Teeth don't need to be perfectly white to be healthy, but yellowing teeth can affect how people feel about their smile. Discolouration can also be more than an aesthetic concern if it's a sign of an oral health problem or another serious issue.
Before you turn to over-the-counter teeth whitening products or look up home remedies, your first stop should be your dentist. They will examine your teeth to determine why they have changed colour and can recommend appropriate treatments to help you restore and maintain a naturally while smile.
What causes tooth discolouration?
Teeth can turn yellow or darken for many reasons. There are two main categories of tooth discolouration:
- Extrinsic – staining or discolouration caused by outside factors coming into contact with your teeth, such as food and drink, smoking, and plaque build-up.
- Intrinsic – discolouration caused by internal processes in your body, such as a medical condition, medication side effects, or trauma to the tooth.
Your dentist will aim to determine the likely cause or causes of your tooth discolouration so they can recommend effective treatments and address any underlying problems.
Cosmetic treatments to whiten teeth
The most suitable treatments to restore whiteness to your teeth will depend on the reason for their discolouration, the results you want to achieve, and your price range. Options may include:
- Professional whitening – Teeth whitening treatments use bleaching gels containing agents such as hydrogen peroxide that are carefully applied to teeth. Having your whitening treatment provided by an experienced cosmetic dentist improves the chance of satisfying results and minimises the risks.
- Home whitening – Your dentist can also provide a take-home kit that’s custom made to fit your mouth. These offer superior results and improved safety compared to generic kits bought from stores. However, teeth bleaching is usually only effective at treating extrinsic stains, such as those from food and drink or smoking, and it is more limited when it comes to other types of discolouration.
- Composite bonding – If your teeth have discolouration in certain areas that can't be removed by whitening, or you want a longer-term treatment, dental bonding may be an option. This treatment uses a composite resin, similar to a filling, which can be selected in a shade of your choice.
- Dental veneers – Another alternative to teeth whitening, dental veneers can cover up any type of discolouration, as they replace the surface of the tooth with a thin porcelain or resin shell. Porcelain veneers are a close match to natural tooth enamel and are more resistant to damage and stains than composite veneers, but they are also the more expensive option.
- Dental crowns – Another option for covering a tooth is to have a custom dental crown fitted. Crowns can also be made from porcelain for a natural-looking finish and can offer more support for a weakened or damaged tooth, but they require more preparation of the underlying tooth.
How to keep your teeth white
You can delay repeat whitening treatments or other cosmetic dentistry by taking steps to prevent stains and discolouration from happening. These include:
- Good brushing and flossing to reduce plaque and remove some surface staining
- Avoiding or limiting consumption of food and drinks that stain teeth or contribute to tooth decay
- Sipping drinks through a straw and not holding them in your mouth before swallowing
- Quitting smoking
- Keeping up with your regular dental visits
Book a cosmetic dentistry consultation in Brisbane
If you want to know more about teeth whitening and other options for achieving a naturally white smile, book a consult with our cosmetic dentists at Swish Dental. Call us in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or in Mitchelton on (07) 3354 3341, or book online.