Teeth stains are unfortunately a natural part of getting older. Dark beverages and foods, as well as tobacco use, will expedite this natural yellowing and dulling of your smile. There are other issues which can cause either extrinsic (outside) or intrinsic (inside) stains on your teeth. Fluorosis is a rare condition which occurs when young children are exposed to too much fluoride, creating patchy discoloration on their newly emerging teeth. Libertyville cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg will tell you about another cause of unwanted teeth stains: reaction to medication.
Tetracycline Stains
Tetracycline is a highly effective antibiotic which used to be prescribed more frequently. Unfortunately, children and even pregnant women took the drug when doctors believed it was perfectly safe. What was eventually discovered was that when children under 8-years-old (or the fetus of a child-bearing woman who takes tetracycline can have terrible dental side effects. As the child’s primary teeth begin to erupt through their gum tissues, significant discoloration is seen. Tetracycline stains usually begins as dark yellow but transition into a disconcerting brown over time as the child’s teeth are exposed to light.
Covering Up Medication Stains
If you are dealing with tetracycline stains on your smile which were never fixed, you’ve probably tried teeth whitening to no avail. There are also other medications which can cause the same staining phenomenon. While it’s always best to try the least invasive means to fixing a smile that you’re not happy with, you don’t want to waste your time and money. Teeth bleaching focuses on the tooth enamel which only helps with extrinsic stains. The best bet for covering up intrinsic teeth discoloration is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers will provide you with a flawless looking white, bright smile which will completely cover stains.
Teeth Whitening from Libertyville Cosmetic Dentist
Do you have unwanted stains on your teeth from medication? Dr. Engelberg offers both in-office professional bleaching, and at-home bleaching maintenance kits for truly noticeable, safe teeth whitening. To reach our 60048 dentist office, call 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
