tips for adjusting to dentures

Many people want whiter teeth. Bright, white teeth can help make a smile look more attractive. Nevertheless, different dental applications may be needed based on the type of dental discoloration. Here are a few things that cause discoloration and the appropriate treatments to correct the color of the teeth.

Food and Drink

The colorants in the beverages and foods that you consume can stain your teeth. Small particles of pigments get trapped in the pores of the tooth material. Over time, they build up, increasingly discoloring the teeth.

Peroxide-based teeth-whitening products are commonly used to remove food and beverage-based stains. These products are applied to the enamel surface and allowed to rest on the teeth for the prescribed time. If the product is applied by a professional, ultraviolet light may be applied to the product-coated teeth to intensify the effects of the treatment. A single professional teeth-whitening treatment can improve the whiteness of the teeth by several shades. Still, multiple sessions may be required to achieve the maximum whitening effect.

Birth Defect

Some people are born with a congenital condition that darkens their teeth. Due to the defect, the discoloration is permanent and cannot be whitened with chemical products. Nevertheless, the look of the teeth can be improved using veneers or crowns.

A dental veneer is a microthin resin or porcelain shell that has been fabricated in the shape of a tooth. The veneers are applied to the front of the discolored teeth, hiding the discoloration. Unlike a dental veneer, a dental crown encircles the full portion of the tooth that is exposed in the mouth. The entire natural crown of the tooth is covered. Both dental veneers and tooth-colored dental crowns can be selected in shades that are whiter than the natural tooth enamel can achieve.

Tartar

Teeth may also become discolored by tartar accumulations. Tartar, which is plaque that has hardened, has a yellow hue. The substance tends to build up around the gum line and between the teeth. Even though the actual tooth material may appear white, the tartar can cause the teeth to appear yellow.

Tartar can be removed during routine dental cleanings. The dentist scrapes the material away using a scaler. To ensure that the tartar does not build up significantly, teeth should be professionally cleaned at least twice a year.

If you suffer from dental discoloration, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your local area who offers dental cleaning and teeth whitening services. Contact a resource like Kyle J Frisinger DMD in order to learn more.