Dissatisfaction with discolored teeth is the leading dental cosmetic concern at our New Bern, NC dentist office. A routine dental procedure, teeth whitening can offer patients an enhanced, confident smile. Understanding what causes tooth discoloration can help prevent further discoloration, and help to extend the results of your whitening treatment.
What causes the change in color?
Regular brushing, flossing and routine visits to Dr. Stephen Hoard can help keep your smile healthy and functional. However, there are many lifestyle habits and conditions that can cause discoloration in teeth. Here is some information on what may be causing your tooth discoloration.
Beverages
Tea, coffee and red wine are some of the leading stain causing culprits. When consumed on a daily basis they can cause tooth discoloration over time. The color pigmentation in these beverages stick the enamel of your teeth causing yellowing over years of consumption.
Smoking
Smoking is bad for your oral health. Nicotine turns yellow when introduced to oxygen leaving yellow stains on your teeth. Smoking also increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Changes In Dentin
Exposed Dentin: Dentin is the area below the enamel of your teeth and is yellowish in color. As we age, our outer enamel layer weakens from normal use of our teeth. As the enamel wears away over time more dentin becomes exposed. This can cause your teeth to appear yellow.
Overproduction of Dentin: Injury or trauma to the mouth may stimulate the growth of excess of dentin. When dentin builds up it can cause a dark brown layer to from below your tooth’s enamel. This type of tooth discoloration may be resistant to teeth whitening trays. Ask Dr. Hoard about other cosmetic restorative dentistry available for whitening damaged teeth. Porcelain veneers may be a better teeth whitening solution for you.
Dr. Hoard can help reverse the effects of discolored teeth. Our New Bern, NC dentist office offers custom fit at home whitening trays. Dr. Hoard will take molds of your teeth to fabricate custom whitening trays. Teeth whitening is essentially painless and can be completed from the comfort of your own home. The custom fit trays will fit snugly up against your teeth offering more consistent results that over the counter teeth whitening options. Most patients see results after a few at home uses of their teeth whitening trays. Touch ups treatments can be used over time.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoard at our New Bern dentist office to find out what cosmetic dental procedures are right to meet your cosmetic goals.