What are the Most Common Types of Tooth Stains?

Posted: September 14, 2021

Different Types of Tooth Stains

Tooth staining is one of the most common cosmetic dental concerns. Fortunately, it is also one of the easiest to address. However, the type of tooth stains you are dealing with will play a role in the best treatment option.

Extrinsic Staining

Extrinsic tooth stains are those that occur on the outside of a tooth’s enamel. Common causes of these types of stains include foods and beverages, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle choices such as tobacco use. Because they are topical, extrinsic tooth stains often respond very well to a combination of enhanced oral hygiene and professional tooth whitening.

At The Smile Centre, we are pleased to offer in-office teeth whitening with Zoom! This amazing system quickly and effectively eliminates surface stains, lightening teeth up to seven shades in as little as one hour. It is an ideal method for addressing extrinsic stains for people who want the fastest and most reliable results.

Intrinsic Staining

Intrinsic tooth stains occur underneath the enamel. Common causes of these types of stains include medications, fluorosis, and oral injury. In some cases, deep tooth stains will respond to a topical solution such as Zoom! In others, a more advanced cosmetic dentistry service will be required for optimal results.

Porcelain veneers are one of the most effective treatments for intrinsic tooth stains. Placed over the front of teeth, dental veneers cover deep stains entirely while serving as a flawless replacement of the most visible part of the tooth. Shaped and shaded to match adjacent teeth, veneers can be used alone or in conjunction with topical whiteners and other cosmetic services for a complete smile makeover, enabling our dentists to address multiple cosmetic imperfections at the same time.

Finding the Best Solution

Finding the best solution for your smile requires an experienced and thoughtful dentist who knows how to identify and treat different types of staining. At The Smile Centre, we take time to understand the exact needs of each patient, listening carefully to desires and offering the most effective treatments, to help ensure the most pleasing and long-lasting results. If you are interested in learning about cosmetic solutions for your smile, we welcome the opportunity to meet with you, evaluate your teeth and gums, and guide you towards the most effective options.

Please call The Smile Centre at 941-351-4468 to schedule a consultation at our Sarasota office today.