Tooth discoloration is one of the most common issues people have with their smiles. Yellow or stained teeth can leave you hesitant to share your smile with the world. However, there are a variety of options to choose from for whiter teeth. These methods can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

What should you do for stained teeth?

If you’ve ever looked for solutions to tooth discoloration online, chances are you’ve come across numerous home remedies. While there are steps you can take to brighten your smile at home, many of these solutions are dubious at best. In fact, some can be downright harmful to your smile.

The American Dental Association (ADA) provides guidelines against a few common remedies that do more harm than good. Using lemon juice is one example. While you can find websites that swear by this method, the acid in lemon juice is harmful to your teeth and contributes to both tooth decay and discoloration.

You can find some solutions for yellow teeth on store shelves. ADA-approved whitening toothpaste and whitening strips can deliver results over time. However, they’re limited in the level of results they can deliver. They also take much longer to work.

Avoid options like charcoal toothpastes, which contain abrasives. These work by polishing your teeth but also wear away at the enamel. While they might temporarily remove surface stains, they permanently remove enamel, increasing tooth sensitivity and your risk of tooth decay.

If you’re unsure about any whitening products, you can always ask your dentist. They can tell you whether these products are safe or not, along with recommending other options that can deliver more noticeable results and faster.

Professional Tooth Whitening

When it comes to dealing with tooth discoloration, your dentist offers the best options. Professional dental tooth whitening can deliver stunning results in a short period of time, making it the perfect option to get ready for a special event.

Two different types of dental teeth whitening are available—in-office and at-home. Both deliver better results than you’ll get from off-the-shelf products. They’re done under the guidance of your dentist, which means they can use stronger whitening gels while staying safe.

At-home teeth whitening kits work similarly to some that you can find on store shelves. They use trays to hold the whitening gel against your teeth for 15 to 30 minutes at a time, and the hydrogen peroxide in the gel dissolves stains. However, there are some key differences.

The whitening gel from your dentist is a higher strength that delivers better results. You’ll be able to achieve a brighter smile more quickly. You can also get custom-made dental trays from your dentist. These fit your teeth better than generic trays, ensuring better coverage and preventing any spills.

In-office whitening also relies on whitening gel. Your dentist will apply a clinical strength whitening gel to your teeth using trays, and you’ll be safe and comfortable under their supervision. Ultraviolet light activates the whitening gel, creating even more noticeable results. You’ll walk out with a brighter smile after just one appointment.

Porcelain Veneers

Not all tooth discoloration is the same. There are two main types, extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic staining only affects the outermost layers of the tooth and can be thought of as surface stains. Discoloration from food and drink and smoking fall under this category. These stains are treatable with whitening gels and other standard methods.

Intrinsic staining affects deeper layers of the tooth, showing through the translucent enamel. These stains are generally caused by injury, medical conditions, and certain medications. Even professional whitening gel can only moderately resolve these stains.

Porcelain veneers offer an effective solution for all types of stains. A thin layer of porcelain is custom-made to restore your smile, attaching to the surface of the tooth in question. A small amount of enamel is removed so the veneer will sit flush with the rest of the tooth.

Because veneers replace the surface of the tooth, they provide a flawless appearance that covers any stains. They do more than fix discoloration, though. Veneers are also a solution for cracked, chipped, oddly shaped, or malformed teeth. They let you present a flawless yet natural smile to the world.

Brighten Your Smile in Austin, TX

Are you ready to take action for a brighter smile? Parmer Lane Family Dentistry is your teeth whitening dentist in Austin, TX. We provide both in-office and at-home professional whitening, along with veneers for discoloration and other imperfections. Reach out today to book an appointment and find the solution for your smile.