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Depending on your budget, time frame, and whitening goals, a professional whitening treatment may be the best option for you. Your dentist can set you up with a custom-made kit that includes a mouth tray designed by the exact shape of your teeth and professional whitening gel. Your dentist could also whiten your teeth in one visit to the office; your teeth can get up to ten shades whiter in just one appointment. Professional whitening is a great way to get fast results safely with your dentist monitoring potential pain or sensitivity sometimes associated with whitening treatments. Unfortunately, there are certain stains that may not be removed even with a professional whitening treatment. 

Stains Within The Teeth

Professional whitening can remove most stains that effect the external layer of the teeth. These types of stains are called extrinsic stains. Conversely, intrinsic stains refer to discoloration that happens to the inner layers of the teeth. Since professional whitening only reaches within the enamel or outer layer of the teeth, it cannot change the shade of intrinsic stains or discoloration. Intrinsic stains can be caused from a wide variety of reasons ranging from internal tooth trauma to certain medications.

How do you treat intrinsic stains?

Intrinsic discoloration cannot be treated, but it can be covered with cosmetic treatments. Depending on the extent of the discoloration, dental bonding or porcelain veneers can help you reach the desired level of whiteness and brightness that you may be looking for. Dental bonding is a cosmetic resin that hardens into a material very similar to enamel. It is applied directly to your tooth, and it can be color-matched to your desired outcome. Porcelain veneers are shells that are applied to the fronts of your teeth. They, too, can be chosen in a color that can help you obtain the smile of your dreams.

Your dentist can help you determine which type of stain you have

Ask Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris about how to treat tooth stains. Schedule a consultation at Mansfield Dental Associates by calling 817-473-6227. Located in Mansfield, TX, we also welcome patients and families from all surrounding communities including South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian, and more.