Tooth discoloration is one of the biggest concerns people have about their smiles. It can leave them less ready to smile and laugh and inhibits their confidence. If you’re dealing with tooth discoloration, a variety of teeth whitening options could be right for you. Professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental bonding are all potential cosmetic dentistry treatment options for discolored teeth.

Common causes of tooth discoloration.

There are many different factors that contribute to tooth discoloration. First, you should know that there are two distinct types of tooth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic staining affects the exterior enamel layer, meaning stains are close to the surface. Intrinsic stains affect deeper layers and are visible due to enamel’s translucency.

Factors such as tobacco use and consuming various food and drinks such as coffee, soda, red wine, and acidic sauces lead to extrinsic stains. Plaque deposits caused by poor oral hygiene also lead to surface discoloration. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, are typically caused by dental injury or as a side effect of certain medications.

You can also experience discoloration caused by thin enamel, as the dentin layer underneath has more of a yellow color. This is common with age, as enamel becomes thinner over time. However, increased wear and other factors can hasten the process.

3 options for a whiter smile.

Luckily, there are plenty of options to brighten your smile, no matter what the cause of tooth discoloration may be. Here are some treatments options you can discuss with your dentist to achieve a brighter smile.

Veneers

Dental veneers are among the most versatile cosmetic dentistry treatment options. The process entails creating a custom layer of thin porcelain to apply to a given tooth, with a small amount of enamel removed from your existing tooth so that the veneer can lay flat. The front-facing surface of each tooth is restored with a veneer that is the perfect shade, shape, and size.

When it comes to tooth whitening, veneers are suitable for cases where discoloration is more complex than what might be the case with simple extrinsic stains. Veneers can restore a smile that has been affected by deep intrinsic stains or worn enamel. It replaces and covers the front surface of the tooth, so it presents an immaculate appearance no matter what.

Porcelain veneers look incredibly natural, matching not only the shade of enamel but also its natural translucency. That’s why veneers are widely used not just in tooth whitening but in repairing minor cracks and chips, adjusting misshapen teeth, or even fixing small gaps between teeth.

Teeth Whitening

When extrinsic staining is the main cause of tooth discoloration, professional teeth whitening is an excellent choice for fast and stunning results. This treatment makes use of clinical strength whitening gel that is activated by UV light to achieve noticeable whitening in just one visit. This process quickly removes surface stains.

Teeth whitening relies on hydrogen peroxide in the whitening gel, which can be used at higher concentrations when applied by an experienced dentist. This breaks down stains and is the same basic process you’ll find in whitening strips and other over-the-counter products. However, the results are immediate instead of taking weeks or months and can be much more impressive.

Often, you can also find take-home whitening kits from your dentist. These rely on custom trays that provide a perfect fit. At home, you apply whitening gel to the trays as instructed and wear them for about half an hour each day. 

There are over-the-counter products that work in a similar way, but the custom trays greatly improve coverage, comfort, and results.

Bonding

Dental bonding is a versatile treatment that makes use of composite resin to tackle a wide range of dental issues. This resin can be carefully matched to any shade, allowing for a bright but natural appearance. For whitening, a thin layer can be applied to the surface of the tooth. While this won’t hold up as long as dental veneers, the process is minimally invasive, fast, and affordable.

Your dentist can use dental bonding to correct a wide range of minor imperfections. They carefully shape the resin and then cure it in place with a UV light. The result is a tooth that has been carefully adjusted to look just right.

Tackling tooth discoloration with the best Austin cosmetic dentist.

Each of these three common solutions for discolored and stained teeth is unique and could be the perfect option for your smile makeover. The only way to find out which is best for you is to talk with your dentist. The team at Parmer Lane Family Dentistry can develop a personalized treatment plan to deliver a truly stunning smile. Book your consultation today to get started!