My Teeth are Stained - What Do I Do? - Health

The general color of your teeth depends largely on your genetic makeup. Some people have teeth with a yellow cast, while others have teeth that are gray or brownish. Tooth stains, however, originate not from your DNA, but from either external (extrinsic) or internal (intrinsic) sources. There are two courses of action you can take:1. Have your teeth bleached (whitened)2. Have the stains covered with dental bonding or porcelain veneers

Types of StainingStain Origins

External causes of tooth staining include: Smoking or chewing tobacco products Eating foods or drinking beverages which are pigmented, such as cherries, blueberries, coffee, black tea, red wine Hardened plaque (tartar)

Professional cleanings by a dentist or hygienist remove most stains from food and tobacco. More stubborn external stains - those that have been present for years - may call for professional whitening treatments, either in your cosmetic dentist's office, or at home using a professional-grade take-home kit he will give you.

Internal sources include: Treatment with tetracycline (an antibiotic) during childhood when teeth are being formed Ingestion of too much fluoride during tooth formation - too much can cause a mottled appearance Age - teeth may darken or discolor as we grow older Death of a tooth's nerve - the result of trauma or severe decay, which can cause teeth to turn gray, brown or black

For internal stains, the most successful approach is a professional one. Dentists utilize bleaching, bonding or crowns to whiten and make teeth their most attractive. Your expectations, along with the condition of your teeth, enable the dentist to make a recommendation as to which procedure is the most appropriate. Some of the things he or she will consider include:

The degree to which your teeth are stained and the origin of the staining The structure, shape and condition of the teeth that need to be treated

Tooth BleachingProfessional whitening can be done at home or in the dentist's office with bleaching gels that work by oxidation.

For home treatment, two custom-made trays created from an impressions of your upper and lower teeth are given to you, along with tubes of professional-strength whitening gel. You would fill the trays with the whitening gel and wear them for 30 minutes daily for approximately two weeks.

At your cosmetic dentist's office, your teeth are bleached in about one hour, with a little time for preparation, and for follow-up afterwards.

Bonding and VeneersBonding works to cover staining by applying composite resin to the teeth while veneers are the attachment of a very thin shell of porcelain. Bonding and porcelain veneers also give a smooth, even appearance to broken, chipped and misshapen teeth.

White and Bright is Achievable

The varieties of ways to eliminate stains with today's dental technology make it easier than ever to have the bright, white smile you desire. For more information regarding the different procedures, speak with your cosmetic dentist. He or she is the most qualified person to help you decide which type of stain removal is the right one for you.

Contact Dr. Brian Hale if you are in the San Antonio, TX area and are considering tooth whitening or other cosmetic dentistry procedures.