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Depending on the type of stains that your teeth have, a professional whitening treatment may be the best option for you. Your dentist can provide two types of professional whitening treatments: a take-home kit or an in-office treatment. The take-home customized kit includes a mouth tray designed to fit the exact shape of your teeth and professional whitening gel. An in-office treatment typically takes just one visit to the office, where your teeth can get up to ten shades whiter. Professional whitening can be great way to get fast results safely with your dentist monitoring for any pain or sensitivity. Unfortunately, there are certain types of tooth stains that may not be removed even with a professional whitening treatment. 

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains

Professional whitening can remove most stains that effect the external layer of the teeth, which are known as extrinsic stains. However, intrinsic stains refer to discoloration that happens within the inner layers of the teeth. Intrinsic stains can be caused from a whole host of reasons ranging from internal tooth trauma to aging to certain medications. Intrinsic stains can affect just one tooth, a few teeth, or all of your teeth.

How Do You Deal With Intrinsic Discoloration?

Intrinsic discoloration cannot be removed by a whitening treatment, but it can be covered with cosmetic treatments. Depending on the extent of the tooth discoloration, dental bonding or porcelain veneers can help you reach the desired level of whiteness that you may be looking for. Dental bonding is a cosmetic resin, very similar to enamel to appearance and function. It is the same material used in tooth-colored fillings. Bonding is applied directly to your tooth, and it can be color-matched to the desired shade. Porcelain veneers are very thin shells applied to the fronts of your teeth. Both cosmetic options can cover up discoloration that comes from deep within your teeth.

Your dentist can help you determine how best to treat your tooth stains.

Talk to Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris if you have tooth discoloration. 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.