Bad Breath: You Don't Have to Live with It

Superficial dental staining is often caused by foods and drinks that are darkly pigmented. These include coffee, cherries, red wine, cola, and tea. Cigarette and cigar smoking can also cause superficial tooth staining. In-home treatments such as bleaching strips can help remove superficial stains, but they may not be as effective as professional bleaching treatments and may even cause dental sensitivity if not used properly. Here are some effective treatment options for superficial stains that a cosmetic dental services professional can offer. 

In-Office Laser Bleaching Treatments

In-office laser bleaching treatments are typically more effective in treating dental staining than over-the-counter tooth bleaching products. The peroxide bleaching concentration that your dentist uses for office whitening procedures is usually higher than store-bought bleaching preparations.

During your in-office bleaching procedure, your dentist will apply a special bleaching gel to your teeth. Following the application of the bleaching product, a laser will be aimed at your gel-covered teeth, which will heat the gel. The laser heat treatment activates the bleaching agent to remove the stains and whiten the teeth. 

Composite Resin Tooth Bonding

Another cosmetic dental service for teeth stains is composite bonding, which is used for more stubborn superficial stains or deep-set dental stains. Before your bonding procedure, your dentist will ask you to choose the color of bonding material that you would like them to use on your teeth.

During your bonding treatment, your dentist will prepare your teeth by using a gentle abrasive technique to roughen the surface of your teeth. This procedure helps the bonding material stick to your enamel. Next, a special liquid bonding material will be applied to your teeth followed by the composite resin product.

Your dentist will then use a special ultraviolet light to bond the material to your teeth. After the material has bonded, your teeth will be polished to further enhance the appearance of the composite resin.

After your procedure, your cosmetic dental services professional may recommend that you limit your intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and other pigmented foods and drinks. They may also advise you to avoid smoking to help prevent tooth restaining and to improve your overall health. 

If you have stained teeth, make an appointment with a cosmetic dental services provider to learn more about professional laser bleaching and composite resin tooth bonding. With proper care, the cosmetic dental effects of these treatment options will be long-lasting and will enhance your appearance, and may even boost your self-esteem.