Different Types of Tooth Stains and How to Remove Them

Stains and discoloration can change the appearance of your beautiful smile, but getting your teeth back to a healthy shade of white isn’t always easy. In fact, each year Americans spend close to $2 billion dollars in pursuit of this. Unfortunately, however, not all tooth stains are created equally. Different types of discoloration require different levels of treatment. If you’re dealing with your own stubborn shade changes, here’s what you need to know about how to get that gorgeous, gleaming grin back!

Types of Tooth Stains

There are three types of discoloration that can occur on the teeth, and how you remove those stains depends on what caused them. They are:

Extrinsic Stains: These occur on the surface of the tooth, and are typically caused by smoking, dark beverages like red wine and coffee. These may go away by brushing and flossing regularly.

Intrinsic Stains: These appear below the surface of the tooth, when stain-causing particles make their way through the tooth’s exterior and accumulate in the enamel. They can also be caused by excessive fluoride intake.

Age-Related Stains: These are a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic stains. It happens when the dentin of the teeth naturally yellows with time. As your enamel thins with age, the dentin shows through, and when combined with the discoloration from outside factors can make your teeth appear stained as you get older.

How to Treat Tooth Stains

Now that you know what could be causing your teeth to discolor, here’s what you can do to correct it. If whitening toothpaste alone is not removing an adequate level of staining, your dentist has several cosmetic dentistry solutions that could help. These options include:

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening: This treatment can be done in your dentist’s office in about an hour and remove up to eight shades of discoloration at once. It is done by using a powerful whitening gel and light combination. It is completely painless; however, you may experience some tooth sensitivity for a few days after your treatment. The results are permanent, but you can still stain your teeth again if you do not properly clean them.

Take-Home Whitening Kits: Available from your dentist, these kits include custom fit whitening trays, and the same active ingredients used in professional whitening. They can achieve similar results as in-office whitening in about two weeks, and they are refillable if you ever need a touch up.

Veneers: Veneers are a popular choice for patients looking to change the shade of their teeth as well as address any other issues such as spacing, tooth size and shape, or minor chips. They also resist staining. Veneers are more costly than whitening, however with proper care they can last up to 20 years.

Direct Bonding: This is a great solution if you have any chipped or worn teeth, or if you’d like to change the color of a stained tooth so it matches the rest of your teeth. It is more affordable than veneers, however it only lasts about five years.

Remember, there’s no need to hide your smile from the world. If you’re embarrassed or insecure about the shade of your teeth, your dentist offers several effective solutions to help.

About Dr. Philip

Dr. George T. Philip understands that having a healthy, beautiful smile is more than just about appearances. When your teeth look better, you can express yourself with confidence and ease, improving your perspective, social relationships, and self-esteem.

If you’re suffering from stubborn tooth stains, don’t resign yourself to hiding your gorgeous grin from the world. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Philip and learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options today. You can request an appointment online, or call us at 972-285-6144.