While we all wish to have bright, white teeth, many factors can cause discoloration or staining. Many of these factors can be eliminated or prevented, and most can be treated with tooth whitening procedures.
The most common, and most treatable, causes of stained tooth enamel are dietary. Various foods and beverages can stain the teeth, including coffee, tea, and other strongly-colored foods. Tobacco also causes stains. Because these substances stain the outside surface of the teeth, this is referred to as extrinsic staining. Extrinsic staining can be eliminated with tooth whitening treatments.
Intrinsic staining discolors the deeper layers of the tooth, and is often resistant to tooth whitening treatment. Intrinsic staining can be caused by:
- Trauma
- Excessive fluoride intake
- Some antibiotics
- Tetracycline
- Hereditary factors
Fluoride, antibiotics and tetracycline staining occurs during the formation of the permanent teeth and becomes part of the structure of the tooth. This kind of discoloration can be corrected with porcelain veneers if tooth whitening isn’t effective.
Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro offer powerful tooth whitening procedures in their Mesa, Arizona offices. The BioLase Laser Bleaching technique uses a powerful light to remove stains from the surface of the teeth and is performed right in the office. Alternately, the UltraDent system provides a take-home kit for tooth whitening in the comfort of your home. They also offer Zoom! tooth whitening.
If your discoloration does not respond to these treatments, Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro also offer porcelain veneers to restore your white, beautiful smile.
For more information about tooth whitening in Mesa, Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona, please contact Dr. Scott LeSueur and Dr. Charles Dodaro at their Mesa, Arizona offices. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have and schedule an initial consultation.