Dark and discolored teeth can make your smile look older that is years and seriously impact your confidence. In many cases, this happens because of stains from food and beverages that stick to the outside of the tooth surface. However, there are certain types of stain that are deep within the structure of the teeth and may not respond to typical whitening. This is called intrinsic stain, and our team at Fort Washington Dental Associates knows how to address it.
This article discusses what intrinsic tooth stain is, how it’s different from external stain, and what treatments are available to help you enjoy a truly confident smile.
What Is Intrinsic Stain?
Intrinsic tooth stain is discoloration inside the tooth structure, usually within the inner dentin layer rather than on the surface of the enamel. These stains frequently happen while the tooth is developing.
They can be brown, gray, or bright white and may make the teeth look striped or speckled.
Common causes of intrinsic tooth stain include:
- Specific medications such as tetracycline antibiotics taken in early childhood
- Severe illness or high fever during early childhood
- Excessive fluoride consumption (frequently from well water with high levels of naturally-occurring fluoride)
- History of trauma to the tooth
- Past root canal treatment
- Old amalgam (metal) fillings
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Tooth Stain: What’s the Difference?
As you may guess from the name, the main difference between internal and external tooth stain is whether it affects the inner tooth structure or sits on the outer surface of the tooth.
Extrinsic stains are usually caused by things like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco use. They’re frequently yellow, brown, or dark spots that stick to the tooth surface.
These types of stains can usually be removed with polishing during routine dental cleanings, and respond well to teeth whitening.
Because intrinsic stains affect the structure of the tooth itself, they usually can’t be removed with polishing or whitening products. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on having a beautiful smile!
What Are the Options When Teeth Whitening Won’t Work?
If you have deep discoloration that can’t be fixed with whitening, there are still plenty of options. Our team proudly offers multiple treatments for internal tooth stain in Washington Heights, NYC!
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers cover the front surfaces of the teeth that show when you smile with durable, stain resistant ceramics. These materials closely mimic the appearance of your own enamel, allowing us to create a completely natural-looking result.
This is a great approach for teeth with intrinsic stain that are otherwise strong and stable. Veneers are a more conservative treatment than crowns, allowing us to preserve more of your natural enamel while providing great aesthetics.
Crowns
A dental crown completely covers and surrounds a tooth, supporting its structure while correcting aesthetic issues. Like porcelain veneers, we use the highest quality ceramics to deliver a smile that’s authentically yours.
This may be a better approach if your teeth have developmental issues affecting the strength of the enamel, or for teeth that have been weakened by injury or decay. Because very dark teeth can sometimes show through veneers, dental crowns may deliver better aesthetics in some cases.
Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is a minimally invasive approach that can correct minor aesthetic concerns. This approach involves adding composite resin (like what we use for dental fillings) to the teeth to cover flaws.
Because this material is not as durable as porcelain, dental bonding has a much shorter lifespan. It is also much more transparent, meaning it may not completely mask deep discoloration. However, it can be a good temporary solution for teenagers or young adults who are not ready for permanent treatments like dental veneers.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Even though teeth whitening products are usually not effective for intrinsic stain, there are specific cases when professional teeth whitening may help. This approach can help with age-related darkening, mild fluorosis, and in specific cases of mild developmental staining.
However, it’s important to understand that teeth whitening can sometimes make certain types of discoloration stand out even more. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a qualified dental professional before trying to whiten your teeth.
We Can Help You Love Your Smile with Internal Tooth Stain Treatments in Washington Heights!
If you’re unhappy with the look of your smile and teeth whitening hasn’t worked, we’re here for you. Our team is proud to provide comprehensive cosmetic dentistry options to give you a smile you feel great sharing with the world.
Get in touch to schedule your consultation for internal tooth stain treatments in Washington Heights. We’ll help you decide on the best approach for your unique needs and smile goals and always put your oral health first.
