Understanding the source of your stained or discolored teeth can be the key to achieving the brighter, whiter smile that you deserve. Some types of staining can occur on the surface of the enamel (referred to as extrinsic stain) and can be polished away during your routine dental visit. Stain that has penetrated the enamel or stain that occurs from the inside of the tooth (known as intrinsic) can be more difficult to remove without the assistance of your cosmetic dentist in Plano TX.
The most common cause of intrinsic tooth discoloration is exposure to the antibiotic tetracycline during tooth development. Children who were exposed to the antibiotic tetracycline while the permanent teeth were developing can typically be identified by the appearance of bluish-gray tinted enamel.
Another common cause of intrinsic tooth discoloration is trauma or injury. When the nerve of the tooth is damaged as a result of an injury, the shade of the tooth can often become dark gray or brown. This type of injury may not result in tooth loss, but the resulting shade of the tooth is generally a source of concern for most patients.
Fortunately, there are a variety of options for improving the appearance of intrinsically stained teeth. your cosmetic dentist may recommend teeth whitening as a conservative solution. Using a concentrated, professional-strength whitening solution, enamel can be lightened to a more natural shade. Professional whitening allows your cosmetic dentist to focus the whitening efforts on the affected teeth to achieve the most natural results. Teeth whitening is safe and effective, bleaching away the impurities that cause discoloration, while preserving the integrity of the enamel.
To address tooth discoloration that is difficult or impossible to remove, your cosmetic dentist may suggest porcelain veneers. Veneers are a beautiful solution for concealing stain that could not otherwise be removed. Following a minimal amount of preparation, the veneers are permanently bonded to the front surfaces of the front teeth, and shaded to blend naturally with the adjacent teeth. Since veneers are customized for each patient, they present the opportunity to change other esthetic details such as the shape, size, and position of the affected teeth.
To learn more about how cosmetic dental solutions can be used to improve the appearance of your smile, call Plano Smile Studio for your appointment today.
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