How do dentists treat discolored teeth?
Dentists use different tooth discoloration treatments depending on the underlying cause and whether the stains affect the outer or inner layers of your teeth.
Teeth whitening
Dentists may offer in-office or at-home professional teeth whitening treatments. These methods use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break up stains and lift them from your teeth. Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains. But some whitening products can remove deep dental (intrinsic) stains, too.
In-office bleaching takes about one hour to complete. Most take-home whitening treatments require 30- to 60-minute daily treatments for up to six weeks. There are pros and cons to each. Ask your dentist which option is right for you.
Dental bonding
If you have deep tooth discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening, your dentist may recommend dental bonding. This procedure involves applying tooth-colored composite resin to conceal discolored teeth.
Bonding is much more affordable compared to other options (like porcelain veneers), but you’ll probably need touch-ups every five to seven years. Dental bonding might not be the best option if you have several discolored teeth.
Porcelain veneers
If you have widespread tooth discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. These tooth-colored ceramic shells are thin, yet strong. A dentist permanently bonds (glues) them to the front surfaces of your teeth to camouflage discoloration or other cosmetic flaws like chipping or misshapen teeth.
A dentist has to replace porcelain veneers every five to 15 years. Veneers aren’t reversible.
Dental crowns
Sometimes tooth discoloration is a symptom of cavities. If you have weakened or decayed teeth in addition to discoloration, your dentist may recommend dental crowns.
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over your tooth, protecting it from further damage. Dental crowns help improve the health and function of your teeth as well as their appearance.
How can I fix discolored teeth at home?
You can find over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening treatments in any oral health aisle. These products include rinses, pastes, strips and do-it-yourself bleaching trays.
While some over-the-counter products are safe and effective, others can damage your enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities and erosion. That’s why it’s important to talk to your dentist before making a purchase.
In general, ingredients to avoid include:
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
- Activated charcoal.
- Citric acid.
When shopping for teeth whitening products, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means that experts have tested the safety and effectiveness of these products and deemed them safe for use.
Can I prevent tooth discoloration?
While you can’t prevent deep dental stains due to trauma, medications or health conditions, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of everyday surface discoloration:
- Brush your teeth two to three times a day using a soft-bristled brush and ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss between your teeth once a day.
- Limit foods and drinks that stain teeth, like tea, coffee, cola and red wine.
- Drink lots of water and rinse your mouth after drinking beverages that could cause tooth discoloration.
- Quit smoking.
- Visit your dentist for routine cleanings and exams.
FAQs
Dentists may offer in-office or at-home professional teeth whitening treatments. These methods use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break up stains and lift them from your teeth. Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains.
How to fix one discolored tooth at-home? ›
The patient should use 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel nightly for one – four weeks on the discoloured tooth. A reassessment with the dentist should be planned of the tooth colour.
Can tooth discoloration be reversed? ›
We can correct deep tooth staining and discoloration, but it is a lengthy process. Unfortunately, once staining has reached interior enamel, it is much more difficult to reverse. This is different from surface stains, which your dentist can treat with teeth whitening in two visits.
Can a Discoloured tooth heal? ›
In some cases, the tooth will heal itself; however, it is common for the tooth to remain discolored or even die. Depending on the type of damage, treatment may involve a root canal to remove the dead tissue and bleaching or cosmetic restorations to improve the color of the tooth.
What is the best dental treatment for Discoloured teeth? ›
Teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers, crowns, and dental cleaning are all effective treatments for yellow or discoloured teeth.
How can I restore my tooth enamel color? ›
Can You Restore Tooth Enamel?
- Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
- Cleaning between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental device.
- Avoid sugary, starchy, and acidic foods.
- Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
Generally at this concentration you would need to have your teeth in contact with the 3% hydrogen peroxide for about 5 hours a day for about 2-3 weeks to have meaningful tooth whitening, which is very difficult to do with a watery liquid.
How to make a dead tooth white again? ›
There is a cure and the answer is non vital bleaching. This is where a root canal treatment is performed, or if previously in place it is slightly modified and bleach is put into the back of the tooth.
How to lighten one dark tooth? ›
treatment options may include single crowns, veneers, bonding, or bleaching. Bleaching is the most conservative option to consider, but the potential for a successful outcome varies based on the cause and extent of the discoloration.
How do you cover up a discolored tooth? ›
5 Ways to Correct Tooth Discoloration
- Teeth Bleaching.
- ICON DMT White Spot Treatment.
- Cosmetic Bonding.
- Porcelain Veneers.
- Full Crowns.
- Get a Professional Opinion.
If there are no other signs of injury, damage, or infection, Dr. Alex will typically recommend that you simply leave the tooth alone. Over time, the blood supply will return to normal, and the grayish, purplish discoloration of the tooth will go away.
Is a discolored tooth dead? ›
A dead tooth is a tooth that's no longer receiving a fresh supply of blood. For many people, discoloration may be one of the first signs of a dying tooth. You may also experience pain in the tooth or gums. Healthy teeth are usually a shade of white, though the color can vary depending on your diet and oral hygiene.
How do you fix a single discolored tooth? ›
When you've got a chipped or discolored tooth, you have plenty of options to hide the flaw. Dental veneers and crowns can both solve the problem, but these procedures have two drawbacks. They can be expensive and they often require more than one appointment to allow time for manufacture of the dental appliance.
Is tooth discoloration permanent? ›
Tooth discoloration associated with celiac disease is permanent. Most stains and spots caused by fluorosis or tooth decay are likewise irreversible. For permanent or stubborn brown spots on the teeth a dentist may be able to hide discolorations, or prevent further discoloration, with: white composite fillings.
What is the most common cause of tooth discoloration? ›
The Seven Most Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
- #7: Poor Dental Hygiene. ...
- #6: Certain Medications. ...
- #5: Too Much Fluoride. ...
- #4: Tooth Trauma. ...
- #3: Genetics. ...
- #2: Tobacco Use. ...
- #1: Dark foods and drinks.
If the tooth is dead, it will often get darker in color, and a person may notice a yellow, gray, or black discoloration. A change in color usually occurs because the red blood cells are dying. This is a very similar effect to bruising.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.
