Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist Explains Teeth Discolorationa and Whitening and Bleaching Options

Teeth whitening and bleaching treatments are some of the most popular cosmetic procedures in modern dentistry. Many patients love these treatments because they are reliable, effective, and you can see results quickly. Teeth whitening can take years off a patient’s smile without invasive measures. However, few patients really understand how teeth whitening and bleaching treatments work to rejuvenate dental enamel. Understanding how different treatments work will help you find a cosmetic solution that applies to your unique situation. This article explains teeth staining and discoloration and reviews the treatments our Boca Raton cosmetic dentists use to rejuvenate smiles.

Before we talk about teeth whitening and bleaching and treatments, it’s helpful to know how teeth become dark and dull in the first place. The truth is there are a number of reasons that dental enamel develops stains—some of these are environmental and some are biological.

There is no “normal” base shade of white for dental enamel. Different patients have different shades of white enamel—in other words a patient’s dental enamel may  naturally appear darker or yellower than their best friend’s enamel. So some patients may be unhappy with their base level of teeth whiteness, and they may pursue teeth bleaching treatments to achieve a whiter smile.

Food, drink, and tobacco can all stain teeth. These substances stain your base or normal color of enamel. Foods like berries, dark chocolate and deep sauces can discolor enamel. Some common drinks that discolor teeth are tea, coffee, red wine, and cola. And tobacco is detrimental to both your oral health and your white smile—both smoking and chewing tobacco stain teeth.

Additionally, as we age our teeth inevitably begin to appear darker.  White dental enamel (the outside of teeth) covers the inside of the tooth called dentin. Dentin is naturally darker and yellower in color than enamel. So as enamel wears down with age, more of the dentin shows through, making teeth appear discolored.

Depending on the source and extent of your tooth discoloration, you may benefit from one cosmetic treatment or multiple treatments used in combination.

Teeth whitening treatments whiten enamel by removing debris and plaque/tartar buildup on the teeth. Many of the products you use in your dental hygiene routine are technically teeth whitening treatments, including toothpaste and mouthwash. Patients with minimal staining may see dramatic results with teeth whitening treatments. Many of these patients notice that their smiles are significantly whiter after their teeth are scaled and polished by a professional dentist.

 Teeth bleaching treatments use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten dental enamel and bleach stains (teeth bleaching is often referred to as teeth whitening). Teeth bleaching treatments are used for more persistent or significant staining. A professional dentist can administer these treatments—there are formulations for in-office treatments as well bleaching kits that you can take home from your dentist’s office. Teeth bleaching can actually whiten dental enamel beyond its natural shade of whiteness.

If you’re considering teeth whitening and bleaching treatments, you should discuss your current dental health and cosmetic goals with a dental professional. A professional can determine the extent of your current discoloration and recommend a cosmetic solution to fit your needs. As always, you can give our Boca Raton cosmetic dentists a call if you have any questions about teeth whitening or you dental health—(561) 705-0249.