Dental discoloration is a very common complaint among adult dental patients. However, many patients still have questions about how dental discoloration develops, and what can be done to correct it. In this short article our O’Fallon cosmetic dentists are answering questions about dental staining.
Q: What causes dental discoloration?
A: There are actually many different things that can cause your teeth look dark, yellow, or streaked. First of all, there are certain conditions that disrupt the healthy formation of adult teeth. Conditions like tetracycline staining will cause streaks and stains within the tooth. Different foods and drinks can also discolor teeth. Also, when your dental enamel ages and begins to thin, you may notice that your teeth look more yellow, because the dentin layer of your tooth shows through.
Q: If I want to lighten my teeth, what can I do?
A: Our dentist offers a variety of dental treatments that can brighten dingy dental enamel. The first treatment that most patients try is professional whitening treatments. These treatments are designed to lighten your dental enamel back to its original levels. If teeth whitening treatments are not successful for you, dental veneers may be a great solution.
Q: How long will it take to lighten my teeth?
A: The length of treatment will depend on which treatment option you choose to pursue. Many patients see results from teeth bleaching in just a session or two. Dental veneers usually take about two or three dental appointments to complete. Talk to your dentist about what your treatment timeline will look like.
If you are ready to brighten and lighten the appearance of your smile, our O’Fallon cosmetic dentist office is here to help you achieve your dental goals. Please give us a call or submit your contact info online in order to get the information you need.