Not everyone has brilliant, camera-ready white teeth. Yellow, stained, or generally discolored teeth are a problem for many people. But how do teeth become discolored, and how can they be fixed to become a bright white?
Why Do We Get Discolored Teeth?
There are many ways in which teeth may discolor, and some of the ways are preventable:
Smoking and Tobacco Products
The tar and nicotine found in tobacco products are notorious staining agents. Tar darkens tooth enamel and nicotine yellows teeth. Years of using smoking and tobacco products may result in yellowed, stained, and discolored teeth.
Food and Drink
Coffee, tea, sodas, and certain fruits contain staining pigments called chromogens. Drinking and eating these foods and drinks may gradually stain teeth over time if used in excess.
Age
Our tooth enamel wears down as we age, allowing the darker dentin layer found underneath enamel to become uncovered. Dentin makes teeth appear discolored where there was previously white enamel.
Medication
Certain medicines may darken teeth. Antipsychotics, antihistamines, and high blood pressure medications are all possible culprits of discoloration.
Trauma
Teeth can change color when they are hit or injured, which shows the dark underlayer of dentin beneath the enamel. Chipped teeth can also become discolored.
Treatments
At AH Smiles, Dr. Brent Engelberg & Associates provide patients with a variety of ways in which to treat discolored teeth. You can learn more about the many treatments for yellow, stained, or discolored teeth here.
Tooth Bonding
Using adhesive, a resin is bonded to teeth that are discolored, yellowed, or stained. Tooth bonding also evens out teeth color for a more uniform look.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are custom-fit shells that cover the front surface of teeth. Similar to tooth bonding, veneers are bonded to teeth but are made out of a biocomposite resin or porcelain material.
Dental Crowns
Artificial crowns are placed on to teeth to restore their appearance in this procedure. Crowns also protect teeth from further damage or discoloration.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are unhappy with your teeth, don’t wait. You have many treatment options for getting a whiter and brighter smile. If you are ready for a consultation about brightening your smile, call us at (847) 230-9703 or schedule an appointment with us online here.