We Fix Stained Teeth in Miami!

Stained teeth happen for a variety of reasons; lifestyle, age, dental hygiene, diet, and medications, can all influence the shade of your teeth. Some teeth stains are easy to remove, while others require the assistance of a family and cosmetic dentist.

If you're looking for help with stained teeth in Miami, read on to learn more about this condition and how CG Smile can help.

How Do Teeth Become Stained?

This fact surprises some patients. There are actually different types of teeth stains. Understanding whether your teeth stains occur on the inside of the tooth (intrinsic stains) or on the outside (extrinsic stains) helps dental professionals recommend the most effective type of treatment. Let's break down how these two main types of stains work (and what you can do about it).

• Extrinsic teeth stains. Extrinsic teeth stains are stains that occur on the outer layer of the teeth, in the minuscule pores of the enamel. Most of these stains can be removed with at-home whitening kits and with regular brushing and flossing. Plaque and tartar buildup can cause these types of stains to become locked in, therefore, regular cleanings from your dentist are also recommend. Most extrinsic causes of teeth staining are due to culprits you likely already know about: coffee, tea, wine, soda, tobacco products, and dark cooking sauces.
• Intrinsic dental stains. Intrinsic stains are those types of stains that have settled below the surface of the enamel, and even into the dentin. These are tough (but not impossible) stains to remove, but do require the help of a dental professional. Most intrinsic stains start off as extrinsic stains, but slowly work their way into the dentin. One major cause of intrinsic dental stains is consuming excess fluoride, a condition known as "fluorosis." Fluorosis affects all hard tissues including teeth and bones. Fluorosis usually occurs due to excess fluoride in the water supply — something that happens naturally in certain areas of the United States and elsewhere. Intrinsic teeth stains also present themselves with the use of certain medications, such as tetracycline and doxycycline.

What is a Tooth Stain, Anyway?

Once you understand that teeth are somewhat porous, it becomes easier to visualize how teeth become stained. Science has created a catch-all term to describe the pigments that clog dental pores, giving them a stained appearance: chromophores. If you break that term down to its Latin derivatives, the word essentially means "the thing that makes color." And, that’s exactly what chromophores do; they stain the teeth.

Chromophores form all throughout the your life. They appear as a homogenous shade of yellow or gray, but if you were to take a high-powered microscope to your teeth, you would see these a variety of multi-colored pigments in the pores of your teeth.

Age is Also a Factor

Age affects everything, doesn't it? This is also true with the composition of your teeth. As you get older, the enamel (outer layer) of your teeth begins to thin. Simultaneously, the yellow-hued dentin and pulp of your teeth begin to expand. These two factors combine to give your teeth a darker or grayer shade as you age.

Fight Teeth Stains... and Win

CG Smile is a comprehensive smile studio based in Miami, Florida. We offer a complete suite of cosmetic dentistry services to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted. If you are a fighting a losing battle with teeth stains, we are here to help. Call today for a consultation!