If you have stained or discolored teeth, it can negatively impact your self-confidence. While cosmetic dental treatments can brighten your smile, your dentist in Northbrook, IL needs to identify the cause of your tooth discoloration before creating an effective treatment plan. Here are some types of tooth discoloration and the treatment options your dental professional may recommend.
Superficial Dental Stains
Superficial stains on your teeth typically result from consuming pigmented items like coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries, and cherries. Professional bleaching treatments performed by your dentist in Northbrook, IL work exceptionally well for these stains. The results of professional bleaching treatments can last for months, especially if you brush your teeth after consuming dark-colored foods and drinks.
Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration
Intrinsic tooth discoloration is different from superficial stains caused by pigments in foods or drinks. It is often due to enamel erosion. Enamel erosion leads to the wearing away or thinning of your tooth enamel. Consequently, the underlying dentin becomes visible.
Dentin naturally has a dark yellow color, and when it becomes visible, your teeth may appear discolored or stained. Bleaching treatments are ineffective for intrinsic tooth discoloration. However, porcelain veneers can be highly effective in treating intrinsic tooth discoloration. Veneers are thin tooth-colored shells that fit over the front of your teeth. While they do not eliminate tooth discoloration, they conceal it quite effectively.
To schedule your dental appointment or to learn more about bleaching treatments and veneers, contact Chicago Beautiful Smiles or stop by the website at ChicagoBeautifulSmiles.com.