Cosmetic Dentistry Philadelphia: What to Do for Severely Stained Teeth
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Everyone has slightly yellow tints to their teeth. On top of that, staining occurs naturally as part of the aging process. You can help prevent severe tooth discoloration by making good dietary choices, practicing good oral hygiene, and scheduling routine preventive dental appointments.
But even then, you may want to do something to help your teeth look whiter. Luckily, our cosmetic dental office has multiple treatment options for those suffering from severe tooth discoloration in Philadelphia.
Why Do I Have Yellow Teeth?
Many people assume that yellowing teeth are a sign that someone is not taking good care of their teeth. But it’s often a matter of eating foods and drinking beverages that naturally darken teeth. Dentin, which is the tooth structure beneath the white enamel, is yellow. This coloring is more visible in some people’s teeth than it is on others.
It may also surprise you to learn about some of the other factors that affect the color of your teeth.
- Medication: Prescription medications like doxycycline or tetracycline may permanently alter the color of young children’s teeth. Adults who take antihistamines or blood pressure medication may also experience staining.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, as well as drinking coffee, tea, and wine can all cause severe tooth discoloration.
- Environment: Fluoride toothpaste and water with high fluoride levels can cause enamel to look darker than it should.
Porcelain Veneers
One of the most revolutionary cosmetic dentistry options on the market is porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped porcelain shells that cover the front teeth and can be matched to the shade you prefer most. With proper care, veneers can last for a very long time. Dr. Eidelson is a top Philadelphia cosmetic dentist and has placed hundreds of veneers. Call or schedule online for a veneer consult.
In-Office Teeth Whitening in Philadelphia
An in-office teeth whitening process takes an average of approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete. In-office treatments are the best option if you have limited time or don’t want to whiten at home.
Same-day treatments are great for:
- Weddings
- Graduations
- Portraits
- Job interviews
- After you have completed orthodontic treatment
When we say same day, we mean you get shades whiter that same day of treatment. We do recommend getting whitened days or weeks prior to an event. This way you aren’t limited on what beverages or foods to drink on your event day. If you have any questions about professional teeth whitening in Philadelphia, give our office a call.
Get Philly Professional Whitening at Home
Our custom take-home whitening products keep your teeth white with just a few touch-ups after routine cleanings. The products we choose use ingredients that protect tooth enamel and help to reduce sensitivity.
We recommend the following tips to help keep your teeth white after your treatment:
- Use a straw to drink
- Avoid drinking red wine, coffee, tea, or other dark liquids
- Schedule regular dental cleanings
- Use your whitening tray every three to six months to touch up your smile
Am I A Candidate For Teeth Whitening?
It’s important to check that your gums and teeth are healthy before you undergo any cosmetic treatment. Untreated gum disease or decay are contraindications to whitening. This doesn’t mean whitening your teeth is unavailable to you, it just means we need to treat these issues prior to whitening.
You will also need to replace any visible dental work, such as white fillings or porcelain crowns, that you see when you smile. Restorative materials can’t be bleached and will remain the same shade as before. We recommend whitening your teeth before updating any restorations, so that they can be matched appropriately. Request a teeth whitening consultation with our cosmetic dental team today!