Can Heavily Stained Teeth Be Treated?

Have the many years of drinking coffee, tea, wine, and using tobacco products caught up to your teeth? You’ve always wanted a whiter smile, but can teeth whitening reverse heavily stained teeth? There are so many things that can contribute to teeth staining as well as several different approaches you can take to brighten them up. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about teeth discoloration and what you can do about it.

What Are the Different Types of Staining?

Alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, coffee, soda, and tea can all contribute to the discoloration of teeth, but those aren’t the only things. In fact, there are three different categories of staining:

• Extrinsic: This type of discoloration likely only affects the protective enamel of the teeth. It is caused by food, beverages, and tobacco products. This is the kind that is the easiest to correct.

• Intrinsic: With intrinsic staining, it is located within the tooth which makes it more difficult to treat with over-the-counter whitening products. This is often caused by genetics, certain medications, injury, tooth decay, or fluorosis.

• Age-related: As you get older, the protective enamel of your teeth begins to wear down which results in a yellow appearance. When you age, you are also more likely to have a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration.

How Can Professional Teeth-Whitening Help?

Fortunately, by having your teeth whitened professionally, you can have discoloration reversed and see results quickly. There are two types of whitening that your dentist offers:

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Using the Zoom! Whitening system, your dentist can provide you with whitening treatment in the office. The process consists of using a combination of bleaching gel and a special light in order to brighten your teeth many shades in as little as an hour. This is a great option for someone who has a special event coming up or just wants to look their best without having to wait for results.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

Your dentist can provide you with a whitening kit that you can use in the comfort of your own home. It is customized for your needs and is great for people who would rather skip the in-office dental visit. This is a more gradual process and works well for maintaining your white smile after completing the Zoom! in-office treatment.

Nobody wants to display discolored teeth when they talk and laugh. Fortunately, teeth whitening can help you enhance your smile into something you’re proud to show off.

About the Practice

Dr. Mark Gerome and Dr. Gina Patrice provide a wide array of services, including teeth whitening, at their practice in Loveland, OH.  Dr. Gerome earned his doctorate at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and has gained 25 years of experience. Dr. Patrice earned her doctorate from the University of North Carolina Dental School in Chapel Hill. Both dentists are members of numerous organizations including the American Dental Association and the Ohio Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (513) 677-1349.