Yellow teeth and stained teeth are common cosmetic dental problems many people face. If tooth discoloration is among your dental concerns, we offer effective treatment options to restore the brightness of your smile. Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy are cosmetic dentists that offer several solutions for tooth discoloration in Silver Spring, MD.
Types of Tooth Stains
There are two basic types of teeth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Both can contribute to discolored teeth. Knowing the type of stains you have will help our dentist find the best treatment option for you.
Extrinsic Teeth Stains
An extrinsic stain is a stain on the outermost layer of the tooth. Lifestyle choices are the main cause of extrinsic stains which are typically easy to treat. Common causes of these stains include tobacco, coffee, tea, soda, berries, and other foods with strong colors in them. When used or consumed in excess, these things can cause stained or discolored enamel and yellow teeth.
Intrinsic Teeth Stains
Intrinsic stains are stains in the inside layer of the tooth, known as dentin. A few things cause this type of stain, including too much fluoride, trauma to the tooth, tooth decay, disease, and certain medications.
These stains are much harder to treat since they are deep within the tooth. Extrinsic stains appear evenly over a majority of the teeth. Intrinsic stains may only affect a small portion of a tooth or just a single tooth.
Before and after treating tooth discoloration at Dechter and Moy.
How to Fix Stained Teeth
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy provide their patients with several types of treatments to fix stained teeth in Silver Spring, MD. This includes both in-office and at-home professional teeth whitening treatments. Our dentists also offer dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and dental bonding to fix discolored teeth that we can’t fix with a whitening treatment.
Most extrinsic tooth stains can be fixed with professional teeth whitening. However, intrinsic stains are much harder to address. In these cases, Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy will recommend a more permanent treatment such as dental veneers, crowns, or bonding. These treatments will not eliminate the stain but will instead cover them up.
Patient Review
“Always make me feel comfortable, and they provide the best care I have ever had in dentistry. Having a dentist at a walking distance, with well-skilled personnel, is also a plus.”
-Miguel C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stained or yellow teeth can impact the appearance of your smile. If you are interested in fixing the color of your teeth, you may have many questions about how to accomplish this. The type of stain you have can impact the treatment you will need. Read our most frequently asked questions about tooth discoloration in Silver Spring, MD.
How do teeth become stained?
You can develop tooth stains in many different ways. Common causes of teeth discoloration include:
- Tobacco use
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Berries
- Certain medications
- Some diseases
- Overuse of fluoride
- Tooth decay
- Injury to a tooth
Our office can find the right treatment to address your tooth stains. We’ll work with you to customize your care to your goals and needs.
Why are my teeth yellow?
Heavy smoking or certain foods and drinks are often the cause of yellow teeth. Most people who are heavy smokers will have yellow teeth from the nicotine that stains the enamel. Drinks like coffee, red wine, and black tea, can also turn teeth yellow.
How does coffee stain your teeth?
Coffee is one of the leading causes of stained teeth. It contains a high level of tannins, which cause color compounds to stick to your teeth. Consuming a lot of coffee will often lead to yellow teeth.
What are my options if professional teeth whitening does not fix my discolored teeth?
If regular whitening treatments don’t remove your tooth stains, we have other ways to brighten your smile:
- Porcelain Veneers: These are thin, custom-made covers that go over the front of your teeth. They completely hide stains and give you a bright, even smile. Veneers look natural and last for many years.
- Dental Crowns: A crown can cover the entire tooth if a tooth is badly stained or misshapen. Crowns make your tooth look natural again. It can also strengthen your tooth.
- Tooth Bonding: This is a simpler, more affordable option. We apply a tooth-colored material to stained teeth, then shape and polish it to match your natural teeth. It’s a quick way to improve your smile in just one visit.
Will braces cause tooth discoloration?
Braces don’t cause tooth discoloration, but poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can lead to stains. Plaque and food particles can accumulate around the brackets and wires, which increases the risk of stains. Remember to brush and floss every day to prevent bacterial buildup.
What is the common cause of tooth discoloration?
The most prevalent cause of tooth discoloration is consuming staining substances such as coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco. These substances contain chromogens that attach to the enamel of the teeth.
Bad oral hygiene habits can also contribute to the buildup of plaque and tartar that stain the teeth. Age plays a significant role, as enamel wears down over time to reveal the naturally yellow dentin underneath.
Why do I have white spots on my teeth?
White spots on your teeth can have several causes. They often appear when the enamel loses minerals. This can happen from poor brushing, too much fluoride, or early signs of tooth decay. White spots also appear after braces are removed if plaque built up around the brackets. We can recommend treatments like fluoride, remineralizing toothpaste, or whitening to help even out your tooth color.
How do I remove nicotine stains from my teeth?
In most patients, professional teeth whitening will remove the nicotine stains from teeth. But you can do several things to remove tobacco stains at home. First, be sure to brush and floss regularly. Good oral hygiene is important to prevent and reduce teeth stains. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to prevent future nicotine stains and improve your overall oral health.
Treat Tooth Discoloration in Silver Spring, MD
At a cosmetic consultation, Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy will analyze your teeth and ask you about your lifestyle habits. This will help them determine the type of tooth discoloration you have and the best way to treat it.
Schedule your appointment today by calling (301) 508-9755. You can also request an appointment online.