The main causes of discolored teeth are poor oral hygiene, age, tobacco use, and foods and beverages. A build-up of bacteria can create plaque and tartar, which make the teeth appear discolored. Over time, as teeth wear down, the layer beneath the tooth enamel can show through. This underlayer, called dentin, is darker than the enamel. Tobacco products, including cigarettes and vaping pens, stain the tooth enamel yellow. Certain foods and beverages are also staining because they contain pigments called chromogens. Berries, tomatoes, coffee, tea, wine, and soda discolor teeth.
At Howard County Smiles, we want our patients to address their dental health and feel confident in their smiles. Brightening the tooth enamel can address both aesthetics and oral health. Dr. Ray Becker offers a variety of teeth whitening solutions for his patients in Columbia, MD. He works with patients individually to meet their specific needs and goals.
Dental Treatments to Whiten Discolored Teeth
Dr. Becker and his dental team offer these options to whiten stained, yellowed, and discolored teeth:
- Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment: Patients can receive quick results with in-office whitening treatment or whiten their own smiles in the comfort of their own homes with take-home whitening. Sinsational Smiles teeth whitening uses silicone trays that are filled with whitening gel. Zoom! teeth whitening uses a whitening gel that is applied to the teeth then activated with a special light. Both of these in-office treatments offer immediate results and can be repeated multiple times to reach the right enamel shade. Dr. Becker can also create custom whitening trays for patients who choose take-home Zoom! teeth whitening treatment.
- Tooth Bonding: Dental bonding uses a biocompatible resin material to cover imperfections, including tooth discoloration. Dr. Becker can color-match bonding material so that single discolored teeth blend in with the rest of the smile.
- Porcelain Veneers: Tooth veneers are thin, porcelain ceramic shells that are bonded to the tooth enamel. Because they are crafted from porcelain ceramic, our veneers reflect light and look like natural teeth.
Brighten Your Smile Today
Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Becker online. If you are a new patient, call Howard County Smiles at (410) 415-9013. Current patients may contact Dr. Becker’s dental office at (410) 730-4674.