Discolored Teeth

Encinitas, Carlsbad, and San Diego

Discoloration can be as mild as a slight, but disconcerting dullness or yellowing, or it can be a deep dark banding. Many people live with yellowing that creeps up on us as time passes. The good news is you can have brilliant white teeth today. Dr. Walsh-Cole offers several solutions for discolored teeth.

 

Tooth whitening

 

Tooth whitening comes in several forms, including take-home kits and in-office treatments. Dullness and yellowing can be easily reversed with subtle results over time or in one quick, dramatic session. In the past, certain kinds of staining would not respond to whitening, but today’s methods allow Dr. Walsh-Cole to whiten even deep, stubborn tetracycline stains.

 

Other solutions

 

If you are planning to address multiple dental flaws, you may want to skip the whitening and consider porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers cover discoloration if your teeth do not respond to whitening. In the process multiple problems can be corrected including:

• Misshapen teeth
• Minor crookedness
• Small gaps, chips or cracks

 

Another option that can cover discoloration while solving other dental flaws is dental bonding.

 

Causes of discoloration

 

Discoloration can be the result of time and aging, it can start in childhood with elements beyond your control, or it can be the result of bad habits. The many causes of discoloration include:

• Aging
• Beverages such as red wine, tea and coffee
• Dark, staining foods
• Tobacco use
• Genetics
• Malnutrition in childhood
• Certain medications
• Excessive fluoride
• Metal restorations
• Tooth erosion
• Trauma

 

If you would like to have bright, white teeth, please learn more about tooth whitening and your other options, such as porcelain veneers by visiting us for your complimentary cosmetic consultation. Please call or email us today so we can schedule your appointment.