Tooth Discoloration Treatment - Which Is Right for You?
Tooth discoloration can occur for a number of different reasons. The type of discoloration that occurs depends on its cause, and the most appropriate course of treatment depends on the type of discoloration that is present. At the practice of Jean E. Barthman, DDS, in Redwood City, there are several different treatment options for tooth discoloration. After an examination of your teeth, Dr. Barthman can determine if teeth whitening, which removes surface stains, will be effective, or if the teeth themselves should be masked with natural looking dental materials.
Extrinsic Tooth Discoloration
Extrinsic tooth discoloration refers to stains that affect the exterior, or outer enamel layer of the teeth. These stains tend to be yellow or brown in tone. Extrinsic tooth discoloration is caused by the consumption of stain causing foods and drinks, such as red wine, coffee, dark teas, fruit juices, and dark-colored sauces. It is also caused by smoking. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes can result in brown stains on the surface of the teeth.
Extrinsic tooth discoloration is easier to treat than intrinsic discoloration. Patients can undergo teeth whitening treatment to lift up surface stains and restore a bright, white color to the teeth. Patients have the option of undergoing over-the-counter teeth whitening, which is the least expensive option, but also the least effective. In general, over-the-counter teeth whitening will lighten the teeth by two to three shades. Professional teeth whitening treatments can lighten the teeth by 8 to 12 shades. In-office whitening is the quickest method. In this approach, a bleaching gel with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. In the period of one hour, the teeth become dramatically whiter. At-home professional teeth whitening can significantly lighten the teeth, but it usually takes two weeks of dedicated treatment to achieve comparable results to in-office whitening. During this time, patients wear customized teeth trays, which are filled with the at-home whitening solution, for a designated amount of time each day.
Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration
Intrinsic tooth discoloration refers to the stains that affect the deeper layers of the teeth. This type of discoloration tends to be blue or gray in shade, or can be characterized by white spots on the teeth. Intrinsic tooth discoloration can be caused by:
- The use of certain medications
- Overexposure to fluoride
- A “dead” tooth
Unfortunately, intrinsic discoloration does not respond well to teeth whitening treatment, as teeth whitening is designed to lift surface stains from the teeth. In cases of intrinsic discoloration, the best way to treat the stains is to cover the tooth with a porcelain veneer or dental bonding material. A porcelain veneer is a custom made tooth-shaped piece of porcelain that is placed over the tooth. A single veneer can be placed to mask one discolored tooth, or a full set of veneers can be applied to makeover the smile. Dental bonding involves the use of a composite resin material that is painted onto the tooth and hardened with a UV light.
To schedule an appointment for tooth discoloration treatment, contact the practice of Jean Barthman, DDS, today.