Staining and Discolouration: Understanding Your Teeth Improvement Options

The discolouration of teeth can occur due to numerous and diverse issues. Prolonged exposure to staining drinks and foods such as wine, coffee and some fruits will cause gradual tinting of the dental structure. The use of tobacco can also leave deposits on the teeth, interfering with aesthetics. In addition, the discolouration can be caused by certain diseases, the use of some medications and poor oral hygiene. If your teeth have lost their natural brilliance, you should think about seeing a cosmetic dentist for examination and treatment. Here are the primary improvement options that you can choose for your discoloured or stained teeth.

Whitening or Bleaching

You should consider choosing teeth whitening or bleaching processes to improve your dental appearance. In general, the whitening techniques use dental products with bleaching compounds to eliminate stains and lighten the current shade. The whitening kits such as whitening strips and bleaching trays can be purchased OTC from general stores and pharmacies. These products can be used at home for optimal convenience. However, you should note that the effects of generic teeth whitening products are limited. Therefore, if possible, you should choose in-office teeth bleaching in your dentist's office. The results of the products will be more prominent, and you will minimise the potential risks.

Veneer Installation

If your teeth are discoloured because of superficial stains, you will obtain suitable results after professional cleaning and using whitening products. However, some stains are intrinsic. This type of discolouration is deep inside the dental structure such that it cannot be removed. For example, if the problem was caused by certain medications or disease, the stains are most likely intrinsic. If this is your case, you should choose veneers as your method of treatment. The veneers are made from tooth-coloured porcelain, and they are shaped like the natural teeth. During treatment, the dentist will install the shell-like veneer over the teeth, concealing the damage. The process will improve teeth colour and other issues such as shape and size inconsistencies.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is also a suitable process for resolving intrinsic tooth stain. In general, this technique involves the application of a special white resin on the teeth. The tooth-coloured material will cover the stains on the surfaces, creating an improved look. Once the teeth are correctly covered, the dentist will use specialised lighting to harden the resin on the surfaces. You should note that the dental resin can be used to repair chipped teeth, close interdental gaps and even change the shape of your teeth.