Dull and discolored teeth are common cosmetic dental concerns that dentists see every day. There are surprisingly several treatment options to tackle this problem. Dr. Paul Karpovich is a Timonium, MD cosmetic dentist that offers several options for patients that suffer from stained or yellow teeth.
Types of Teeth Stains
There are two basic types of teeth stains that you may have. They include extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains. Both of them can cause your teeth to appear yellow, grey, dull, or stained.
Extrinsic Teeth Stains
This type of tooth discoloration involves the outer most layer of the tooth. Your tooth enamel is very strong however it is capable of becoming stained and discolored. In most cases, it is from lifestyle choices. These types of stains are usually easy to treat. Examples of extrinsic teeth stains include: smoking, chewing tobacco, coffee, red wine, tea, dark sodas, dark berries, dark sauces, and other types of food with dark colors in them. If constantly consumed on regular basis, they can cause your tooth enamel to darken or turn yellow.
Intrinsic Teeth Stains
This type of tooth stain is located on the inside of the tooth. The layer of the tooth that is affected is called the dentin. It is much harder for the dentin to stain than the enamel. This type of discoloration is caused by: excess fluoride, tooth decay, certain diseases, and certain kinds of medications. They are much harder to treat since they are located deep inside the tooth. Intrinsic teeth stains can affect the whole tooth or only a small spot on the tooth. It can also just affect one single tooth.
Treatment for Tooth Discoloration
Dr. Karpovich offers several treatments in Timonium, MD to help patients tackle their teeth stains. This includes several cosmetic dentistry treatments. He also offers several restorative dentistry treatments that he can use to treat discolored teeth.
Professional teeth whitening is a great cosmetic dentistry treatment that can instantly whiten teeth. However, it can only tackle extrinsic stains. We offer both in office and take home whitening kits for your convenience. A professional tooth whitening treatment can be customized to meet your needs. It is more effective than any store bought whitening treatment and is much safer.
For more difficult stains, your dentist offers several treatments. This includes porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and dental bonding. These types of treatments offer more permanent options to hide dark and discolored teeth. They are typically what patients will use when professional teeth whitening does not give them the results they want. If you have intrinsic teeth stains, he will suggest you use one of these treatments to brighten your smile.
Book Your Tooth Discoloration Consult Today
Dr. Karpovich will examine your teeth to determine the best treatment for you. He may ask about your lifestyle habits to understand how your teeth became discolored. A treatment plan will be prepared for you that will deliver the results you want. Schedule your appointment today by calling (410) 221-3085 or requesting an appointment online.