Our Dental Blog

How Do You Erase Teeth Stains?

July 25, 2017

Discoloration can leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile. Instead of spending your life avoiding pictures or hiding your smile, why not address the issue? We have an array of professional cosmetic treatments to address minor and severe discoloration. In fact, we can often erase teeth stains with our at-home teeth whitening kit.

teeth aligners on teeth

Frequently Asked Questions About Erasing Teeth Stains

Question: What causes teeth stains?

Answer: A number of factors can lead to teeth stains. For example, foods with a lot of sugar can promote plaque buildup, which makes stains more apparent. In addition, drinks with dark pigments, including tea, soda, coffee, and red wine, can lead to satins. Finally, smoking often causes unsightly brown or yellow stains to appear.

Question: How does the at-home kit work?

Answer: We provide you with a custom set of trays and a bleaching gel. Each day, you fill the trays with gel. When worn, the trays distribute the gel evenly across your teeth. You wear them for between one and two hours a day over the course of one to two weeks. Often, patients can enjoy teeth brightened by multiple shades.

Question: How do you keep your smile bright?

Answer: First, cut back on drinks with dark pigments, eat a healthier diet, and stop smoking. You should also start brushing daily and flossing each night, as well as seeing your dentist for dental cleanings. You can also use the trays and any remaining gel for touch ups.

Question: What if I have permanent discoloration?

Answer: Also known as intrinsic stains, permanent discoloration can result from fluorosis, injury to the teeth, and exposure to tetracycline at a young age. If your discoloration is severe enough that teeth whitening can’t address it, we may suggest masking the issue with either bonding, veneers or a combination of both.

Do You Need Teeth Whitening?

We can examine your smile and select the most appropriate cosmetic treatment to either remove stains or successfully mask them. To learn more, or to schedule a cosmetic consultation, call Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.