Philadelphia dentist Dr. Derek Conover offers many options to treat stained and discolored teeth. Since the smile is the first thing most people notice, a bright, white smile is essential. Even if your stained teeth are healthy, white teeth often give the impression of dental health. Discolored teeth are a common dental concern that many patients have in Philadelphia, PA. Luckily, Dr. Conover can help.
Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform your smile. Our teeth whitening procedures can be completed in at least one hour with incredible results.
Causes of Discolored Teeth
The most common causes of tooth stains include:
- Foods and Drinks: Some foods and drinks can stain your teeth, especially if you consume them daily. Beverages like coffee, tea, soda, and red wine are known for causing tooth discoloration. These drinks contain pigments that can stick to the enamel of your teeth, leaving behind stains.
- Tobacco: Smoking or using other tobacco products can cause yellow or brown stains on your teeth. The nicotine and tar in tobacco can build up on your teeth, leading to discoloration.
- Poor Dental Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can lead to plaque buildup, which can make your teeth appear dull or yellow. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can stain your teeth if not removed through proper oral care.
- Age: As you get older, the enamel on your teeth naturally wears away, and the underlying dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) becomes more visible. Dentin is naturally yellow, so as it shows through, your teeth can appear more discolored with age.
- Genetics: Some people are simply born with teeth that are more prone to discoloration. Genetics can affect the thickness and color of your tooth enamel. They can influence how white or yellow your teeth appear.
- Environment: Environmental factors can also contribute to tooth discoloration. For example, drinking water with too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis. This problem can lead to white or brown spots on teeth.
Treatment for Stained Teeth
It is relatively easy to bleach or whiten teeth to restore them to a brighter, more aesthetically pleasing color. Depending on your needs and goals, our dental care team may recommend one or a combination.
Teeth Whitening/Deep Bleaching
Deep bleaching offers significant teeth whitening for patients with very dark teeth or tetracycline staining. It uses a combination of two to three in-office bleaching treatments and take-home treatments. Oxygen from the deep bleaching gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stains with long-lasting results.
Dr. Conover performed a deep bleaching treatment on Robert’s teeth to dramatically improve the brightness of his smile.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding may be used to repair a discolored tooth. This simple procedure involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the affected tooth. The bonding material is sculpted into the desired shape to hide many teeth imperfections, including discolored teeth. Bonding requires no preparation and is among the easiest and least expensive ways to improve your smile.
Porcelain Restorations
Porcelain crowns can also correct discolored teeth. A dental crown covers the entire tooth like a cap. They can hide the stained tooth and give it extra strength. Crowns are custom-made restorations that require at least two visits to our Philadelphia dentist office.
Porcelain veneers are also a great way to disguise dark, stained teeth. We often use this treatment option when teeth whitening is unsuccessful. They are thin, custom-made shells that fit right over the tooth and are cemented into place for a strong bond.
They can instantly brighten any smile. Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and have similar light-reflecting properties to natural teeth. They offer a longer-lasting cosmetic restoration of anterior teeth. If you are concerned about discolored teeth, contact Dr. Conover for a consultation. We can create a customized plan to help you achieve a whiter, brighter, younger-looking smile.
Stained Teeth FAQs
Discover more about discolored teeth in Philadelphia, PA, with answers to these common questions:
What causes stains on teeth?
Some foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, dark sodas, red wine, and even some fruits and vegetables, stain teeth. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco also have the potential to cause tooth stains. Tooth discoloration can also result from poor oral hygiene.
What are the types of tooth discoloration?
There are two types of teeth staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains typically appear yellow and spread across the entire tooth’s outer surface. Intrinsic staining occurs on the tooth’s inner layer, making intrinsic staining harder to reverse than extrinsic.
Can a hygienist remove brown stains?
A professional hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing all traces of plaque and brown staining. Teeth whitening is also one of the most popular options to remove brown staining.
Is staining on teeth harmful?
Stains that don’t come off after brushing are essentially bacteria that live in the mouth, which can lead to respiratory problems, periodontal disease, and other health issues. It is important to keep your teeth clean and free of bacteria.
Can teeth have permanent stains?
Teeth can get stains, but not all of them are permanent. Stains on the surface of your teeth can usually be removed. Our dentist can help by cleaning your teeth and providing professional whitening treatments. Most surface stains are reversible, but some may be too deep for regular treatments to remove.
However, there are also intrinsic stains, which are deeper and harder to remove. These stains happen inside the tooth, often due to natural aging, certain medications, or health problems. Poor oral hygiene or genetics can also cause intrinsic stains. These types of stains can make your teeth look yellow or darken over time, and they are usually permanent.
What foods stain teeth?
Certain foods and drinks are more likely to stain your teeth, and if you want to keep your smile bright, you should be cautious with them. Coffee and tea are some of the worst offenders. They contain tannins that can cling to your teeth, leaving behind yellow or brown stains.
Dark-colored sodas can stain teeth because of their acidity and colorants. Soy sauce and ketchup are other foods that can stain teeth, as their deep colors can easily leave marks on enamel.
Lift Tooth Stains
Treat discolored teeth in Philadelphia, PA. Call us at (215) 395-6076 or schedule a consultation. Let us know if you have questions for us. We’re here to find the best type of treatment for you. Philadelphia-based Dr. Conover welcomes new and out-of-town patients.