Extrinsic Versus Intrinsic Discoloration
Posted June 28, 2016 by Wager-Evans Dental
What can be done about discolored teeth? That can depend on the sort of discoloration you are talking about. Problems that affect the whiteness of your teeth are divided into two forms. The sort of discoloration that stems from stains in your enamel is known as extrinsic discoloration. This can happen thanks to the use of tobacco products, or from an accumulation of staining agents from the foods and drinks you consume. Intrinsic discoloration is something that develops within the tooth, sometimes below the enamel. One example would be a color change after a tooth injury. If your tooth responds to trauma by creating more dentin, it will appear darker. It can be a reaction to certain medications or treatments. Understanding what sort of problem is affecting your teeth will inform your dentist on what cosmetic dental procedure will be the most appropriate.
Whitening Teeth With Extrinsic Discoloration
Extrinsic discoloration can be tackled efficiently with a professional whitening treatment. The whitening agents are designed to break apart the stains that are in your enamel, and can do effective work against stains over-the-counter agents can fail to reach. You have the option of arranging to whiten your teeth with professional materials at home, or go in for a treatment with your dentist.
Whitening Teeth With Intrinsic Discoloration
Whitening agents are not an ideal solution for intrinsic discoloration. Your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers, which are placed on the front of your teeth. The veneers can hide discoloration, so that your smile appears white, and is also without other preexisting visual flaws. Dental bonding can also be a viable technique when covering something like discoloration after an injury.