Your Dentist in Phillipsburg Shows You How to Make Teeth Whiter

Over the years, cosmetic dentistry has truly come a long way. There are so many ways to remove and cover the stains that plague your teeth, robbing it of it’s white potential. The key to revitalizing your smile is to find the right treatment that fits your needs. That’s why your dentist in Phillipsburg is excited to show you exactly how it can be done.

Before you seek treatment, you need to understand what kind of stains you have. This way you don’t waste money on a treatment that your dentist already knows won’t work. Luckily, that’s why they’re here to guide you in the right direction.

What Can Cause Teeth Discoloration?

It’s very common for people’s teeth to yellow with age. It’s exactly why teeth-whitening treatments are considered one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the country. However, natural tooth color is often affected by extrinsic or surface stains as well. These are more likely causes by the foods you eat and products you use, such as:

• Tobacco (smoked or chewed)
• Coffee, red wine, or dark-colored teas
• Highly pigmented foods like cherries, blueberries, and blackberries

There’s also more significant stains that lie deeper in the tooth, known as intrinsic stains. These are generally caused by:

• Treatment with tetracycline, an antibiotic designed to reduce acne. Staining occurs when the teeth are still developing.
• Yellowing or graying as you age.
• Trauma to the teeth such as a dental injury or resulting from a root canal treatment. Death of the tooth’s nerve can cause a brown, gray, or black color.
• Ingesting too much fluoride while teeth are still developing (from birth to age 16).

To Treat Extrinsic Stains

There are multiple ways to treat extrinsic stains both in and outside the office. Using a teeth-whitening toothpaste can help you remove stains you gather throughout the day, but for more effective treatments, you’ll want to visit your Phillipsburg dentist. They offer Zoom! Chairside Whitening which can remove stains and whiten teeth in only an hour.

However, if you’d rather whiten teeth on your own time, there’s also the Glo Whitening take-home kit that lets you whiten teeth on your own time. The kit consists of bleaching gel, a mouthpiece, and a light system that activates the highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide. You’ll start the treatment initially in-office and then finish it at home.

How to Treat Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains won’t typically respond to teeth-whitening treatments, which is why your dentist in Phillipsburg will recommend composite bonding and porcelain veneers as a more permanent solution to whiten teeth.

Composite bonding uses a putty-like resin to cover discolored areas of your teeth. It’s shaded before application so that it matches the shade of the rest of your teeth, allowing it to blend in more effectively. Porcelain veneers act as covers on the surface of your teeth. First, your dentist buffs your teeth to make room for them, then uses a mold that’s sent to a dental lab. There, your veneer is fabricated and placed at a later appointment.

Still not sure which treatment is best for you? Schedule a smile makeover with your dentist in Phillipsburg today for more help!

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey R. DeMartino is trained and certified in all advanced cosmetic dental procedures, including whitening, composite bonding, and porcelain veneers. He’s even pioneered his own technique to be used in tandem with tooth restorations. To learn more about his expertise and practice, contact him at (908) 859-5260 or visit his website.