For many Americans, a bright white smile is ideal. The problem is that there are a variety of things that can lead to staining on your teeth. Drinking coffee and wine, smoking cigarettes, poor dental care, and taking certain types of medications can lead to heavily stained teeth for some people. The good news is that there are a variety of options available in terms of cosmetic dentistry that can help you get the smile you desire. Here are three options to consider if you have heavily stained teeth.
1. Teeth Whitening
When it comes to stains on your teeth, there are two different types, intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic stains are on the surface enamel of the tooth while intrinsic stains go deep down into the interior structure of the tooth. Extrinsic stains, even dark ones, are easier to remove than intrinsic stains. Teeth whitening can help remove these dark extrinsic stains and can even remove some intrinsic stains as well. If you have heavily stained teeth, it's unlikely that home-based kits will work well for you. For deep staining, in-office teeth whitening is likely the best option. In-office teeth whitening ranges from $300 to $1,000 and uses a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
2. Dental Veneers
If your stubborn stains do not lift with teeth whitening treatments, dental veneers may be the next step. Dental veneers are thin shells made up of porcelain or composite that are attached to the outside of your teeth to change their color, size, and shape. In the case of deep intrinsic staining, veneers may be the best solution. While veneers can make a big difference, they are expensive. The average cost of dental veneers is between $500 and $1,100 per tooth. They are also not permanent and typically need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
3. Dental Implants
If you have teeth that are severely discolored due to decay, dental implants may be the best option. In some cases, the amount of decay is too great to save the tooth. Dental implants are a great alternative to dentures and bridges. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made up of titanium that is surgically attached to your jaw. A crown is then added on top. Dental implants look just like real teeth and are very easy to care for. The average cost of a dental implant is between $1,000 and $5,000.
If your teeth are heavily discolored, there are a few options that you should consider. In-office teeth whitening can make a big difference. If you have deep intrinsic staining that won't budge, dental veneers can help restore your smile. If your discoloration is due to large amounts of decay, dental implants may be the right option for your needs.
Contact a dental office like Carolina Forest Family Dentistry for more information and assistance.
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