How do dentists treat discolored teeth?
Dentists use different tooth discoloration treatments depending on the underlying cause and whether the stains affect the outer or inner layers of your teeth.
Teeth whitening
Dentists may offer in-office or at-home professional teeth whitening treatments. These methods use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break up stains and lift them from your teeth. Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains. But some whitening products can remove deep dental (intrinsic) stains, too.
In-office bleaching takes about one hour to complete. Most take-home whitening treatments require 30- to 60-minute daily treatments for up to six weeks. There are pros and cons to each. Ask your dentist which option is right for you.
Dental bonding
If you have deep tooth discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening, your dentist may recommend dental bonding. This procedure involves applying tooth-colored composite resin to conceal discolored teeth.
Bonding is much more affordable compared to other options (like porcelain veneers), but you’ll probably need touch-ups every five to seven years. Dental bonding might not be the best option if you have several discolored teeth.
Porcelain veneers
If you have widespread tooth discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. These tooth-colored ceramic shells are thin, yet strong. A dentist permanently bonds (glues) them to the front surfaces of your teeth to camouflage discoloration or other cosmetic flaws like chipping or misshapen teeth.
A dentist has to replace porcelain veneers every five to 15 years. Veneers aren’t reversible.
Dental crowns
Sometimes tooth discoloration is a symptom of cavities. If you have weakened or decayed teeth in addition to discoloration, your dentist may recommend dental crowns.
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over your tooth, protecting it from further damage. Dental crowns help improve the health and function of your teeth as well as their appearance.
How can I fix discolored teeth at home?
You can find over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening treatments in any oral health aisle. These products include rinses, pastes, strips and do-it-yourself bleaching trays.
While some over-the-counter products are safe and effective, others can damage your enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities and erosion. That’s why it’s important to talk to your dentist before making a purchase.
In general, ingredients to avoid include:
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
- Activated charcoal.
- Citric acid.
When shopping for teeth whitening products, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means that experts have tested the safety and effectiveness of these products and deemed them safe for use.
Can I prevent tooth discoloration?
While you can’t prevent deep dental stains due to trauma, medications or health conditions, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of everyday surface discoloration:
- Brush your teeth two to three times a day using a soft-bristled brush and ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss between your teeth once a day.
- Limit foods and drinks that stain teeth, like tea, coffee, cola and red wine.
- Drink lots of water and rinse your mouth after drinking beverages that could cause tooth discoloration.
- Quit smoking.
- Visit your dentist for routine cleanings and exams.
FAQs
Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains. But some whitening products can remove deep dental (intrinsic) stains, too. In-office bleaching takes about one hour to complete. Most take-home whitening treatments require 30- to 60-minute daily treatments for up to six weeks.
How to fix one discolored tooth at home? ›
The patient should use 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel nightly for one – four weeks on the discoloured tooth. A reassessment with the dentist should be planned of the tooth colour.
How can I whiten my teeth in-office? ›
In-office teeth whitening treatment
By applying a professional-grade whitening gel to your teeth and activating the gel with an LED light, your dentist can help you lighten your teeth up to eight shades in a single, 90-minute visit.
How do you treat tooth discoloration? ›
Nonvital bleaching is indicated for the treatment of teeth with discoloration secondary to pulpal degeneration. This technique involves placing a mixture of 30% hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate into the pulp chamber for as long as 1 week. For nonvital bleaching, a tooth with an unrestored crown is ideal.
How do you treat stained teeth at home? ›
Therefore, it is better to try a few natural home remedies for teeth whitening. Fruits such as pineapple, papaya, strawberries and banana peel might help whiten teeth naturally. Baking soda, activated charcoal, coconut, sunflower, sesame oil, and dairy products are some other kitchen ingredients.
How to lighten one dark tooth? ›
treatment options may include single crowns, veneers, bonding, or bleaching. Bleaching is the most conservative option to consider, but the potential for a successful outcome varies based on the cause and extent of the discoloration.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth? ›
Generally at this concentration you would need to have your teeth in contact with the 3% hydrogen peroxide for about 5 hours a day for about 2-3 weeks to have meaningful tooth whitening, which is very difficult to do with a watery liquid.
What is the most effective in office teeth whitening? ›
The most effective treatment you can receive through your dentist is Zoom! laser teeth whitening treatment. While this procedure is not the cheapest fix for yellowing, it is the most effective, quickest, and long-lasting procedure. If you are looking for the best brightening solution, Zoom! is it!
What is the walking bleach technique? ›
This approach comprises the application of an oxygen-releasing whitening gel directly into the discoloured coronal pulp chamber. An oxidation process is initiated that gradually splits the pigments resulting in a brighter appearance of the tooth substance.
How often can I do in office teeth whitening? ›
How often teeth whitening treatments are recommended by dentists. Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.
We can correct deep tooth staining and discoloration, but it is a lengthy process. Unfortunately, once staining has reached interior enamel, it is much more difficult to reverse. This is different from surface stains, which your dentist can treat with teeth whitening in two visits.
Can a discolored tooth heal? ›
A tooth turning grey following an injury is a sign that the tooth is not receiving adequate blood flow. In some cases, the tooth will heal itself; however, it is common for the tooth to remain discolored or even die.
How to restore tooth enamel naturally? ›
Eat a Remineralization Diet
Certain foods can help remineralize softened areas in your teeth that acidic foods and drinks have weakened. For example, foods rich in calcium (dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt) help put back minerals into the enamel, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables encourage saliva flow.
How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
What is the best tooth stain remover? ›
Toothpaste brands such as Crest3D and Colgate Max White are exceptionally good at removing stains that are not too deep. The brushing technique matters and the proven way is to brush up and down as well as with a sideways motion.
How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
As the baking soda only removes stains from the surface level of the teeth and not the enamel it can be passable at removing light stains such as coffee and food, but you might not notice a big difference for four to six weeks.
Can a discolored tooth be saved? ›
In some cases, the tooth will heal itself; however, it is common for the tooth to remain discolored or even die. Depending on the type of damage, treatment may involve a root canal to remove the dead tissue and bleaching or cosmetic restorations to improve the color of the tooth.
How to whiten a single yellow tooth? ›
In-Office Whitening Treatments
In-office whitening usually takes around an hour to complete. It's more expensive than OTC whitening, but it produces more dramatic results. These treatments can also be targeted to specific teeth, making it easier to whiten your single yellow tooth without bleaching the rest.
Why is only one of my teeth discolored? ›
If only one tooth is discolored, it may be due to a cavity or an injury to the inside of your tooth. The sooner these types of issues get treated by your dentist, the better the outcome will likely be. To keep your teeth in good health, see your dentist twice a year for routine exams.
