Our teeth bear the brunt of our indulgences, from a morning cup of coffee to an evening glass of red wine. Over time, these indulgences, along with natural pigmentation and aging, can cause once-lustrous grins to discolor. Fortunately, understanding the different tooth stains can empower you to restore your smile’s radiance. In this guide, 915 Smile Studio explores the various types of discoloration and your options for the most effective tooth whitening in El Paso, TX.
Stains and What They Mean
Beyond aesthetics, the color of your teeth can be an indicator of your oral health, signaling poor dental hygiene, inadequate nutrition, or even an underlying medical condition. Below are the types of tooth stains we often encounter at our cosmetic dentist office and what they can indicate about your health or lifestyle.
Extrinsic Stains
These appear on the tooth’s outer layer, the enamel, and are typically caused by pigmented particles from food and drink sticking to your teeth’s surface. Common culprits include coffee, red wine, tea, and tobacco.
Intrinsic Stains
These occur in the underlying dentin, within the tooth’s structure. Internal tooth stains are caused by certain medications, excessive fluoride during tooth development, lack of key vitamins or calcium, and trauma.
Age-Related Stains
Stains accumulate over the years, leading to the yellowing of our teeth. As we age, the enamel layer thins, allowing the yellow dentin to show through.
Professional Teeth Whitening Is One Solution
ZOOM teeth whitening in El Paso, TX, at our office is the most effective method for removing extrinsic stains. We apply a high-concentration bleaching gel to your teeth and activate it with an LED light. The advantage of professional teeth whitening is its ability to significantly lighten your smile in just one visit. Our cosmetic dentist also minimizes tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, which are risks of at-home kits.
915 Smile Studio’s Other Cosmetic Options
If you have intrinsic or aging stains on your teeth that don’t respond to teeth whitening treatments, you aren’t out of luck. Brightening your smile is still possible with other procedures:
- Porcelain Veneers: We can attach thin shells made of stain-resistant, tooth-colored material to the front of discolored teeth. This not only brightens them but also covers up other imperfections like chips or cracks.
- Dental Bonding: Our cosmetic dentist applies a resin to your teeth in the shade you want, shapes it, and then hardens it with a special light. Like veneers, bonding can also cover up flaws in your smile in addition to covering up stains.
- Smile Makeovers: You can combine several cosmetic services to completely overhaul your smile, including whitening, veneers, bonding, and Invisalign®.
Put Your Tooth Stain Knowledge to Use
Now that you know the types of tooth stains, reach out to the dental professionals at 915 Smile Studio. We can discuss whether you’re a candidate for ZOOM teeth whitening in El Paso, TX, or if you could benefit from our other cosmetic dentistry options. Whatever the reason for your tooth discoloration, we can find a solution. Contact us today for an appointment!
