Teeth that are stained, yellowing, and discolored can detract from your overall appearance and impact your confidence in your smile. Drs. Rafat and Izadi offer personalized care for addressing tooth discoloration and tooth stains. Brighten your smile with the most effective and lasting whitening solution. From a teeth whitening treatment to custom porcelain veneers, our goal is to whiten your teeth safely and help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
Why Do Teeth Darken?
Teeth can change color for a number of reasons, and noticeable or sudden changes in the color of a tooth should be addressed quickly to avoid more permanent damage due to an infection or advanced decay. There are also certain medications that can lead to darkened or “gray” teeth, such as tetracycline.
Teeth also darken as we age due to changes in the condition of the tooth enamel over time and from daily wear. The slow reduction in the amount of tooth enamel covering a tooth allows the darker dentin material to be reflected more visibly and can also give teeth a translucent appearance.
Whitening an aging or discolored smile can provide an instant smile makeover and also have an effect on your overall appearance, making you look more youthful.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Hunt Valley
Advanced Dental Health offers both in-office professional teeth whitening and customized take-home teeth whitening kits, depending on your needs and budget. Dr. Rafat or Dr. Izadi will meet with you initially to evaluate the condition of your teeth and the underlying cause of your tooth stains or discoloration, to be sure that teeth whitening bleaching agents will be effective for you. It’s recommended that your teeth be clean and healthy prior to your teeth whitening treatment.
While an in-office treatment can provide immediate visible results, our customized take-home kits also offer superior and consistent results when compared to over-the-counter options. Take-home kits will require a brief office visit for taking impressions, which are used in the creation of your custom-fit bleaching trays.
Alternatives to Teeth Whitening
If it is determined that your tooth stains are resistant to bleaching materials, we can offer alternatives to a teeth whitening treatment that will whiten your smile with lasting results.
Dr. Rafat or Dr. Izadi will recommend the most suitable options for your consideration. We will create a personalized treatment plan to achieve a whiter, brighter smile that will last for years to come. Treatment options include:
1) Dental crowns: When you have discolored teeth due to medication side effects, you may not be a good candidate for traditional teeth whitening. Cosmetic dental crowns can be used to restore your tooth or teeth, the same way they are used after a root canal. Learn more about our dental crown options.
2) Porcelain veneers: Are you hiding your smile because of discolored teeth that have deep, dark stains that show through your tooth enamel? Porcelain veneers can hide those cosmetic imperfections on teeth in your smile zone. Teeth whitening has no effect on those types of stains. If they do not pose any dental health concerns, your best option is getting porcelain veneers for permanent and long-lasting results. Learn more about our porcelain veneers options.
3) Tooth bonding: Another great option that is similar to porcelain veneers is tooth bonding. This procedure is more of a temporary fix to your discolored teeth, as it is not as permanent.
Discolored Teeth FAQs
Discolored teeth are a problem that almost everyone will experience. Learn more below.
Are yellow teeth always unhealthy?
Not necessarily. Many healthy teeth naturally appear slightly yellow because the dentin beneath the enamel has a yellow tint. However, sudden discoloration, dark spots, or changes in a single tooth may indicate decay, trauma, or another dental concern. It’s always a good idea to have unusual changes evaluated by your dentist.
What causes deep stains that whitening cannot remove?
Some stains develop beneath the enamel and are known as intrinsic stains. These can result from certain medications, dental trauma, aging, or changes in tooth development. Because these stains are inside the tooth, whitening products may not be effective. Cosmetic treatments can often provide a more predictable improvement.
Why is one tooth darker than the others?
A single dark tooth may be the result of previous trauma, an infection, an old dental filling, or changes inside the tooth. Unlike general staining, this type of discoloration often requires a dental evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Treating the source of the problem is important before improving the tooth’s appearance.
Will whitening damage my teeth?
When performed under the supervision of a dental professional, teeth whitening is considered safe for healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health before treatment and recommend the most appropriate whitening option. Following professional instructions also helps reduce temporary sensitivity.
What if my teeth are too stained for whitening?
Some discoloration is resistant to whitening because it occurs inside the tooth rather than on the surface. If whitening is unlikely to achieve your desired results, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or cosmetic crowns to create a brighter, natural-looking smile.
Should I whiten my teeth before getting crowns or veneers?
In many cases, yes. Whitening is often completed first because crowns, veneers, and fillings do not change color after they are placed. Whitening beforehand allows your dentist to match your restorations to your brighter smile for the most natural-looking results.