Why are my teeth yellow? What are my treatment options for whitening my discolored teeth?
A whiter, brighter smile is the most sought-after cosmetic dental treatment. Bright teeth help patients feel more confident in their smile. Some studies show that patients with whiter smiles have improved social and professional interactions. Whitening teeth can take years off of your smile, making your teeth feel and look more youthful.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Tooth discoloration can be caused by a number of factors. Dr. Uttma Dham will determine the cause of tooth discoloration during your comprehensive cosmetic dental consultation. We will put together a course of action that best fits your specific issue.
Yellow Teeth
A yellow tint to the teeth is common and happens naturally as patients age. As the tooth enamel wears away, the inner layer called dentin becomes exposed creating a yellow tint to the teeth.
Patients with yellow teeth benefit most from professional grade whitening kits or in-office topical teeth whitening treatments. Store-bought teeth whitening kits are not as effective, offer only temporary results, and may do more damage.
Dark Spots
Dark spots are often an indication of trauma or damage to the tooth. They may also be a side effect of certain prescription medications. These tooth discolorations are typically resistant to teeth whitening gels and require cosmetic dentistry such as dental veneers to cover up the imperfections.
Bright White Spots
Bright white spots occur in patients who were overexposed to fluoride during their oral development. We can address this issue with cosmetic dental services such as dental veneers.
Stained Teeth
A diet high in acidic foods, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking red wine or coffee may also stain teeth. Dr. Dham may recommend that patients who whiten their teeth avoid these habits to prolong their results.
Treatment for Yellow Teeth
Treatment for whitening stained teeth will depend on the cause of discoloration. Certain types of stains respond better to whitening treatments. Dark spots are commonly treated using dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
For example, a single discolored tooth can be covered with dental bonding as a more affordable alternative that getting a complete teeth bleaching procedure. Veneers can do the same thing. Certain medication can also be the cause for your yellow teeth. Consult with your prescribing doctor for advice. Sometimes, there are alternative prescriptions that don’t have this side-effect.
Can discoloration of teeth go away?
It is only possible to whiten natural enamel teeth if the underlying cause is something that is reversible. We may recommend tooth whitening if we think it will be successful, but may also supplement it with limiting deeply colored foods and drinks that are prone to staining.
What causes discolored teeth?
As mentioned above, a variety of foods and drinks, including coffee, tea, sodas, and red wine can cause tooth discoloration. Cigarettes can also cause tooth discoloration because of the chemicals found in them. Lastly, poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing enough is a huge factor as well.
What are the types of tooth discoloration?
The main types of tooth discoloration are extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic staining is on the outer surface of teeth. It typically is yellow and spreads across the entire tooth. Intrinsic staining is in the inner layer of the tooth, also known as the dentin. Intrinsic stains are more challenging to remove than extrinsic.
Is discoloration of teeth permanent?
With regular dental cleanings or by brushing your teeth with a toothpaste that has whitening properties, stains and discoloration can typically be removed. However, the stains return if plaque recurs or you continue to utilize the substances that initially discolored your teeth.
How do you control tooth discoloration?
While scaling and cleaning the teeth can sometimes make things better, more involved procedures are frequently required to deliver satisfying results. Microabrasion, composite and porcelain veneers, crowns, as well as bleaching, are available as treatments.
Schedule A Dental Exam & Consultation
Dr. Dham is a highly trained American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) dentist with a natural eye for creating beautiful smiles. Using the most modern dental materials and techniques, Dr. Dham offers cosmetic dentistry for consistent and natural long-term results.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile and wish you had brighter, whiter teeth, contact Westside Dental Center. We invite patients from communities near you in and around Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Sunrise, and Davie to visit us at our patient-focused, welcoming dental care practice. To learn how comprehensive, personalized dentistry can help improve your smile, contact our dental care team at (954) 251-0640, or request a consultation online.