Treating Stained Teeth at Lakefront Family Dentistry
Let us explore the types, causes, and treatments of teeth stains and discoloration, ensuring that every patient can achieve a brighter, healthier smile.
The Nature of Stained Teeth
Teeth stains and discoloration are categorized based on their origin—whether they arise from external sources or are inherent within the tooth structure. Typically referred to as extrinsic and intrinsic stains, these discolorations affect the appearance of teeth differently and, as such, require tailored approaches for removal.
Extrinsic Stains: These are surface stains marked by brown or black discolorations on teeth, commonly caused by dietary habits. Coffee stains on teeth, as well as those caused by tea, blueberries, and wine, are prevalent examples.
Such stains are addressed effectively by professional teeth cleaning, a service meticulously performed by registered dental hygienists at Lakefront Family Dentistry.
Intrinsic Stains: Unlike extrinsic stains, intrinsic discolorations are characterized by white discoloration on teeth or deep brown discoloration on teeth, often resulting from medication use, fluorosis, or genetic factors. These stains are located within the tooth enamel and sometimes extend deeper into the dentin.
Diagnostic Approach to Stained Teeth
For new patients at Lakefront Family Dentistry, an initial assessment involving digital dental x-rays is essential. These digital x-rays reveal much about the health of your teeth, since approximately 70 percent of a tooth’s structure is located below the gumline. This comprehensive diagnostic approach ensures that underlying issues contributing to discoloration, such as decay or internal damage, are identified and appropriately addressed.
Professional Solutions for Stained Teeth
Once the type and cause of tooth discoloration are determined, a suite of treatment options is available to patients:
Professional Teeth Cleaning: The first step in combating extrinsic stains includes a thorough cleaning performed by our extremely skilled, educated dental hygienists. This procedure not only removes surface stains but also prepares the teeth for further cosmetic treatments, if necessary.
The Importance of Regular Professional Teeth Cleanings
Prevention of Oral Diseases: Regular teeth cleanings by a professional hygienist at Lakefront Family Dentistry help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which are the primary causes of gum disease and tooth decay. These cleanings reach parts of the mouth that brushing and flossing might miss, helping to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Enhanced Effectiveness of Whitening Procedures: Clean teeth respond better to whitening treatments. By removing the surface stains and tartar buildup, professional cleanings ensure the whitening agents can be more effective, leading to better results. Regular cleanings keep the teeth in optimal condition for whitening, which means patients can enjoy a brighter smile with more predictable outcomes.
Early Detection and Management of Dental Issues: During a cleaning session, dental professionals can spot early signs of problems such as cavities, broken fillings, and other dental conditions that might not yet be visible or painful. Addressing these issues early can prevent more serious complications and costly treatments later.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening Over Home Kits
Professional Expertise and Safety: Professional teeth whitening at Lakefront Family Dentistry is administered by experienced dental professionals who use advanced techniques and materials.
Unlike home kits, professional whitening ensures that the bleaching agents are applied safely and effectively, reducing the risk of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
Dental professionals can also adjust the strength and application of whitening agents based on individual patient needs and tooth health, providing a customized treatment plan that is not feasible with over-the-counter kits.
Stronger and Faster Results: Professional whitening treatments use higher concentrations of bleaching agents than those available in retail kits, leading to faster and more pronounced results.
Many patients see significant whitening in just one session, which can often take weeks to achieve with home products. Additionally, the professional application ensures even coverage, avoiding uneven whitening that can sometimes occur with DIY methods.
Long-lasting Outcomes: With professional care, the effects of teeth whitening can last longer, especially when combined with good oral hygiene and periodic touch-ups.
Dental professionals also provide expert advice on how to maintain your whiter smile for as long as possible, including diet recommendations and oral care strategies to avoid new stains.
Sinsational Smile Whitening System: Drs. Phillipe and Hauser recommend this advanced whitening system for patients seeking faster aesthetic improvements.
Available in two formulations—15 percent gel for sensitive teeth and 35 percent gel for more pronounced whitening—this system includes custom trays and a professional-grade gel that patients use for a two-week period. The choice of concentration allows the treatment to be customized to the patient’s sensitivity and whitening needs.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns and Porcelain Veneers: For intrinsic stains that are resistant to traditional whitening techniques, Lakefront Family Dentistry offers solutions like CEREC same-day crowns and custom porcelain veneers.
Gorgeous porcelain veneers and crowns are produced in-house at Lakefront Family Dentistry with our advanced milling machines. These restorations are designed to match the natural color of the surrounding teeth, effectively covering any discolorations and enhancing the overall smile.
The Impact of Dietary Choices on Teeth Discoloration
Patients often inquire, “Does coffee, tea, blueberries, and wine stain your teeth?” The answer is yes. These substances contain pigments that adhere to the enamel surface, leading to noticeable discoloration over time. Regular consumption of these items, especially without immediate dental care such as brushing or rinsing, exacerbates the extent of staining.
Best Methods to Remove Teeth Stains
The approach to removing teeth stains varies based on the stain type:
For Extrinsic Stains: Regular professional cleanings two times per year, coupled with an effective home care routine that includes brushing with a teeth stain remover toothpaste, are recommended. Avoiding or reducing intake of known staining agents like coffee and wine also helps maintain whiteness.
For Intrinsic Stains: Treatments such as bonding, veneers, or crowns are often necessary. These methods not only mask the stains but also protect the tooth from further damage.
Preventive Dental Care Education
Empowering Patients Through Education: Educating patients about effective oral hygiene practices is a cornerstone of preventive dental care at Lakefront Family Dentistry. This includes demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques, discussing the benefits of fluoride and the best use of oral health products like mouthwashes and dental floss. This education helps patients take control of their dental health and prevent issues before they start.
Nutritional Guidance for Dental Health: The relationship between diet and oral health cannot be overstated. Dental professionals provide guidance on foods that are beneficial for teeth, such as those rich in calcium and phosphorus, and warn against those that contribute to tooth decay and staining, such as sugary snacks and acidic beverages. Understanding how diet affects dental health can help patients make better choices and improve their overall oral hygiene.
Routine Dental Check-Ups: Regular check-ups are another critical aspect of preventive care. These dental visits allow Dr. Derek Hauser and Dr. Mark Phillipe to monitor the health of your teeth and gums, perform oral cancer screenings, and reinforce the oral hygiene education provided during cleaning appointments. They are also an opportunity for patients to discuss any concerns or changes in their oral health with their dentist.
Request an Appointment for Your Oral Health and Stained Teeth Solution
At Lakefront Family Dentistry, every patient’s dental health and aesthetic concerns are addressed with precision and care. Whether the issue is simple extrinsic staining or more complex intrinsic discoloration, the team led by Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser is equipped to restore and enhance smiles using the latest in dental technology and treatment methods.
Patients seeking to remove stains from their teeth are encouraged to call and request a consultation, embarking on a journey to a brighter, more confident smile.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Lakefront Family Dentistry by calling (951) 244-9495 during business hours or you may fill out the secure, confidential forms through our website anytime. Let the journey to a flawless smile begin today.
