Teeth whitening can remove most mild to moderate teeth stains that are known as extrinsic teeth stains. However, they may not be able to remove more severe stains that are known as intrinsic. This review discusses the types of stains that can and cannot be removed through teeth whitening treatment.
The two main types of teeth stains are extrinsic and intrinsic. Understanding the differences with each type and when teeth whitening is an option can help you make an informed decision. We also discuss ways to treat more severe stains that cannot be properly treated through professional whitening.
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure offered by most dentists. The purpose of treatment is to improve the color shade of teeth to make teeth appear brighter and more attractive. Treatment involves the use of a whitening gel that targets and removes mild to moderate teeth discoloration and stains. Teeth whitening treatment is safe for most patients and does not cause much, if any, discomfort or side effects.
There are different types of teeth stains. The two most notable stain types are extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic teeth stains are the most common type of teeth stain. These stains can be treated through teeth whitening. They occur when the outermost layer of the tooth (enamel) Extrinsic stains typically result from poor oral hygiene, dark-colored beverages and foods, smoking, and tobacco use. An intrinsic stain affects the deeper layers of the tooth and cannot be treated through teeth whitening. They can result from dental trauma, the use of certain medications, overexposure to fluoride, or natural discoloration of the dentist as teeth age.
Dentists recommend professional teeth whitening to treat mild to moderate extrinsic stains. This is because these stains exist only on the outer layer of the tooth, making it easier to remove the stains and discoloration.
Intrinsic stains require more extensive treatment than teeth whitening since they extend deeper into the tooth. Often, dentists recommend dental veneers, dental bonding, or dental crowns to treat intrinsic stains. Dentists may recommend fluoride treatment or dental fillings for the treatment of dental cavities.
The dentist can conduct an oral examination during a teeth whitening consultation to determine if any oral health concerns need treatment before starting teeth whitening. They also look to see if the stains are extrinsic or intrinsic. If the stains are extrinsic, then they can perform teeth whitening treatment the same day or during a follow-up visit.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in McLean, VA
Speak with our dental team today to learn more about the different types of stains and when teeth whitening is recommended. We are glad to answer your questions and help you decide on the best way to improve your smile during a consultation at our dental practice.
Request an appointment or call Novel Smiles at 703-942-8882 for an appointment in our McLean office.
Though it is possible to find teeth whitening products at major retailers and pharmacies, whitening will be more successful when done by a professional dentist. There are a number of things on the market, such as strips, trays, pens, and more, and though these are affordable at-home services, the results are drastically different from professional…
Teeth whitening treatment from a dentist is a great way to significantly improve the brightness of your smile. Professional whitening consists of applying a bleaching agent to the visible surface of teeth and using a dental laser to remove discoloration and make teeth appear whiter. It is safe and produces reliable results. Dentists typically recommend…
Minor to moderate teeth stains can be removed with professional teeth whitening. However, to achieve ideal results, there are certain things to avoid after treatment, such as foods and drinks that can cause stains. The following overview discusses five things you should avoid to keep your smile bright after teeth whitening treatment.You can reduce the…