How to Treat Different Types of Teeth Stains
There are two primary types of teeth stains. Extrinsic stains are more common and occur on the surface of the teeth. Intrinsic stains are those that occur within the tooth and show through. Dr. David Eshom offers treatment for both types of teeth stains at our San Diego, CA, office so you can enjoy a brighter, more radiant smile.
Causes of Teeth Stains
Extrinsic stains are generally caused by the foods and beverages we consume. Coffee and tea are some of the worst culprits, but dark sodas and fruit juices can cause teeth stains as well. Extrinsic stains can also result from tobacco use.
Intrinsic stains are internal. One of the more common causes of these teeth stains are dental injuries. Trauma to a tooth can cause internal bleeding within the tooth. The blood has no where to go, so it remains in the tooth, creating a dark blemish. Other causes of intrinsic stains include tetracycline antibiotics and excess fluoride during youth.
Treatment for Dental Stains
Treatment for teeth stains varies based on the type of stain. Dr. Eshom will first evaluate your teeth to determine the type of stains you have. Then he can recommend an appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Extrinsic Stains
The best treatment for extrinsic stains is professional teeth whitening. Dr. Eshom offers a variety of professional whitening options, which can brighten your smile by as many as eight shades. With in-office and at-home options, patients can choose whichever treatment fits their budget and busy schedules. Our in-office treatments use professional-strength, laser-activated whitening gel. In as little as an hour, we can give you a bright and beautiful smile. Our at-home whitening kits offer the convenience of whitening from home. We provide you with custom-made whitening trays for added comfort and with as little as 15 minutes a day for 2 weeks, you can have a whiter smile.
Treatment for Intrinsic Stains
Unfortunately, since these stains are internal, teeth whitening will not improve the appearance of intrinsic stains. To brighten a smile with these types of teeth stains, Dr. Eshom recommends porcelain veneers or dental bonding. Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth. The veneers match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color for a completely natural look while concealing dark intrinsic stains.
Dental bonding works similarly, but uses composite resin rather than porcelain veneers. Composite resin is applied to the tooth in layers, rather than as a prefabricated shell, to conceal dark teeth stains. As the same material used for tooth-colored fillings, Dr. Eshom can ensure the shade matches your teeth for a natural appearance. Composite also resembles natural teeth so any bonded teeth blend right in to your smile.
Dr. Eshom can explain the pros and cons of dental bonding and porcelain veneers and help you choose the treatment that fits within your budget and best meets your needs.
Maintaining Your Brighter Smile Long Term
After you achieve your ideal shade, either through in-office or at-home treatments, you will need periodic treatments to maintain your bright smile. If you chose an at-home kit, you can continue using your custom whitening trays and gel as needed. If you opted for in-office whitening, we can provide you with an at-home kit for maintenance treatments.
In addition to maintenance treatments, Dr. Eshom also recommends limiting your consumption of teeth-staining foods and beverages. Cut back on coffee and tea, and limit red wines and berries. If you were a smoker, kick the habit for good if you want to keep your teeth pearly white.
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation
If you are interested in getting a brighter smile, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Eshom. He will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums and determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding.