Dental staining and discoloration can make your smile look older and less healthy than it really is. This aesthetic problem is exceedingly common, especially among adult dental patients. Our Santa Monica teeth whitening dentists are here to help you minimize discoloration as much as possible, and to effectively treat existing stains.
The first thing to keep in mind is that different patients have different natural tooth shades. Some of us are simply born with whiter teeth, teeth with blue or beige undertones, etc.
Then, as we go through our daily lives, our teeth can take on discoloration from substances like foods, drinks, and especially tobacco products. Coffee, red wine, soft drinks, red sauces, chocolate, and more can all contribute to environmental staining.
Plus, as our enamel begins to thin over time our teeth may start to look less white and less luminous. Dental enamel is brighter and whiter than the dental layer that sits directly under it—the dentin. So, if your enamel gets thinner, more of the yellow and dull dentin is able to show through to the surface of the tooth.
In order to effectively treat dental discoloration, it is critical that our team pinpoint the root cause of your aesthetic issues. Environmental stains, for example, are often very receptive to topical professional whitening treatments. These whitening formulations lift color deposits from the patient’s teeth in order to restore the enamel to its previous color.
If your smile has changed color due to structural dental changes, you may be better off using bonding or veneers to resurface these teeth. A layer of custom-shaded dental resin or porcelain can brighten your smile dramatically.
No matter what your specific situation, the fact remains that you don’t have to live with dental stains and discoloration. There are treatment options available to you that can refresh your smile quickly!
Our Santa Monica teeth whitening dentists are here to help you find the perfect cosmetic treatment for you. Give us a call to get started!