Stained, yellowed teeth can detract from a gorgeous smile and have a negative impact on your self-confidence. Fortunately, teeth whitening at our Austin, TX practice can often address this issue. But did you know that whitening only works on certain types of discoloration? Today, Dr. Helen Ragsdale explains when teeth whitening is effective and when it isn’t.
Do you have dental staining? Find out if teeth whitening is right for you. Schedule an appointment at our practice by calling 512-346-4690.
Types of Tooth Discoloration
When it comes to the efficacy of teeth whitening, the primary factor is the type of staining you’re trying to address. There are two main categories:
- Extrinsic stains: This type of discoloration affects the tooth enamel. The outermost layer of the teeth can become stained with excess consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages. This includes things like tea, coffee, colas, red wine, tomato sauce, berries, and more.
- Intrinsic stains: Unlike extrinsic stains, this type of discoloration occurs deep inside the tooth, affecting the innermost layers. Intrinsic stains can be caused by genetics, trauma, and certain medications or health conditions.
Teeth Whitening: Effective for Extrinsic Stains
With all the staining agents found in the standard American diet, it’s not uncommon for extrinsic discoloration to develop over time. Even those who are diligent with brushing and flossing may still notice their teeth darkening. Fortunately, extrinsic stains respond extremely well to teeth whitening.
Dentist-supervised whitening is safer and more effective than store-bought bleaching products. The active ingredient – either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide – penetrates the enamel. Next, oxygen molecules react with the stains, breaking the bonds that create them. As a result, the teeth are dramatically brightened by several shades.
We offer several types of teeth whitening at our Austin practice, including:
- Zoom™: This in-office treatment can lighten your teeth by eight shades in just 45 minutes. Zoom is often recommended for patients who frequently experience dental sensitivity.
- LaserSmile™: Another popular in-office treatment, LaserSmile uses light energy to expedite the whitening process.
- Turbo At-Home Kits: Patients who prefer to bleach their teeth at home can choose Turbo at-home bleaching kits. Dr. Ragsdale can provide you with a set of custom bleaching trays. The gel is simply dispensed into the trays before placing them in the mouth. Dr. Ragsdale can give you detailed instructions on how to whiten your teeth at home.
Is teeth whitening effective for intrinsic stains?
Some oral health companies claim that their whitening products are more effective against intrinsic stains. However, many of these products do not fully address the issue. In most cases, we do not recommend teeth whitening for those with intrinsic stains.
How can I address intrinsic discoloration?
If you have intrinsic dental staining, there are several cosmetic treatments that can properly treat the issue. Here are just a few of the most common procedures:
- Dental bonding: This process involves applying composite resin to the discolored teeth. The composite is tooth-colored to mask any discoloration and brighten the smile to the desired shade.
- Porcelain veneers: Crafted from several layers of medical-grade ceramic, porcelain veneers can conceal intrinsic discoloration as well as chips, cracks, and other irregularities.
- Dental crowns: Sometimes a tooth requires reinforcement or restoration. In these cases, a dental crown can be placed to improve oral health. Due to the advanced materials we use today, crowns can also be custom-shaded to whiten the appearance of your smile.
Contact Our Austin, TX Practice Today
No matter what type of dental discoloration you have, we can help address the problem. To find out if teeth whitening is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ragsdale. Contact us online or give us a call at 512-346-4690.
