Fix Stained Teeth
Treatment For Stained Teeth
Various things can cause and contribute to teeth stains including, pigmented foods and beverages, medications, trauma, aging, and genetics. Luckily, there are also various treatments and techniques used by dentists to address and combat stained teeth, according to the cause and extent of the teeth stains. If you feel the color of your teeth is unsatisfactory, or if the color of your teeth makes you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, there are some safe ways to remove teeth stains, some of which can be done at home, and some of which are professional treatments available from your dentist.
- Whitening Toothpaste: Popular for its ease of use and affordability, whitening toothpaste usually contains some type of abrasive ingredient that functions by helping scrub any stains away. Whitening toothpaste also usually contains polishing agents and special chemicals that make them more powerful in their ability to diminish stains. When used regularly a whitening toothpaste can often lighten the teeth by at least a few shades.
- Whitening Strips: Usually applied once or twice a day, whitening strips are applied directly onto the teeth and are peroxide based. They also contain at least some bleaching products which can often help treat milder teeth stains. Whitening strips come in both strip and gel forms and can be bought over-the-counter.
- At-Home Bleaching Trays: At-home bleaching trays are plastic trays formulated to hold a peroxide based solutions (gel or paste) against the teeth. Often used every day over a month over other specified time period they can really improve mild and moderate stains. The at-home trays can be effective for milder stains, and are available over-the-counter.
- Custom and In-Office Bleaching Trays: Custom bleaching trays (for home use) are also sometimes offered by dentists. Because these custom trays are designed specifically for your teeth, gums, and mouth they often produce more noticeable results than the over-the-counter trays. In-office bleaching trays take the tray style treatment even further by combining stronger whitening agents with heat, light or a combination. These in-office bleaching tray treatments can lighten teeth up to eight shades, especially with multiple in-office treatments. Some in-office treatments are rapid treatments, where ultraviolet light is used to intensify the effects.
- Porcelain Veneers: If the case of extreme discoloration, porcelain veneers can be used. In this treatment thin strips of porcelain (or sometimes resin that is tooth colored) get bonded to the tooth’s/teeth’s surface and can provide a natural and much whiter smile. Veneers can be an ideal option in cases where teeth have become darkened from fluorosis, trauma, and/or used of some medications.
There are some “natural” teeth whitening remedies that some people will suggest, but research has shown that there are not often effective and in some cases have caused further damage. Some of these “natural” home remedies, such as lemon mixtures, and baking soda, have even proven to reduce the surface hardness of teeth. It is important to discuss all whitening options with a dentist to make sure you choose the best treatments for your situation and condition.