Pella Cosmetic Dentist Explains Types of Tooth Stains

Are you happy with the color and brightness of your smile? When it comes to patients seeking cosmetic dentistry services, teeth whitening is one of the most requested of all procedures. Dull, yellowed teeth can give an aged appearance to an otherwise beautiful smile. There are two types of staining on teeth – intrinsic and extrinsic. Pella cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen, will go into more detail.

Intrinsic Tooth Stains

Intrinsic stains begin on the inside of the teeth. Generally, they are caused by tooth injuries, or certain antibiotics and medications. Tetracycline and doxycycline have proven to discolor children’s teeth when prescribed before the age of eight. There are also certain antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and high blood pressure medications that can cause intrinsic stains. Stains that start inside the tooth don’t general respond to regular teeth bleaching, so other cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers, may be recommended by your dentist.

Extrinsic Tooth Stains

Extrinsic stains stay on the surface of your tooth enamel. Because of this, these stains are fairly easy to remove. Among extrinsic stain causes are tobacco use and food and beverages that are dark in color, (coffee, red wine, and blueberries, for example). Extrinsic stains can cause long term discoloration of teeth if oral hygiene practices are insufficient. Over time, teeth are destined to dull, in the same way that hair grays or skin wrinkles, but brushing twice a day to combat extrinsic stains is a good practice to prolong the time before you need to consider whitening teeth.

Teeth Whitening from Pella Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Allen offers custom mouth trays and potent bleaching gel for what he believes to be the most effective professional teeth whitening option. With at-home whitening, results will be seen in about two weeks. You can reuse bleaching trays indefinitely, whenever you need a touch-up. Your cosmetic dentist in Pella, provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule an appointment. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.