Physical features are the best way to make a good impression on anyone. For most people, teeth play a vital role because a beautiful smile goes a long way. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of being able to afford dental care services that they might need. Among many dental problems that require treatment, one of the most common is tooth discoloration.
There are many reasons why teeth can lose their pearly-white appearance, which we will touch upon in this article. Read on below to learn more.
Why Teeth Discolorations Happen
It’s no secret that everyone wants a pearly-white smile. Unfortunately, teeth discoloration gets in the way of that. Teeth discoloration occurs for a variety of reasons, some of which are beyond our control. It can either be due to aging or accidents that get in the way of the tooth enamel’s development. In some cases, food containing chromogens or acid stain our teeth as well.
Below are some of the reasons that can cause tooth discoloration:
- Aging
- Starchy food like potatoes and pasta, and drinks like colas, coffee, and wine.
- Poor dental hygiene, such as forgetting to brush and floss teeth regularly, allows plaque and other bacteria to build up
- Skipping dentist appointments
- Constant tobacco use, such as smoking and chewing it
- Taking certain medications such as antihistamine, doxycycline, and tetracycline
- Using a mouthwash that contains cetylpyridinium and chlorhexidine
- Dental treatments may also inadvertently cause discoloration, such as amalgam restoration with silver sulfide. This gives your teeth a gray-black color
- Trauma from person-to-person contact activities, such as sports
What Are the Treatment Options
Tooth discoloration occurs differently among people. Naturally, treatment options will also differ because not everyone is compatible with every possible teeth whitening method. The type of stain a person’s teeth have will determine how many shades it will require. It’s also worth noting that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve whitening products, so you should talk with your dentist about possible options.
If your teeth have discoloration, you’ll need to visit your dentist because they will be the one to evaluate your situation and what kind of treatment you’ll need. For more accurate treatment, they can also tell what type of staining you have (if it’s caused by your lifestyle or otherwise).
How Expensive Are Teeth Whitening Services
Teeth whitening services can range from $450 to $1,000 per session, depending on the type of treatment you’re getting and your location. Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover a discoloration treatment because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure since it’s deemed unnecessary. However, some practices offer discounts or payment packages, so be sure to ask your dentist about them.
Can Restorations Be Whitened
Unfortunately, dental restorations, such as bonding, bridges, crowns, dentures, implants, and veneers, can’t be whitened. The reason for this is that these treatments are done using artificial materials, such as porcelain. The only thing that can be whitened is natural enamels. Additionally, a dentist will only approve if the discoloration is reversible as they see fit.
Conclusion
Tooth discoloration is a pretty huge problem, but the good news is it’s entirely reversible. Luckily, you don’t have to worry because removing teeth stains are doable by any dentist, so you can be sure that you’ll get a healthy smile when you undergo treatment.
Dental House MI offers top-quality services for teeth whitening in Waterford. We believe every person should have a beautiful smile to boost confidence, and our dental professionals will help patients achieve this goal at affordable prices. Contact us today to learn more!