Teeth Whitening or Veneers? We Can Correct Both Types of Enamel Discoloration (Intrinsic and Extrins

Are your teeth looking dull, stained, or discolored despite regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings? 

Tooth discoloration is a common concern, but not all stains are the same. Some discoloration only affects the surface of your teeth (extrinsic), while others originate deeper within the tooth (intrinsic). 

 At Solay Dental in Oldsmar, Brandon, and New Port Richey, Florida , our dental team offers personalized dental cosmetic treatments that can effectively address types of discoloration. Whether you’re dealing with surface discoloration or deeper staining, our expert team can brighten your smile with professional teeth whitening or custom veneers. 

Extrinsic vs. intrinsic tooth discoloration

Tooth discoloration refers to any yellowing, darkening, or staining that affects the brightness of your teeth. While age, diet, and lifestyle habits all play a role, the location and cause of the stains determine the best treatment. 

Extrinsic tooth discoloration

Extrinsic tooth discoloration affects the surface of the teeth or enamel. Common culprits:

• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Blueberries
• Tomato sauce
• Tobacco use
• Plaque buildup and tartar

These stains sit on the surface of the teeth and can often be removed or lightened with professional whitening agents. 

Intrinsic tooth discoloration

Intrinsic tooth discoloration involves dentin, the inner layer of the teeth under the enamel. Medications, dental trauma, and aging are common causes of this type of color change. 

Intrinsic discoloration may appear as yellowing or graying of the teeth. Medications like antibiotics may cause white spots. 

Teeth whitening for extrinsic stains

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. Using a powerful yet safe bleaching agent, we can lift discoloration in one office visit.  

We can also offer at-home teeth whitening kits with custom-made dental trays that fit snugly around your teeth for even brighter results. The bleaching agent for the home teeth whitening kits is less powerful and gradually lightens teeth over time. 

Teeth whitening is fast and effective and doesn’t require any modifications to your natural teeth. However, results are temporary and you may need regular treatments to maintain your look. 

Veneers for intrinsic stains

Discoloration in the inner part of the tooth isn’t responsive to the bleaching agent we use for teeth whitening. For this type of tooth discoloration, we recommend veneers, thin porcelain shells we place on the surface of the tooth to cover the stain.

Veneers can transform your smile. In addition to covering tooth stains, the thin porcelain shells can change the size and shape of your tooth, improving aesthetics.

However, we need to remove a thin layer of enamel from the tooth before applying the veneer. Veneers last longer than teeth whitening, but you may need to replace them every 10 years or so.

Not all tooth discoloration is the same and teeth whitening can’t brighten all smiles. If you’re looking for an effective cosmetic dental plan for your tooth discoloration, we can help. 

Call us today or book an appointment online to visit one of our offices in Oldsmar, New Port Richey, or Brandon, Florida.