Dental stains and discoloration can not
only make your smile look less clean, they can also add years to the appearance
of your face. A bright, white smile can make you look years younger. Many of
our cosmetic patients come into our Boca Raton cosmetic office saying that they
just can’t seem to get their smile as white as it used to be. They brush and
floss regularly, perhaps they use over the counter whitening treatments and
mouthwash—nothing works. This is incredibly common problem, and there are a
number of reasons that your teeth may be looking darker than they used to. By
understanding how dental staining develops, you will have a better idea of what
to do if you too notice that your smile is looking less than luminous.
Dental staining is a natural
consequence of living daily life—eating and drinking staining substances. Red
wine, coffee, tea, and cola may cause enamel stains. Additionally, tobacco
products of all kinds leave dingy looking streaks on the surface of teeth.
Cigars, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco will all take a toll on the health and
appearance of your smile. Brushing and flossing may initially lessen
environmental stains. Over the counter whitening treatments can also brighten
stained enamel in the beginning. Over time, however, these stains may become
difficult to treat with at-home remedies, which is why many patients pursue
professional whitening treatments.
The actual compositional make-up and
structure of teeth also change over time, causing teeth to become darker in
appearance. A thick layer of white dental enamel covers young teeth. With age,
and wear and tear this enamel begins to break down, exposing the darker layer
of dentin underneath the enamel. As teeth age, therefore, they naturally appear
darker and yellower than younger teeth. This cause of tooth darkening may not
be as responsive to whitening treatments. Some patients choose to pursue dental
veneers to essentially resurface the appearance of their enamel.
If you’ve noticed that your smile isn’t
looking as white or bright as it used to, rest assured you’re not alone.
Although dental staining is a natural byproduct of aging, you can now
rejuvenate your smile thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry. Give our Boca Raton cosmetic dentists a call at (561) 705-0249 if you have questions about cosmetic
treatment or if you’d like to schedule an appointment. As always, we’re here to
help!