Do you look in the mirror and feel insecure about the color of your teeth? Perhaps you have tried endless methods of whitening at home, but still feel frustrated at the dullness or yellowing? Maybe you have just one or two teeth that look differently than the rest of your smile? While there are times when a whitening treatment can help you get the smile shade you are looking for, there are also times when a whitening treatment will not work. Even a professional grade whitening treatment cannot help stains that are not on the surface of natural teeth. If you are frustrated with the color of your smile, talk to your dentist in Olathe, KS about options to change it.
Stains Below the Surface
External stains (also known as extrinsic discoloration) is caused by a buildup on the surface of your teeth. It can be removed during a good cleaning or a whitening treatment. The enamel of your teeth is translucent, which means that any discoloration of the internal tissue will be able to be seen. Since the discoloration is not on the surface, it cannot be removed from the surface. In these situations, cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers may be necessary to cover up the intrinsic discoloration.
Eroding Enamel
Enamel can get thinner over time; the thinner the enamel, the more dull and discolored the teeth may look. Enamel can erode naturally or from overly aggressive brushing or erosive products, such as activated charcoal. In these instances, the discoloration cannot be removed, but it may be covered up in the same manner that one would cover intrinsic stains.
Stains on Prosthetic Teeth
If teeth are not natural, a whitening treatment may not work to change the color of them. In these instances, it’s important to talk to your dentist about your goals and how you want your smile to look. Your dentist may be able to work with you and your smile’s specific needs to reach your goals.
You May Still Be Able to Get a Brighter Smile
We can help you figure out a way to get a brighter smile. To schedule a consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.