It is a common belief that all tooth discoloration is the same. The misconception stems a little bit further to assume that all tooth discoloration comes from stains on the outside of the tooth. However, there are different types of tooth discoloration. While one type does come from external factors building up on the outer layer of enamel of teeth, another type comes from the inside of the tooth. Understanding these types of tooth discoloration can save you from years of frustration trying to remove a stain that you may never be able to reach. The different types of tooth discoloration must be managed differently. If you are frustrated with the color of your teeth, talk to Dr. Young in Lafayette, LA about your options to getting a shade you can be happy with.
Extrinsic – External Stains
External factors can impact the color of teeth. A buildup of bacterial plaque can make the teeth look a little dull and yellow. Sometimes, a routine dental cleaning can be enough to get the teeth a healthy white shade. Some stains may be a little bit more difficult to remove and may require a professional whitening treatment to break them up. Stains caused by cigarettes, coffee, tea, dark sodas, or time can usually be removed with a whitening treatment.
Intrinsic – Internal Discoloration
The enamel that protects your teeth is translucent, which means that it is somewhat sheer and able to be seen through. If your tooth has trauma, such as internal bleeding, it can be sometimes be seen through the front of the tooth. If the enamel has grown thin due to erosion (from acidic attacks, brushing too hard, or abrasive substances), it can leave a dull appearance that exposes more of the inner tooth. If your smile is affected by intrinsic discoloration, your dentist may recommend a cosmetic treatment like veneers or cosmetic bonding to build up the outer layer of your tooth.
Are you unhappy with tooth discoloration?
The different types of tooth discoloration can be treated in different ways. To schedule a consultation, call the office of Michael J. Young, DDS, in Lafayette, LA, today at 337-237-6453. We proudly serve patients from Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and surrounding communities
