Are your teeth no longer white? Have they changed colour to become a slight yellow, brown, or grey colour? In this article, our Oxenford Dentist will explore some of the causes of discoloured teeth, how you can prevent them from discolouring, and what you can do about brown teeth, yellow teeth, and grey teeth.
Why Are My Teeth Discoloured?
It is common for teeth to become discoloured through a lack of proper dental hygiene over time. This can lead to the build-up of plaque and subsequently tooth decay. Discolouration can also be caused by the consumption of staining foods and beverages, for example coffee and wine.
As your dentist Gold Coast will advise, certain medications and diseases can also affect the health of your teeth and therefore their colour. This is particularly the case for children, whose teeth are softer and still growing. It is also possible that excessive fluoride (which strengthens teeth) could be the issue. Or it may simply reflect the ageing process, as the external enamel wears away and reveals the underlying dentin.
Avoiding the avoidable causes above can help in preserving the natural whiteness of your teeth for longer. During a visit to our dental clinic Helensvale, JJ Smiles, our cosmetic dentist Gold Coast can also provide more specific advice on how to ensure that your teeth stay white and healthy for longer.
Is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth whitening is a process that involves bleaching teeth to improve the appearance of teeth. An optional cosmetic density solution that makes teeth both whiter and more reflective, many of our clients at our dentist Gold Coast find that it can transform their smile and restore their confidence.
In our world of advertising and pop-up products, there are many DIY or online-bought solutions that may tempt unaware buyers. However, tooth whitening at your dentist Oxenford is the most effective solution. The methods your registered dentist can provide are not available elsewhere. While you can try teeth whitening toothpastes and other products, these are often either ineffective or pose the risk of making your teeth worse in the long term.
Your Oxenford dentist also brings a level of specialised knowledge to the process that a beautician will lack. Unqualified practitioners also lack the dental knowledge to know if this solution is right for you. Under some circumstances, teeth whitening should potentially be avoided. This includes for pregnant women and those with sensitive teeth, damaged teeth, or gum disease (which isn’t always obvious).
The process involves your dentist Oxenford making a mould of both your upper and lower rows of teeth, which then is used to create a snugly fitting mouthguard or ‘tray’. Next, a special bleaching gel is applied to this tray and the trays are inserted over the teeth for a period during your appointment. Your dentist Oxenford may accelerate the whitening using LED light. This is repeated multiple times and soon, the teeth are notably whiter.
Your dentist may also be able to provide a take-home tray that you can use in the comfort of your own home to whiten your teeth.
Whitening is popular because it often lasts for a long time, such as several years.
Are There Alternatives To Tooth Whitening?
If tooth whitening isn’t right for you, other solutions may be available such as a check up and clean, dental veneers, and dental crowns.
Dental veneers are a common solution for discoloured and improperly shaped teeth. They consist of a thin piece of material that is whiter than your discoloured teeth but still retains a realistic appearance. This material is usually made of porcelain or composite resin.
Unlike tooth whitening, veneers can be helpful in contexts other than tooth discolouration. They are often used to cover damaged teeth, oddly shaped teeth, worn down teeth, or widely spaced teeth. As such, they are a more extensive method when it comes to changing the appearance of teeth.
The process of having a dental veneer or multiple dental veneers put on by your dentist will first involve the removal of a layer of enamel from the front of your forward-facing teeth, to ensure that the teeth with veneers applied with be level with the surrounding teeth and not protrude. This done, your Oxenford dentist will subsequently take a mould and from this, develop your veneers.
During your next appointment these newly made veneers will then be tested and bonded using a special form of dental bonding agent, sometimes known as bonding cement.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
If you are eager to regain your confidence and enjoy white teeth again through the help of a dentist near me, contact dentist in Maudsland today on (07) 5529 7567 or reception@jjsmilesdental.com.au, or book online. We also offer braces Oxenford and bulk billing children’s dentistry Gold Coast.
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