What Causes Dulling and Discoloration of Teeth?

Have you ever wondered why your teeth appear yellowed and stained? Perhaps you have noticed that your teeth appear more dull and discolored as you become older. In most cases, dulled and discolored teeth are permanently stained and to effectively brighten your smile, a visit to cosmetic dentists is the remedy to a yellowed or stained smile.

Tooth stains are caused by two things: damage to the internal structures of the tooth and external factors such as repeated exposure to tooth-staining compounds like coffee or red wine. When teeth are internally damaged, they darken from the inside. Over time, this can cause a tooth to appear very dull and gray. This type of stain is best addressed by placing a porcelain crown over the tooth or bonding a porcelain veneer to the front of the tooth.  When choosing porcelain restorations, your cosmetic dentists will choose the best shade of porcelain for a natural yet attractive look.

Discolorations caused by exposure to dark foods and drinks are best addressed by professional-level teeth whitening only available from your cosmetic dentist. Because these stains rest below the enamel layer of teeth, brushing or over-the-counter whitening products cannot remove them. Lifting away permanent, extrinsic stains often requires the application of prescription-strength bleaching solution to the teeth.

Clinical teeth whitening available at your dentist’s office comes in the form of take-home systems with custom trays and potent whitening gel or in-office whitening where your dentist applies the solution to your teeth and uses a special light to activate the whitening process. Either option brightens teeth roughly eight to ten shades when treatment is completed.

To learn more about achieving a white, attractive smile through porcelain crowns, porcelain veneers, or professional teeth whitening, contact any of our experienced cosmetic dentists serving the DFW area to reserve your one-on-one consultation.