Dentist Teeth Whitening Methods For Stains

Cosmetic Dental Treatments For Intrinsic Dental Discoloration

Intrinsic dental discoloration refers to discoloration associated with your dentin. Your dentin is naturally dark in color and if you have enamel erosion which causes your enamel to thin, the underlying dark dentin will show through. When this happens, it can make your teeth look stained, discolored, or dull. Cosmetic dental treatments such as bleaching are ineffective in treating intrinsic staining because the stains are not on the surface of your teeth. Porcelain veneers can enhance your smile and are very effective against tooth discoloration caused by dentin exposure. Here are some things to consider about the benefits of porcelain veneers for intrinsic staining.

Surface Application Of Veneers

Because intrinsic stains cannot be removed with cosmetic dental treatments such as over-the-counter bleaching products or professional laser bleaching treatments, they need to be concealed or covered. Cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers are applied to the surface of your front teeth to hide discolorations and other imperfections, unlike dental crowns (caps) that fit over the entire tooth.

Veneers are natural looking and comfortable and your dentist will help you choose a color that most closely matches your teeth. Veneers are durable and strong, however, after your dental veneer installation, you will need to be careful when eating hard foods and you should avoid trying to open things with your teeth and biting your nails. Doing so can damage the structure of your veneers, necessitating their replacement.

Tooth Preparation

Before your dental veneer installation, your dentist will need to prepare your tooth. They will clean and polish the tooth and then a small amount of your enamel will be removed. This helps prevent your tooth from appearing unnaturally thick or abnormally shaped. Your tooth will then be etched before the veneer is applied. 

The etching procedure makes the surface of your tooth rough and texturized so that the veneer adheres better after it has been bonded to the front of your tooth. While your dentist can prepare your tooth for your veneers without using an anesthetic, they may use a numbing agent to help prevent sensitivity during the procedure.

If you have intrinsic dental staining as a result of dentin exposure, make an appointment with your dentist. They will perform an oral examination and then determine which cosmetic dental treatments are appropriate for your situation. Once your dental restorations have been completed, you can enjoy a more attractive smile and even a boost in your self-esteem.

For more information on cosmetic dental treatments, contact a professional near you.


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