If you’re unhappy with the color and brightness of your smile, count yourself among the American majority. That said, teeth whitening rates are consistently on the rise. When it comes to patients seeking cosmetic dentistry services, teeth bleaching remains one of the most requested of all procedures. Dull, yellowed teeth honestly do give a more aged appearance to an otherwise beautiful smile. If you’re considering whitening, bear in mind that there are two types of teeth stains, and one responds to whitening treatments, while the other does not.
Intrinsic Tooth Stains
Intrinsic stains begin on the inside of your teeth. Generally, intrinsic stains are caused by traumatic dental injuries or certain antibiotics and medications. Tetracycline and doxycycline are among the top meds which have proved to discolor children’s teeth when prescribed before the age of eight. Unfortunately, doctors don’t always know all of the side effects before prescribing medications. There are also certain antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and high blood pressure pills which have caused intrinsic stains on certain people. Stains which start inside the tooth don’t general respond to regular whitening. If this is the case with you, consider other cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain dental veneers.
Extrinsic Tooth Stains
Extrinsic stains are on the surface of your tooth enamel. Due to this fact, these stains are fairly easy to lighten. Common extrinsic stain causes include tobacco use and heavy consumption of food and beverages which are dark in color. If you eat a lot of berries, dark colored spices, soy sauce, or drink coffee, tea, and/or red wine, you probably have noticed your teeth dulling over the years. While extrinsic stains can cause long term discoloration of teeth when oral hygiene practices are insufficient, there is hope in the form of more brushing and flossing, and occasional professional teeth whitening. Don’t forget to visit our dental team for checkups and cleanings every six months.
Teeth Whitening from Schaumburg Cosmetic Dentist
To schedule an appointment, call our 60159 dentist office at 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.
