Orland Park Cosmetic Dentist Explains Causes of Dental Discoloration and Stains

Written by Dr. Zaibak on Aug 4, 2014

One of the most widely used innovations in cosmetic dentistry is professional teeth whitening treatment. These treatments can take years off of the appearance of your smile—transforming dental enamel from dull to sparkling white. Our Orland Park cosmetic dentists are proud to offer professional dental whitening to our patients to help them brighten their smiles and regain younger looking smiles.

 

Over the years our teeth can develop stains and discoloration due to wear and tear as well as structural changes within the teeth. The good news is that there are a number of whitening options available to help you erase these cumulative effects of aging.

 

One reason that teeth become discolored is through biological and structural changes to the teeth due to aging. As patients age, they may notice that their teeth look yellow or dark, because their white dental enamel thins, and the dark dentin that lies beneath begins to show through. Many of these cosmetic problems are somewhat unavoidable—but don’t worry there are still treatment methods that can help rejuvenate your smile!

 

Another way that teeth become discolored is through environmental staining. Certain foods and drinks—including colas, red wine, coffee, and tea—can cause streaky, dark-looking stains on dental enamel. To help avoid deep stains, make sure to rinse your mouth with water directly after eating.

 

Finally, some patients have damaged or discolored enamel as soon as their adult teeth emerge. Conditions like dental fluorosis and tetracycline staining can leave stubborn stains and unattractive grooves on teeth.

 

If you or someone you know suffers from any of these cosmetic problems, please know that there are treatment options available for you! If we find that your teeth are not receptive to traditional whitening methods, we can explore other treatment options—such as dental veneers. Give our Orland Park cosmetic dental office a call for more information or to schedule an appointment!