Natural aging, tobacco use, dental trauma, certain medication, poor oral hygiene, and consumption of highly pigmented and acidic items are key factors behind teeth stains, yellowing, and discoloration. That said, it’s worth noting that you don’t have to hide your smile due to discoloration. Cosmetic dentistry gives you several options to whiten your teeth and enhance your smile.
Types of Teeth Discoloration
When considering whitening your teeth, the first step is to visit a dental office near you or contact our dentist near Edison for an exam to identify the type of stains you have. Knowing the stains you have will help you know what whitening treatment is best suitable for you. It’s worth noting that some stains won’t respond to specific whitening treatments. For instance, internal stains from tooth decay may not respond to teeth whitening or bleaching.
Usually, there are two types of teeth stains, namely:
- Extrinsic stains form on the tooth’s outer layer, enamel. They result from smoking, poor dental hygiene, and consumption of highly colored items. Extrinsic stains are easy to remove with teeth whitening or bleaching.
- Intrinsic stains. These internal stains go beyond the tooth’s enamel to the dentin, the soft layer below the enamel. These stains require more potent whitening treatments. Intrinsic stains result from natural aging, medications, and trauma.
How to Whiten Yellow Teeth
Once you visit our Edison dentist, they will determine the type of stains you have and recommend the most effective option to renew your smile. Common teeth whitening treatments include:
- Teeth whitening
You can benefit from teeth whitening or bleaching if you have external or extrinsic stains. In this case, you have two primary options to consider: professional teeth whitening or at-home teeth whitening with over-the-counter and home whitening products.
With professional teeth whitening, you can have the procedure completed in the dental office or use take-home whitening kits. In-office whitening typically offers the safety, quickest, most effective, and long-lasting results. The dentist begins by cleaning and polishing your teeth.
Next, they apply a bleaching agent (with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) to the teeth. The whitening treatment is activated using a special light or laser. Within an hour, you’ll have an immediate transformation.
If you don’t want the in-office treatment, your dentist can prepare customized whitening kits and gel to use at home. You should wear the whitening trays with the gel for a few hours a day for several weeks (Follow your dentist’s instructions). Contact our cosmetic dentist in Highland Park for professional teeth whitening treatments.
Alternatively, you can whiten your teeth without the help of your dentist; however, it’s not advisable. With at-home whitening, you can use over-the-counter whitening products such as whitening mouthwashes, toothpaste, trays, and strips. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions strictly to avoid side effects.
Instead of using over-the-counter products, some people opt for home remedies such as baking soda, apple cider, and activated charcoal. Please note that these products haven’t been scientifically proven effective or safe.
- Porcelain veneers or Lumineers®
If your teeth stains don’t respond to teeth bleaching, porcelain veneers might be a good alternative. Porcelain veneers are thin tooth-colored coatings placed on the front of the tooth to hide or cover discoloration.
When fitting a veneer, the dentist will have to shave a small portion of your tooth’s enamel to allow the veneer to fit perfectly. It makes the treatment irreversible.
If that’s a concern, you can go for a thinner type of traditional veneer called a Lumineer. Since a Lumineer is very thin, little to no teeth shaving is required, preserving the health of your tooth. You can remove it if you change your mind.
- Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a quick, less costly, and effective way to hide yellow stains on teeth. The dentist applies a tooth-colored bonding material on the tooth to change its color. The dentist uses a bonding material that closely matches your natural teeth.
- Porcelain crowns
A dental crown may be your only remedy for a whiter smile if you have deep stains caused by dental infections, trauma, or certain medications. A porcelain crown is a tooth-colored dental cap placed over a tooth to hide discolorations and other damage. The crown covers the entire visible structure of the tooth, thereby giving you an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you interested in a smile makeover in Edison, NJ? Contact KK Dental Edison today to book your appointment.
