If your teeth are stained or discoloured, chances are you’ve gone to some lengths to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Perhaps you’ve experimented with the variety of toothpaste on the market today, purchased some of the home bleaching kits sold in drugstores and supermarkets, or, in an attempt to draw attention away from your teeth, cultivated a year-round tan or accentuated your hairstyle or clothing.
There are several reasons that teeth stains. There are two types of stains:
Surface stains occur primarily between teeth and on the surface of crooked teeth. Stain-producing food, like turmeric, blueberries, and betel nut, and some beverages like tea, coffee or wine can stain the tooth. Some medications and smoking can also cause staining. Improper brushing can also lead to soft surface deposits on the surface of the teeth called plaque or tartar (calculus). It appears yellow-whitish or black area around the gum line.
Intrinsic stains are part of the tooth structure itself. This may be the result of genetics, disease or the use of medications such as tetracycline.
Today because of advancements in dentistry there is no need to hide your teeth, there are suitable cosmetic treatments discussed below which you can opt for depending upon the type of stain!
SCALING AND POLISHING is a very basic procedure which can element, plaque, tartar and minor stains from the teeth surface. In polishing your dentist applies a paste on your teeth to polish your teeth. Microabrasion is an advanced form of polishing that can be used for deeper stains.
ZOOM TEETH WHITENING uses a strong oxidizing agent and is blue-activated to lighten the teeth and is a highly effective way to brighten your teeth. It removes mild to moderate tetracycline, fluoride or trauma-related stains. It brightens your shades up to 5-8 shades.
BONDING involves the application of composite resin to the existing tooth. The bonding technique is used frequently as a conservative method of covering stains. Bonding can mask any type of stain to create a natural-looking and attractive smile. However, they tend to stain over time, and periodic repair is required.
PORCELAIN VENEERS is one of the most exciting techniques in cosmetic dentistry today involves bonding a thin laminated veneer made of porcelain to be attached to the enamel surface. Its primary advantage is the beauty and durability of the material, because porcelain does not stain like composite, it remains attractive for a much longer period. Also, gum tissue tolerates porcelain better.
CROWNS are generally not recommended for stains but otherwise healthy teeth since placing crowns require so much natural tooth structure to be removed. However, a crown may be indicated for teeth with severe discolouration or for moderately discoloured teeth that have additional aesthetic and/ or functional problems such as defective fillings, loss of structure is more if needing realignment required etc.
Limit the amount of tea & coffee.
Avoid smoking
Make regular visits to a dentist for professional cleaning.
Brush and floss regularly and properly.
Do not chew ice or other hard objects as they can trap stains and are difficult to clean.
So, there is a need for you to suffer from social embarrassment or psychological trauma because of stained or discoloured teeth. There are various options from which you can choose the suitable cosmetic treatment that can provide both predictable and positive long-term results. Discuss with your dentist about your concern and get your treatment done.