The colour of your teeth comes from the inside of the tooth, and may become darker over time. Moreover as we grow older, the outer layer of our tooth enamel can wear down, to expose a darker or yellow shade beneath.
Other factors such as excessive fluoridation during tooth development, smoking,
or drinking tea, coffee and red wine can also contribute to tooth
discolouration, leaving them yellow and dull. Even certain medications
taken as a child such as tetracycline, can cause teeth to become stained.
If you have yellowed , greying or discoloured teeth, don’t
despair, there are many options for solving this problem.
- Teeth whitening or Tooth bleaching
Tooth whitening (also known as teeth bleaching) is a simple,
non-invasive dental treatment that is used to change the colour of your natural
tooth enamel, making it the ideal way to enhance your smile. These treatments
usually work best on teeth that have discoloured over time with extrinsic
stains such as smoking, coffee, tea, and staining foods over time. There are
many ways to do this from the, custom made trays, to the more sophisticated
systems with laser and light treatments.
Before proceeding with teeth whitening, it is important to
have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if you are a suitable
candidate. Particular cases such a
staining caused by tetracycline and fluorosis can be difficult to bleach and
your dentist may offer other dental options, such as veneers or crowns to cover
up these stains.
As teeth whitening will only work on natural tooth enamel,
your dentist will also evaluate whether it is necessary to replace any old
fillings, crowns, etc. before the bleaching process begins. Once the bleaching
is done, any new restorations can be matched to the shade of your newly
whitened teeth.
As teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, we advise
that you schedule a touch-up every couple of years to keep your smile looking
bright.
- Tooth Veneers
For teeth that have been discoloured by intrinsic stains
such as tetracycline or antibiotic use, fluorosis or developmental abnormalities formed from childhood, these are more resistant to traditional tooth whitening
methods. Veneers may be placed over the teeth to cover the stained teeth.
Veneers can make your teeth look natural and healthy,
improving the colour, shape and position of your teeth. They can hide stained,
chipped, misshaped or crooked teeth, or cover gaps in teeth where orthodontic
treatment may not be suitable.
Unlike crowns or caps, porcelain laminate veneers don't
require the removal of much tooth structure. Veneers are usually created in a
dental laboratory from the impression of the teeth. During the first visit, the
colour is matched using a shade guide then the teeth are filed down a bit. Then
the teeth are fitted with temporaries while the veneers are being created at
the lab. Then the veneers are cemented directly onto your teeth and polished to
a natural, aesthetic smile
Teeth whitening option may provide a whiter smile for mildly discoloured
teeth , but if you have a severe case of dull or discoloured teeth, you have to opt
for dental veneers. Veneers also have the added benefits of longevity and a
proven ability to enhance the appearance of your mouth, smile, and possibly
other areas of an aged face that would be better supported by properly shaped
teeth. Although veneers require a much larger commitment than teeth whitening,
the results are well worth it.
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