When our teeth become stained, this could impact our confidence and even lead to issues with our social life. Fortunately, your Astoria, NY, dentist can brighten teeth with professional cosmetic treatments, such as trays and bleaching gel. But what steps can you start taking to reduce the severity of discoloration and keep your smile bright?
The Causes of Teeth Stains
There are actually two very different types of teeth stain. The most common forms on the surface of our teeth, often the result of poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup and makes stains more visible. Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products could stain your teeth, and so could consuming beverages with dark pigments, such a coffee, tea, red wine, and soda.
The other type forms below the tooth enamel and is known as intrinsic. These are often referred to as permanent teeth stains, since they’re difficult to remove even with teeth whitening. Causes may include an injury to your teeth, as well as fluorosis or exposure to tetracycline in early years. To brighten your smile, we will need to examine it and identify the type of discoloration marring your smile.
Prevention and Treatment Options
To prevent stains, you need to focus on better oral hygiene and a better food and drink choices. For example, when you consume foods high in sugar and starch, or beverages high in sugar, you provide fuel for harmful bacteria. As bacteria break down these particles, your teeth are coated in plaque, making discoloration more apparent. In addition, plaque is also linked to a higher risk of cavities and gum disease. Try to drink more water and fewer beverages with dark shades. Avoid cigarettes and tobacco products, and make time each day to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. A routine visit for a cleaning can also help, as this allows us to remove plaque.
To remove your stains, we have an at-home whitening system that employs a set of custom-made trays and a bleaching gel to remove serious discoloration in as little as one to two weeks. You simply wear a gel-filled set of trays every day for about 30 to 45 minutes. Some see smiles brightened by several different shades!
Solutions for Intrinsic Discoloration
But what about intrinsic, or permanent, stains? In these scenarios, our team will simply mask the problem. By using dental bonding or placing porcelain veneers, we instantly change the color of your teeth and brighten your smile. If you have any questions about our cosmetic treatment options, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Achieving a Brighter Smile?
Many of the same steps that help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease could keep your smile bright too. For more information on cosmetic dentistry, schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
