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Can All Stains Be Corrected? 

February 08, 2022

Many people discover that their teeth have stains and have changed color as they become older. They eventually come to the conclusion that they need to know how to cure discolored teeth. Teeth whitening and dental crowns in Boca Raton are two options for changing the color of your teeth, although some are more effective than others. When it comes to teeth stains, your dentist should always be your first destination. 

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Tooth Discoloration Types   

It might surprise you to find that there are many types of tooth discoloration, and knowing which one you have will help your dentist figure out what’s causing it. Then they can decide on a treatment plan, which could include everything from tooth whitening to dental crowns. They can also show you how to keep your teeth from discoloring in the future. Extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration are the two most common forms of discoloration. 

Extrinsic Tooth Discoloration

Stains that exclusively damage the tooth’s surface, especially the enamel, are known as extrinsic tooth discoloration. External variables such as food like curries and tomato-based sauces, drinks like red wine, tea, and coffee, and smoking are typically to blame. 

Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration

Intrinsic tooth discoloration is a condition that occurs inside the mouth. It is more difficult to cure with over-the-counter tooth whitening treatments since it appears greyish rather than yellow or brown. Tooth decay, damage to the tooth, excess fluoride, some drugs, and hereditary factors are the most common causes of intrinsic discoloration. 

Age

Age can play a role in the shifting hues of your teeth, in addition to inherent and extrinsic discoloration. Your enamel begins to wear away as you get older, making your teeth more susceptible to stains. You may pick how to cure your discolored teeth once you’ve determined what’s causing them. 

Methods for Fixing Discolored Teeth

Teeth Whitening Procedure 

In-chair teeth whitening is available at 5th Avenue Dental. Before starting the whitening procedure, your dentist will compare the color of your teeth to a chart to determine the treatment’s final aim. Your dentist will equip you with a cheek retractor to expose all of your teeth before administering the specific whitening gel. They will then shield your eyes, lips, and gums from the bleaching agent. Depending on the person, the gel is often placed on the teeth for 15 minutes at a time, then repeated twice more until the appropriate shade is attained. Dentists have had considerable success using this procedure to combat tooth discoloration. 

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are commonly used in restorative dentistry, but did you know they may also be used as a cosmetic procedure to fix concerns like tooth discoloration? Dental crowns, unlike veneers, fit directly over an existing tooth and cover the whole tooth. Your dentist will match the color of your dental crowns to the color of the surrounding teeth. Fitting dental crowns entails contouring the existing tooth structure prior to affixing the crown to the tooth. Although this is a time-consuming treatment, it results in a tooth that is incredibly robust and long-lasting. Traditional dental crowns, with proper management, can last up to 10-15 years. 

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Thinking About Getting Dental Crowns in Boca Raton? 

Taking proper care of your teeth is the greatest approach to avoid tooth discoloration. Brushing and flossing them on a regular basis is essential, as is avoiding foods and beverages that might discolor them. Remember that one of the primary causes of discolored teeth is smoking, therefore quitting is an excellent first step towards bettering your overall dental health. If your teeth have already become discolored, you may want to consider more advanced options such as teeth whitening, veneers, or dental crowns. If you’re concerned about the color of your teeth, schedule an appointment at 5th Ave Dental to get started on the path to the smile you’ve always wanted.