We know that for many, a white smile is highly desired. And for some, they feel that because they have teeth discoloration, it’s not possible. Southpointe Dental cares and we want you to know, we’re here to help. In our article we’ll cover:
– What causes teeth to discolor? Find out why teeth discoloration occurs.
– Why do teeth stain? Additional causes of teeth discoloration.
– How do you remove extrinsic stains? An excellent way to remove surface stains.
– What can remove teeth stains? Your options for removing stains!
Why Does My Smile Suffer From Teeth Discoloration
Teeth discoloration happens to all of us as we get older, for a number of reasons. Your teeth can suffer from Intrinsic stains (displayed in the image on the left), taking place inside the enamel, and Extrinsic stains, which are seen on the outside surface of the tooth.
They are many foods and drinks that we consume that are culprits in darkening our once pearly white teeth causing various types of teeth stains. You can suffer from teeth discoloration if you frequently drink or eat any of the following: tea, coffee, carrot or grape juice, berries, beats, or soda. If you like to enjoy a warm beverage when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed, those temperature changes actually cause your teeth to expand and contract; this means that your hot tea or coffee is penetrating the micro-cracks in the enamel, causing intrinsic staining on your smile.
What we eat and drink are not the only things that cause teeth discoloration. If you had silver fillings as a child, those old, amalgam fillings are now leaching out silver salts onto your teeth in your adulthood. These salts cause teeth discoloration. Your dentist would recommend replacing those old fillings with “white” composite resin fillings, which not only match the teeth, but support the tooth extremely well.
Sometimes a single tooth will darken because it has suffered trauma or its pulp (nerve) has died. Bleeding occurring inside the tooth or debris within the pulp of the tooth will cause it to have a dark gray appearance. If a child suffers high fever, takes certain medications, or takes extra high doses of fluoride as a child, their smile can suffer teeth discoloration in the form of gray/brown bands or even bright white patches, because their enamel was not completely formed.
Extrinsic Teeth Discoloration
If your smile has extrinsic teeth discoloration, usually it can be removed with a good dental cleaning and polishing. If your hygienist uses an air abrasion instrument, it will be very helpful in removing your stains. However, once you have undergone the cleaning at your dental office, you should be aware of what is causing your teeth discoloration and work to eliminate it.
Your Options
There are several options that you can discuss with your dentist when treating your teeth discoloration. These include bleaching, porcelain veneers, or even bonding. If teeth discoloration is inhibiting you from having a beautiful smile, discuss it with your dentist at your next appointment. They would be happy to find the right treatment to make your smile look as good as possible.
The information on this page was written by Dr. Sydney Joyce.
This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists says: “For the past years, I have been extremely privileged to be part of this great profession, which I have only grown to love more with each passing year. There is nothing more rewarding than teaching and helping my patients care for their smiles and helping them to be healthier overall. Quality dental care is my number one goal, but I also feel that patients deserve personalized care where they are given their options for treatment and can help decide what course they would like to take. While providing excellent dental care for you, I want your dental experience to be comfortable and positive.”
You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist, or her partners, online 24/7 at a SouthPointe Dental Location near you. This “dentist near me” serves the local communities close to Lincoln. Some of the communities include Roca, Bennet, Firth, Crete, and Hickman!
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We have 7 Locations in Lincoln, NE!
- Lincoln Family Dentistry – Central Lincoln
- South Lincoln Family Dentistry – South Lincoln
- Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry – Northeast Lincoln
- Preserve Family Dentistry – East Lincoln
- Coddington Dental – West Lincoln
- NorthStar Dental – North Lincoln
- SouthPointe Dental – Southwest Lincoln
- Emergency Dentist NE – Emergency Dental Care
- Lincoln Dental Plans – Affordable Dental Options
Nebraska Family Dentistry has Lincoln Dental clinics in all parts of Lincoln. Choose a “near me dentist” location that is convenient for you.