You’ve tried teeth whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, mouth rinses…still, your teeth won’t whiten. It’s more common than you may think. The problem could be that your dental stains can’t be whitened, or even lightened. What you think are topical stains may actually be discoloration embedded within your tooth structure, so chemical whitening will never be effective.
In Wasilla, AK, Dr. Jason Lane offers various cosmetic dentistry treatments to whiten teeth. Once he understands the types of stains your teeth have, he’ll suggest an effective treatment, so you can stop wasting money on unproductive solutions. Call us now at 907-373-2200 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lane.
Topical and Embedded Stains
There are two distinct types of dental stains: topical, or extrinsic, and embedded, or intrinsic. Knowing the type of stains your teeth have will allow you to find effective teeth whitening treatment.
Topical stains develop on tooth enamel. Dental enamel is porous, so red wine, dark sauces, and berries will discolor it. Tobacco, tea, and coffee can create a yellow or brown look, while other stains may appear as blue or gray. A chemical oxidation process can lift stains from dental enamel, leaving bright white teeth behind. This type of whitening is available over the counter in strips, gels, toothpaste, and mouth rinses, and in the dentist’s office. Teeth whitening systems that are available in a dentist’s office have a higher concentration of active ingredient. So, if your topical teeth stains have not responded well to over-the-counter products, dentist-administered teeth whitening may be effective.
Embedded stains usually present as either a blue-gray hue or as bright white lines that run horizontally. Oftentimes, the blue-gray discoloration is due to tetracycline, a type of antibiotic. This type of discoloration results from a patient’s mother taking the drug while pregnant, or the patient ingesting the drug early in life. White lines across teeth occur from fluorosis, a build-up of fluoride in teeth while they are developing. This, too, occurs during childhood. Swallowing fluoridated toothpaste or mouthwash day after day causes the lines that will be present in permanent teeth. Usually, we notice fluorosis on front teeth, those that show when a person smiles. Tetracycline and fluorosis are just two common examples of intrinsic dental stains.
How to Know the Difference
The white lines of fluorosis are unique, so you’ll know them on sight. However, identifying the blue-gray hue caused by tetracycline may not be as readily identifiable. The best way to know the difference is for a dentist to diagnose your dental stains. Only then will you know for sure whether chemical bleaching or whitening, is going to be effective.
The Right Teeth Whitening for Your Issues
Chemical teeth whitening systems address topical dental stains. If your stains are topical, but you’re frustrated with poor results from store-bought whitening kits, talk with Dr. Lane about professional chemical whitening, administered in our office. Because the solution we use is more potent than what you can purchase, results are often more dramatic.
Embedded stains require covering, not bleach. Porcelain or composite veneers tend to work best, though ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are also a treatment option. Dr. Lane offers all of these cosmetic procedures. He will review the benefits of each with you, provide his recommendation based on his clinical findings and your goals, then help you determine the next steps toward a bold, brighter, healthy-looking smile.
Schedule a Consult Now
Are you ready for whiter teeth? Call Lane Family Dental in Wasilla, AK today at 907-373-2200 to reserve your appointment with Dr. Lane. Dental insurance does not normally cover the cost of teeth whitening, but we will work with you to find a treatment option that meets your needs and fits your budget.
