Have you noticed that your teeth aren’t as white and bright as they used to be?
Are you concerned that discolored teeth may be more than a cosmetic issue?
Discolored teeth are one of the most common dental concerns among dental patients. Dentists can treat most tooth stains quickly and efficiently with a simple teeth whitening procedure. Other times, discolored teeth are an indication of a more serious health problem, which a dentist can correct using restorative dental procedures.
Sometimes yellow and discolored teeth are unattractive, causing teeth to look old or dirty. Patients with stained teeth may feel embarrassment and hide their smile in photos or while laughing. Fortunately, Dr. Trinkner and Dr. Keefer are here to help! Our dentists in Columbia SC, Dr. Trinkner and Dr. Keefer may recommend in-office professional teeth whitening, a take-home kit, or a combination of both for maximum results. No over-the-counter kits can beat professional in-office teeth whitening.
White and bright smiles can help our patients feel more confident in professional and personal interactions. Our dentist office offers a range of tooth whitening treatment options to enhance the beauty of your appearance with a brighter, more youthful-looking smile.
Causes of Discolored Teeth
The cause of discolored teeth can be by a number of factors. Dietary and lifestyle habits, aging, genetics, and injury are all common causes of tooth discoloration.
- Yellow stained teeth. Yellow teeth are common as you age. Yellow teeth occur when tooth enamel wears away either from age, dietary habits, smoking, or genetics. As the tooth enamel wears away over time, the yellow dentin layer of the tooth becomes exposed. You can whiten yellow teeth with the use of professional-grade whitening gels. Dr. Trinkner offers in-office and customized take-home whitening kits to safely and effectively whiten and brighten yellow teeth.
- Dark spots on teeth. The cause of dark or brown spots on the teeth is usually trauma. A trauma or hard impact on the tooth can also cause the dark spot to form. Certain antibiotics and medications may also cause dark spots to form on teeth. Be sure to let Dr. Trinkner or Dr. Keefer know if you are on any medications to allow for effective treatment. Dark spots are generally resistant to traditional whitening methods and may require porcelain veneers or dental bonding to cover the discoloration.
- White spots on teeth. The cause of bright white spots are typically from overexposure to fluoride during the development of the teeth. Your dentist can sometimes treat white spots with whitening trays or in office whitening gels. For white spots that he cannot blend into the teeth using bleaching gels, Dr. Trinkner offers alternative cosmetic treatment options to even out the appearance of the smile.
How To Whiten Teeth in Columbia, SC
Teeth whitening can provide patients with a quick and economical “smile makeover” that can sometimes transform their overall appearance, especially for those who have yellowing and stained teeth from years of smoking or consuming dark sugary foods and beverages.
Professional Teeth Bleaching
Our team can complete an in-office treatment in approximately one hour so you can return immediately to your every-day life without issue. We use high-quality, professional-grade products that we apply using custom-fit bleaching trays for an even application and comfort. Our patients typically see results that are up to 8 shades lighter after treatment!
The take-home teeth whitening kit includes the same professional quality products as well as a set of customized bleaching trays. For maximum results, patients can receive an in-office treatment and follow up with a take-home kit!
Teeth whitening can last for up to a year with good oral hygiene, including regular preventive care cleanings and exams. For long-lasting results, it is important to avoid tobacco use and the frequent consumption of dark foods and beverages- especially coffee and teas.
Our office uses the safest and most effective teeth bleaching products. Your dentist will create a custom-fit bleaching tray to protect the gums and whiten teeth evenly. Teeth bleaching gel is ideal for gradually removing mild to moderate tooth discoloration and stains caused by food, beverages, tobacco, medication, and age. To learn about our teeth whitening treatment options, visit Teeth whitening.
Other Options
If your teeth do not respond to teeth whitening treatments, there are other options that you may consider, such as porcelain veneers, tooth bonding, dental crowns, and other dental restorations. We can cover up deep stains and restore a bright white appearance if the discoloration is not causing oral health issues.
Request a Tooth Discoloration Consultation
To maintain your white smile, avoid dark foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and soda. If you do enjoy these drinks, use a straw to prevent the liquid from coming in contact with the tooth enamel. Abstain from smoking and tobacco use which are the most common causes of stained and yellow teeth.
Request a dental exam and discolored teeth consultation with Dr. Tom Trinkner or Dr. Nick Keefer today. We can determine the cause of your tooth discoloration and recommend the appropriate treatments. Give us a call at 803-400-8729 today!