Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Tooth Stains
Yellowed or stained teeth can make an otherwise beautiful smile appear unhealthy or dull. That is why so many of our Redwood City, CA patients choose cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve the appearance of the smile.
A whiter, brighter smile can enhance your overall appearance and increase your confidence. Today, Dr. Jean Barthman and our team discuss extrinsic vs. intrinsic tooth stains and explore the various types of treatment to address each type of dental discoloration.
What Are Extrinsic Tooth Stains?
Extrinsic stains are the most common type of discoloration. These develop on the outermost layer of a tooth, the enamel, and generally have a yellow or brown hue.
Extrinsic stains can be caused by tobacco use as well as exposure to a variety of dark-colored foods and beverages, including:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Cranberry juice
- Grape juice
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Pomegranates
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Tomato sauce
- Soy sauce
To prevent extrinsic stains, it is a good idea to consume these foods and beverages in moderation. After eating these foods, we recommend rinsing the mouth out with water. This can significantly reduce the amount of discoloration that occurs.
In addition, try drinking coffee, tea, or other dark-colored beverages through a straw. This helps to limit the amount of time the liquid is in contact with the teeth.
How to Treat Extrinsic Stains
Fortunately, extrinsic stains are fairly easy to treat. In fact, professional teeth whitening can remove the stains and brighten your smile by several shades in a single office visit.
At our practice, we offer BriteSmile®, which utilizes hydrogen peroxide and formulated lighting to dramatically whiten your teeth. During this treatment, a skilled clinician applies the bleaching gel to the surfaces of the teeth then exposes your teeth to a gentle blue light. After 20 minutes, the gel is rinsed from the teeth and the entire process is repeated two more times. This process takes about one hour in our office.
What Are Intrinsic Tooth Stains?
Intrinsic discoloration affects the internal layers of a tooth. In contrast to extrinsic stains, which are caused by environmental factors, intrinsic stains are caused by:
- Certain medications, such as tetracycline
- Fluorosis, the excessive use of fluoride during childhood
- Direct trauma to a tooth
Generally, intrinsic stains are unavoidable, as they are caused by factors outside of one’s control. Treating intrinsic stains is typically more challenging due to the nature of the discoloration.
How to Treat Intrinsic Stains
Unfortunately, teeth whitening does little to address intrinsic stains. However, there are a variety of cosmetic treatments that can effectively mask discoloration for a beautiful new smile. Intrinsic stains can be treated with:
- Dental bonding: Composite resin can be applied to the affected teeth to conceal stains and discoloration. This process can be completed in a single office visit, and the effects can last upwards of five years when the teeth are cared for properly.
- Porcelain veneers: Custom-crafted, veneers are placed on the front surfaces of the teeth. Porcelain veneers can mask a wide range of aesthetic imperfections, including dental discoloration. Typically, this treatment can be completed in two office visits.
- Dental crowns: Like veneers, crowns can cover tooth stains. However, these custom-made restorations cover the entire tooth structure, offering additional strength and support.
Whether you have intrinsic or extrinsic stains, we can help you reclaim your smile. During an initial consultation at our practice, Dr. Barthman can determine which type of cosmetic treatment will be most effective for you.
Contact Our Practice to Learn More
To learn more about teeth whitening, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or other treatments in cosmetic dentistry, schedule an appointment at our practice. Contact us anytime or give us a call at (650) 367-4967.