If your teeth are stained or discolored, you may feel self-conscious in social situations. The most common type of tooth discoloration is caused by consuming foods and drinks such as coffee, cola, red wine, and blueberries. Other types of discoloration result from enamel damage, injuries, certain medications, and congenital conditions. Here are some ways your family dentist in Ballantyne can treat your unique type of tooth discoloration to restore your attractive smile.
In-Office Tooth Whitening
If you have superficial dental staining from the foods and drinks you consume, in-office tooth whitening might be the right choice for you. Superficial dental staining is called extrinsic staining because the stains are on the surface of your teeth. During your in-office whitening treatment, your family dentist in Ballantyne will apply a bleaching gel to the surface of your teeth. They will then shine a special light on your teeth, activating the bleaching agent. The whitening results are typically very dramatic and can last for up to a few years with proper care.
Porcelain Veneers
If you have acid erosion on your enamel, your teeth may appear yellow or brown, which is not due to extrinsic staining but because your dentin is showing through your damaged enamel. Dentin is naturally dark yellow, and when your enamel thins due to erosion, the dentin becomes visible. Porcelain veneers are shell-like covers that effectively treat discoloration caused by enamel erosion. While the veneers do not eliminate the stains in the way bleaching treatments do, they effectively cover up and conceal the discoloration.
