A very common complaint for many patients is having stains and discoloration on their teeth. This can be caused by many factors, including food and beverages we consume, habits like smoking cigarettes, and more. Luckily, there are ways to remove these stains and achieve a whiter smile. In today’s blog, your team at Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, is here to talk about professional teeth whitening treatment.
Intrinsic Vs Extrinsic Discoloration
If you have noticed that your pearly whites appear to have a yellow tint to them, it could be caused by several factors. In many cases, these stains appear on your enamel and can easily be broken down with a bleaching treatment. These types of stains are known as extrinsic discoloration because they appear on your enamel. Extrinsic blemishes are caused by outside factors, such as the food and beverages we consume. For example, if you drink coffee every morning, the tannins can cause stains on your pearly whites. If the blemishes on your pearly whites appear below the enamel, it could be caused by intrinsic factors. For instance, injuries to the area can cause blemishes and other imperfections that can’t be removed.
Whiten Your Teeth At Home
Professional teeth whitening treatments can help you safely lift stains from your enamel and accomplish a brighter smile. First, you will need a consultation with your dentist to ensure that this is the best option for your needs. They will examine your teeth and gums to ensure you are in good oral health before creating your custom whitening kit. This treatment can be conveniently completed yourself at home. You will add a bleaching agent to the custom trays each day as instructed by your dentist. This bleaching gel will help break down the blemishes on your enamel. In about two weeks, you can enjoy your brighter smile. To maintain long lasting results, remember to keep up with your oral hygiene routine.
How Bonding Can Improve Your Look
If the discoloration does not respond to whitening treatments, it could be due to intrinsic stains. Instead of attempting to break down these blemishes, you can instead conceal them with treatments such as bonding or veneers. Cosmetic bonding is a less invasive treatment that involves adding a tooth colored material to the area to create a more balanced look. Composite resin is typically used for this purpose because it is lifelike and easily bondable to many surfaces. Many imperfections such as chips, cracks, and dark colored stains can be improved with this treatment.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team Today
Our cosmetic treatments can help you feel confident in your smile. To learn more, schedule an appointment at Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA at 641-628-1121.