Tooth stains and discoloration can detract from your appearance. If you’re unhappy with your the shade of your teeth or are dealing with stubborn staining, we hear you. That’s why we created this list of ways to combat tooth stains and get your smile back.

If your tooth discoloration hasn’t responded to non-clinical whitening efforts (over-the-counter whitening toothpaste, changing your diet, whitening rinse, etc), you might have staining that goes deeper than the tooth’s outer layer. This staining occurs below the enamel in the dentin of the tooth.

Thin, transparent enamel can allow the darker color of the tooth’s dentin to show through, creating a brownish or grayish hue to the teeth. Similarly, taking medications like doxycycline as a child can cause the dentin of the tooth to darken even more, creating gray-brown patches or stripes on the teeth.

Intrinsic stains occur deep in the tooth. They generally don’t respond to over-the-counter whiteners, which can be frustrating for individuals who just want a beautiful smile.

You may need to visit your dentist for a professional whitening if your tooth stains just won’t go away. Crowns, caps or cosmetic veneers can also correct stubborn tooth discoloration that even professional whitening can’t fix.

Extrinsic staining occurs when the outer layer of the teeth are discolored by foods, aging, or smoking. This type of staining occurs on the enamel, the outer layer of tooth that protects the interior dentin and pulp.

Extrinsic staining is easier to correct than intrinsic. In fact, most whitening toothpastes will help fix this type of staining. However, if you still aren’t pleased with the color of your teeth after using whitening products, visit your dentist for professional whitening.

For individuals suffering from age-related tooth discoloration, the best option may be dental veneers or crowns, as age-related staining isn’t typically fixed with traditional whitening.

Patriot Family Dental in Clarksville, Tennessee is proud to offer powerful professional whitening services that can restore the beauty and luster of your smile.

We currently offer KoR whitening, in-office teeth whitening and at-home whitening kits. We also offer a full range of smile beautification procedures, including cosmetic veneers, crowns and bridges.  

Contact us today to schedule your appointment or to learn more about our teeth whitening services.

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