Have you noticed your teeth aren’t as bright as they used to be? Tooth discoloration is a natural part of the aging process. Not to mention, your oral hygiene habits, lifestyle factors, and the foods and drinks you consume can also tarnish your smile. Thankfully, you don’t need to live with the results. Your cosmetic dentist can revamp your teeth using a personalized treatment plan. Although you might think a whitening treatment is all you need, porcelain veneers might be the better option. Here’s how to choose the right solution to revitalize your smile.
Types of Tooth Discoloration
Did you know not all tooth discoloration is the same? Identifying the type is crucial to creating an effective plan to whiten your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will determine the cause of your stains, which can include:
- Extrinsic: When stains occur on the surface of a tooth, they are extrinsic. Most often they are caused from regularly consuming darkly pigmented foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene habits, or smoking.
- Intrinsic: If discoloration originates below the surface, it’s classified as intrinsic. Excessive fluoride and certain medications can cause discoloration to appear from the inside out, making it difficult to treat.
- Age-Related: Over time, your enamel thins, causing more of your yellowish dentin to be visible. As a result, age-related staining can be both extrinsic and intrinsic.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
A professional whitening treatment can get dull teeth as much as 8 shades brighter. Whether in-office or at-home, a highly concentrated whitening agent is used to deeply penetrate the enamel to resolve tough stains. While whitening systems are effective, they can’t treat all types of discoloration, such as those that are gray or brown. Instead, whitening treatments are recommended for those with extrinsic stains. In some cases, age-related discoloration can be treated as well.
Do I Have Another Option?
If you’re not a candidate for teeth whitening, you’re not out of options. You might be a candidate for porcelain veneers. A veneer is a thin shell bonded over the front surface of a tooth to instantly hide stains. Not only will veneers improve the color of your teeth, but also their size, shape, and proportion.
Veneers are often recommended for patients who have intrinsic or age-related stains. They can also be used for patients who can’t achieve the shade of white they want using a traditional whitening system.
Invest in a Brighter Smile
If you’re tired of hiding behind discolored teeth, it’s time to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. They’ll design your treatment plan to cater to your specific needs to achieve the vibrant, beautiful smile you deserve.
About Dr. Suzanne Najjar
Dr. Najjar earned her dental degree at Nova Southeastern University and has completed advanced training in many specialties, like cosmetic dentistry. As a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association, she can help you achieve a picture-perfect smile. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for cosmetic dentistry.