Discolored Teeth Philadelphia, PA

Dr. Derek Conover offers a wide range of options to treat stained and discolored teeth. Since the smile is the first thing most people notice, it is considered important to have a bright, white smile. Even if your stained teeth are healthy, white teeth often give the impression of dental health.

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform your smile. Our teeth whitening procedures can be completed in as little as one hour with incredible results. Discolored teeth are a common dental concern that many patients have.

Valerie

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Causes of Discolored Teeth

  • Foods and drinks such as coffee, teas, colas, and wines
  • Tobacco: Smoking or other tobacco products
  • Poor dental hygiene: Neglecting to brush or floss
  • Disease: For example, head and neck radiation, chemotherapy, and certain infections contracted during pregnancy
  • Age
  • Genetics
  • Environment: Excessive fluoride levels in water, for example


Treatment for Stained Teeth

It is relatively easy to bleach or whiten teeth to restore them to a brighter, more aesthetically pleasing color. Depending on your needs and goals, our dental care team may recommend one or a combination of the following.

Teeth Whitening/Deep Bleaching

Deep Bleaching Before  Deep Bleaching After

Deep bleaching offers significant teeth whitening for patients who have very dark teeth or tetracycline staining. Deep bleaching uses a combination of two to three in-office bleaching treatments along with take-home treatments. Oxygen from the deep bleaching gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stains with long-lasting results.

Dr. Doray performed a deep bleaching treatment on Robert’s teeth to dramatically improve the brightness of his smile.


Cosmetic Bonding

Joey before and after bonding

Cosmetic bonding may be used to repair a discolored tooth. This is a simple procedure that involves the application of a tooth-colored resin to the affected tooth. The bonding material is sculpted into the desired shape to hide many teeth imperfections, including discolored teeth.

No preparation is needed for bonding, and it is among the easiest and least expensive ways to improve your smile.


Porcelain Restorations

Victoria Before and After

Porcelain crowns can also be used to correct discolored teeth. A dental crown will cover the entire tooth like a cap. They can hide the stained tooth as well as give it extra strength. Crowns are custom-made restorations that involve at least two visits to our Philadelphia dentist office.

Porcelain veneers are also a great way to disguise dark, stained teeth. This treatment option is often used when teeth whitening was unsuccessful. They are thin, custom-made shells that fit right over the tooth and are cemented into place for a strong bond.

They can instantly brighten any smile. Porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant and have similar light-reflecting properties to natural teeth. They offer a longer-lasting cosmetic restoration of anterior teeth.

If you are concerned about discolored teeth, contact Dr. Doray for a consultation. We can create a customized plan to help you achieve a whiter, brighter, younger-looking smile.

Stained Teeth FAQs

What causes stains on teeth?

Some foods and beverages have been proven to cause stained teeth, including coffee, tea, dark sodas, red wine, and even some fruits and vegetables. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco both have the potential to cause tooth stains as well. Tooth discoloration can also be the result of poor oral hygiene.

What are the types of tooth discoloration?

There are two types of teeth staining, extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains typically appear yellow and are spread out across the outer surface of the entire tooth. Intrinsic staining occurs on the inner layer of the tooth, making intrinsic staining harder to reverse than extrinsic.

Can a hygienist remove brown stains?

A professional hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing all traces of plaque and brown staining. Teeth whitening is also one of the most popular options to remove brown staining.

Is staining on teeth harmful?

Stains that don’t come off after brushing are essentially bacteria that live in the mouth, which can lead to respiratory problems, periodontal disease, and other health issues. It is important to keep your teeth clean and free of bacteria.

Can teeth have permanent stains?

Surface enamel discoloration is reversible. Your dentist can provide stain removal and professional teeth whitening. Most stains are not permanent, but there are stains that are too deep for traditional methods. Intrinsic tooth stains are permanent tooth discolorations due to the natural process of aging, or side effects of medications. Internal factors cause these stains, such as poor oral hygiene or genetics, which can lead to the yellowing or darkening of teeth.

What foods are most likely to stain teeth?

Foods that are most likely to cause teeth staining include coffee, tea, soda, soy sauce, ketchup, etc.​​ You should brush your teeth after consuming these or avoid them all together.

Philadelphia-based Dr. Conover is welcoming new and out-of-town patients. Call us at (215) 395-6076 to schedule a consultation to determine the best type of treatment for you.