It is normal for a person’s teeth to become dull as they grow old. As a person ages, their enamel begins to wear down and years of certain lifestyle habits can cause their teeth to discolor. However, there are many things that can cause premature yellow teeth or stained teeth. Thompson Advanced Dentistry is a state of the art cosmetic dentistry office that treats discolored teeth in Greeley, CO.
Choosing to whiten your discolored teeth will help with your overall self-esteem. Many of our patients explain that something as simple as treating their discolored teeth changes their life for the better. No matter how your teeth got that way, we can devise a plan to brighten your smile by treating your discolored teeth.
Types Tooth Discolorations
Understanding the different types of tooth discolorations will help you choose the best treatment for you. Depending on what caused your teeth stains, Dr. Thompson can treat your tooth discoloration with professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or dental bonding.
Extrinsic Tooth Discoloration
Extrinsic stains on teeth refer to stains that are on the exterior of the teeth. These surface stains are typically caused by diet choices and lifestyle habits. The most common examples of these we see include coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. Extrinsic stains affect the outer most layer of the tooth, the enamel, and do not go further inside the tooth.
How we Extrinsic Stains
We can effectively treat extrinsic stains with professional teeth whitening. This type of stain typically responds well to whitening that a dentist administers. Thompson Advanced Dentistry uses the KöR Whitening System because of how effective it is. This treatment involves using a combination of in-office and at-home treatments to eliminate suborn stains from your teeth.
Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration
Opposite to extrinsic stains, intrinsic stains affect the interior layer of the teeth, the dentin. If the dentin is discolored or if the enamel is worn down, then an intrinsic stain in visible. They are typically considered permanent stains. Intrinsic stains are caused by oral injuries, (such as a blow to the mouth during a sport), certain medications (such as antibiotics with tetracycline), and an excess of fluoride.
How we Treat Intrinsic Stains
Depending on how you got your intrinsic stain, we may be able to treat it with the KöR Whitening System. It is one of the only professional teeth whitening treatments that can effectively remove stains caused by tetracycline. Otherwise, we will have use a more permanent option such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers. Bonding and veneers will essentially cover up the stains leaving your teeth looking fresh and bright. We can even customize the color to match any surrounding teeth.
When Tooth Discoloration is a Sign of a Bigger Problems
Tooth discoloration is common, but sometimes, it can be a sign of a serious dental health issue. If you notice your teeth changing color, paying attention and knowing when to see a dentist is vital. Tooth discoloration can be a sign of a serious issue when:
- Teeth suddenly turn dark or black
- Pain or sensitivity along with the color change is present
- If the discoloration happens after an injury to your tooth
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to see a dentist. You most likely have a serious dental problem that needs quick treatment. Your dentist will examine your tooth to figure out what’s causing the problem and suggest the best treatment. A sudden change in tooth color, especially to black, can indicate several potential issues:
- Severe decay: Advanced tooth decay can cause a tooth to change color fast, especially if the decay is inside the inner layers of the tooth.
- Trauma or injury: If you’ve recently had an injury to the mouth, it may have damaged the blood vessels inside, causing the tooth to die and discolor.
- Pulp infection: An infection in the tooth’s pulp can lead to rapid discoloration, turning the tooth black as the tissue inside dies.
- Dead tooth: When the nerve inside a tooth dies, the tooth may turn gray, brown, or black quickly.
Why Do I Have Brown Spots on My Teeth?
Some people get brown spots on their teeth that won’t go away even with consistent brushing. Brown spots on your teeth can be from several things, including:
- Tooth Decay (Cavities): Brown spots can be an early or advanced sign of decay. If the spot feels rough or has a hole, it could be a cavity that needs a filling.
- Tartar Buildup: Hardened plaque (tartar) can appear brown, especially near the gumline. Even with regular brushing, you will not be able to remove tartar. Only a trained dental professional can remove tartar.
- Fluorosis: Excess fluoride exposure during childhood can cause brown or white stains. These spots are permanent and may require cosmetic treatment.
- Smoking or Tobacco Use: Nicotine and tar can stain teeth, creating brown discoloration. Professional whitening may help, but heavy stains can be hard to remove and may require permanent cosmetic treatment.
- Medication Stains: Some antibiotics (like tetracycline) can cause deep brown or gray discoloration. These stains are internal and typically require dental veneers or bonding.
- Enamel Hypoplasia: This is a condition where enamel doesn’t develop properly, leading to brown spots. It may be due to childhood illness, malnutrition, or genetics.
If you suffer from annoying brown spots on your teeth, you must first find out the cause. Your dentist can then determine the best treatment option for you. In some cases, professional whitening can remove the stain. However, spots can often be hard to remove. In these cases, your dentist will suggest a dental filling, bonding, or veneers.
Book Your Consult for Discolored Teeth in Greeley, CO
Dr. Thompson will first need to examine your teeth to determine the best treatment for you. It is important to learn about your lifestyle habits and medical history to understand how your teeth became discolored. Then he can suggest the appropriate treatment that will deliver the results you want. Schedule your appointment today by calling 970.205.9614 or you can also request an appointment online.