custom veneers, or bonding treatment.
Treating Discolored Teeth in Bensalem, PA
The best whitening treatment for you will depend on your type of tooth stains. Extrinsic tooth stains lay on the tooth’s surface. Intrinsic tooth stains lie in the dentin beneath the enamel. Whitening treatment is best for extrinsic stains. We may recommend bonding or veneers if you have deep staining or extremely sensitive teeth.
The whitening treatments we provide at Perfect Smiles of Bensalem include:
Teeth Whitening
Our dental office provides in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatment. In-office treatment can whiten teeth by multiple shades in one visit to our office. Take-home teeth whitening offers the convenience of treatment in the comfort of your home. Professional teeth whitening is an excellent option before attending special events like birthdays, weddings, and graduations.
After your whitening treatment, avoid tobacco products. Also, avoid foods and drinks that can easily discolor teeth. When you drink soda, coffee, and tea, you can drink through a straw to prevent tooth stains. You can continue to brush and floss twice a day to prevent bacteria from changing the color of your teeth.
Tooth Bonding
If you sustained damage, we recommend dental bonding treatment. During bonding treatment, we apply tooth-colored resin to injured and stained teeth. Teeth bonding can cover one or more teeth, adding structure to the tooth’s front, bottom, or top. Bonding can treat discolored and damaged teeth.
Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers are tooth-colored shells that bond to the front of one or more teeth. Dental veneers can cover a discolored tooth or all the teeth that show when you smile. Veneers are best if you want to cover tooth stains with veneers or another treatment permanently. This is because we remove a portion of your enamel so the veneers properly adhere to each tooth.
Discolored Teeth FAQs
Learn more about discolored teeth with answers to these commonly asked questions:
How much does it cost to treat discolored teeth?
Your number of stained teeth and the type of whitening method you choose will impact your treatment cost. Dental bonding can be less expensive for a discolored tooth than a single veneer. Professional whitening treatment is also less costly than a complete set of veneers. However, we may recommend veneers if you have deep tooth stains and want lasting treatment. Treatment cost depends on your specific goals and the number of discolored teeth.
Why doesn’t store-bought teeth whitening work?
Over-the-counter toothpaste and strips have fewer active ingredients than professional teeth whitening treatments. Inconsistent use will also not create results. Depending on the source of your tooth stains, over-the-counter whitening treatment will not make a difference in your smile. Sometimes, tooth stains are too deep to brighten with whitening treatments.
Can a vitamin deficiency create tooth discoloration?
Vitamins and minerals are essential to tooth development and health. A lack of Vitamin D can create white and brown spots on teeth. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium to help strengthen and mineralize teeth. Not enough of this vitamin can weaken and negatively change tooth appearance.
Can fluoride discolor teeth?
Dental fluorosis, or too much fluoride exposure at a young age, can create white spots or marks on teeth. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen teeth. However, too much of it creates tooth discoloration. It’s best to introduce fluoride gradually. While this discoloration is harmless, it may require treatment to correct.
Why is my infected tooth discolored?
A dead tooth will appear discolored. After a bacterial infection reaches the inside of the tooth, it can turn yellow or brown over time. Dying red blood cells change the color of your tooth.
What can I do if I have discolored teeth after braces?
After you complete braces treatment, it’s normal for the middle of each tooth to appear a different color from the rest of the tooth. This is due to plaque that builds around the braces brackets. Plaque is a bacterial film that can harden to create white deposits on teeth.
Proper brushing and flossing can help create a more even look. In addition, we recommend routine dental cleanings. Only hygienists or dentists can remove tartar or the white buildup from bacteria.
Treat Tooth Discoloration Today
Lift tooth stains with high-quality whitening treatment. Call to treat discolored teeth in Bensalem, PA, at 215-770-1081. You can also schedule a dental appointment with us online. Let us know if you have any questions about how to treat tooth stains. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy and bright smile.