Do you have one or more stained teeth? Are your discolored teeth making it uncomfortable for you to show your full smile? We can help. Discolored or stained teeth are a common problem for many patients, even if they have a good oral hygiene routine. There are several factors that can discolor the natural tooth enamel. We will explore the causes of discoloration and how our team can whiten discolored teeth in Chapel Hill, NC. Our dentists are dedicated to helping patients find the right care to reach their cosmetic goals.

Why Do I Have Discolored Teeth?

Extrinsic stains are superficial stains that affect the outer tooth enamel. Certain foods and drinks can stain the tooth enamel, including red wine, soda, tea, and coffee. These foods and beverages contain chromogens, or pigments, which attach to the enamel. Patients who smoke, vape, or use tobacco products can experience yellowing. Nicotine, which is contained in tobacco, easily stains and yellows the tooth enamel.

Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth. Many times, patients have intrinsic stains because of a dental injury or tooth wear over time. Beneath the outer layer of tooth enamel is dentin, a dark underlayer that can make teeth appear disclosed. As patients age, their enamel can erode and leave the dentin exposed. Dentin can also darken teeth as patients age. Any hits to the mouth or teeth can result in injuries that discolor teeth. Chips, cracks, and breaks in the enamel may darken single teeth and stand out among other natural teeth.

Brighten Discolored Teeth in Chapel Hill, NC

Our dental office provides professional whitening treatment to help patients brighten their smiles. Professional teeth whitening benefits patients with extrinsic stains from foods, beverages, and tobacco products. Our dentists evaluate patients’ smiles before providing take-home whitening kits. Patients need to be in good oral health for cosmetic dental care. We can remove dental and gum infections and clean the smile before whitening treatment. Then, we can provide patients with their custom whitening kits. These easy-to-use kits offer patients the convenience of whitening their teeth at home and can deliver results after multiple weeks.

Patients with intrinsic stains can benefit from dental veneers, tooth bonding treatment, and even dental crowns. Veneers are small shell-shaped cosmetic restorations made of porcelain ceramic. They can brighten one or more teeth in the smile line, or in the teeth that show when you smile. Dental bonding treatment is used similarly to veneers. However, bonding uses biocompatible, malleable material that we sculpt onto prepared teeth. We also recommend bonding for patients who may have one or two discolored teeth. Patients with injured and discolored teeth benefit from crowns, which cover teeth fully like caps. Crowns can also be porcelain ceramic, which reflects light like natural teeth.

Brighten your smile at Tarheel Dentistry today. Call our dental office for whitening treatment today at (919) 551-8847 or request a dental consultation with our dentists online. Let us know if you have any questions about teeth whitening treatment for our office. We will always be happy to assist you.