Understanding Teeth Stains and How to Treat Them

A bright, white smile is something many of us would love, but our daily habits can often get in the way. Teeth stains are common and can come from a few factors, so it’s important to understand their types and how to treat them effectively. Whether you’re looking for professional whitening solutions or tips for maintaining a dazzling smile, this guide covers all you need to know.

Key Takeaways: –

• Types of Teeth Stains
• Teeth Stain Treatment Options
• Other Teeth Stain Treatments
• Conclusion

Types of Teeth Stains

There are a number of different types of stains that you can encounter throughout your life – from surface stains to intrinsic stains. Let’s take a look at the main types in a bit more detail

Extrinsic Tooth Stains

Extrinsic stains form on the surface of our teeth. They can come about from consuming dark-coloured foods like berries, and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. Smoking is another big cause of staining. But don’t worry too much as these surface stains can usually be removed with good oral hygiene practices, like regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Dealing with more stubborn stains? Professional whitening treatments might be your best option if you’re struggling. And if you can, consider cutting out any lifestyle and diet choices that might be contributing to your stains.

Intrinsic Tooth Stains

Intrinsic stains are deeper stains within the tooth itself, leading to more general tooth discolouration. They can be caused by a number of different things, including:

• Certain medications
• Excessive fluoride use during childhood
• Trauma to the tooth
• The natural ageing process

These stains can be more difficult to remove and often need slightly more intensive treatments, like professional whitening systems, to achieve the best results and a whiter smile.

Age-Related Stains

Our teeth naturally darken and become more susceptible to staining as we grow older. The enamel thins as it ages, revealing the darker dentin underneath. Combine this with a good few years of exposure to staining substances, and it’s clear why age-related stains are a common concern for so many people. Professional whitening treatments can help to reduce the appearance of these brown stains, restoring a more youthful smile.

Teeth Stain Treatment Options

Depending on the type of staining you have, there are several treatment options that can restore your teeth’s natural whiteness. At Aesthetique, we offer two main types of treatments that effectively remove everything from yellow stains to deep stains.

Pola Day At-Home Whitening Kit

The Pola Day At-Home Whitening Kit is an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of whitening their teeth at home. This kit includes custom-made bleaching trays created specifically for your teeth. They’re a comfortable fit and applying the whitening gel is simple!

In fact, the entire process is easy:

• During your visit, we’ll take a digital scan or impression of your teeth to create the custom trays.
• You will receive syringes of professional-grade whitening gel to use at home.
• Your dentist will provide detailed instructions on how to use the kit, so you can achieve the best results.

With consistent use over a two-week period, the Pola Day kit can help you achieve a natural, radiant smile from the comfort of your home.

Enlighten Comprehensive Whitening

If you need a more intensive whitening treatment, the Enlighten Comprehensive Whitening system is a great option. This treatment guarantees a B1 shade, which is the brightest natural tooth colour you can achieve.

Here’s how it works:

• The process begins with a precise digital scan of your teeth to create custom whitening trays.
• For two weeks, you’ll use a specialised toothpaste and the at-home whitening kit provided by your dentist.
• After the two-week at-home treatment, you’ll visit your dentist for a final in-surgery session to remove any lasting teeth stains.

The Enlighten system is designed to deliver long-lasting, professional-grade whitening, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for long-lasting, natural results.

Other Teeth Stain Treatments

There are other options for you, too, though these may not be as effective or dependable.

In-Office Whitening

This method uses a high concentration of bleaching agents and often includes the use of a special light or laser to enhance the whitening process. The procedure is quick, typically taking about an hour, and is perfect for those looking for a fast and effective solution to tooth stains.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

Many over-the-counter whitening products are available, such as whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste. While these products can be convenient and less expensive, they generally contain lower concentrations of whitening agents and may take longer to achieve noticeable results.

Natural Remedies

While many natural remedies are touted for their whitening effects, such as baking soda or oil pulling with coconut oil, their effectiveness is often limited, and they may not be as safe as professional treatments. Some natural methods, like using acidic fruits, can actually damage tooth enamel and worsen discolouration.

Conclusion

Teeth stains are a common issue that can affect anyone, but understanding their types and how to treat them can help you maintain a bright, confident smile.

Whether you want the convenience of the Pola Day At-Home Whitening Kit or the comprehensive results of the Enlighten teeth whitening system, our team of private dentists in Leeds can help.

Give us a call to book your consultation, and our dental professionals will find the best solution for you. A brighter smile is just a call away.