Is teeth whitening painful?

No—while it’s common to feel a little discomfort, teeth whitening is a painless non-invasive procedure. Following treatment, it’s common to feel tooth sensitivity for anywhere between 24-48 hours. If the sensitivity continues, we recommend scheduling an appointment with Dr. Kosinski as soon as possible by calling our Bingham Farms office at 248-646-8651.

What's the difference between Zoom!® and BriteSmile®?

Both Zoom!® and BriteSmile® are professional-grade teeth whitening systems that result in a brighter smile that can last for years with proper care. The main difference is that with Zoom!®, it takes less time to whiten your teeth. Your teeth can become about eight shades whiter. BriteSmile® takes a little longer but your teeth can appear about nine shades lighter after treatment.

How do I prolong my white smile?

During the first 24-48 hours, it’s important to avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. As well, keeping your teeth clean and free from plaque and tartar can keep your teeth stain-free. Keeping your teeth clean involves: Brushing your teeth twice a day Flossing your teeth once a day (preferably before bed) Rinsing after meals to keep your mouth free of debris Scheduling dental appointments with Dr. Kosinski at least once every six months

What causes stained teeth?

There are a variety of factors that contribute to stained or discolored teeth such as: Age—as we get older, our teeth naturally lose their shine and can become off-colored over time. Inconsistent Oral Hygiene—Daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals can not only preserve the health of your teeth but also their appearance. Tobacco—Nicotine is notorious for staining teeth. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause your teeth to turn yellow over time. Some Foods and Beverages—Beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and red wine as well as foods like vibrant fruits, colored candy, and curry can all leave your teeth darkened and stained over time. Certain Medications—Sometimes antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline can lead to tooth discoloration.

Types of Teeth Stains

Understanding the Different Types of Teeth Stains

Everyone wants a bright, white smile, but over time, our teeth can develop stains that make them look dull and discolored. There are various reasons why teeth lose their natural whiteness, ranging from everyday habits to aging. Understanding the types of teeth stains can help you take the right steps toward restoring a healthy and attractive smile.

At Smile Creator of Bingham Farms, our Bingham Farms, MI dentist, Dr. Timothy Kosinski offers professional teeth whitening solutions to help remove stains and bring back your confident grin. Contact Smile Creator of Bingham Farms by calling 248-646-8651 to learn the main types of teeth stains and how you can treat them, especially if you live in or around Bingham Farms, Franklin, Bloomfield Hills, or Southfield, MI.

What are Extrinsic Teeth Stains?

Extrinsic stains are the most common type of teeth stains, and they occur on the surface of the teeth. These stains are caused by external factors, such as:

Smoking or chewing tobacco
Drinking coffee, tea, or red wine
Consuming foods with strong pigments, like berries, tomato sauce, or soy sauce.

Treatment

Fortunately, extrinsic stains are easier to remove since they don’t penetrate the tooth’s enamel. Extrinsic teeth stains can be removed through professional teeth cleaning or teeth whitening treatments, such as in-office whitening.

In-office teeth whitening is generally the best professional treatment option. In-office whitening involves a dental professional applying a strong bleaching agent to the teeth and using a special light to activate the whitening process. This method can effectively remove surface stains caused by external factors such as coffee, tea, and tobacco use.

What are Intrinsic Teeth Stains?

Intrinsic stains occur inside the tooth, and they’re caused by internal factors, such as:

Genetics
Medications
Trauma
Excessive fluoride

Treatment

Intrinsic stains are more challenging to remove since they’re embedded deep within the tooth enamel. Intrinsic teeth stains require professional teeth whitening treatments, such as in-office whitening, custom-made at-home whitening kits, or porcelain veneers. Dr. Kosinski may also recommend microabrasion or bonding, depending on the severity of the stain.

Consult with Dr. Kosinski to determine the best treatment option for you if you struggle with intrinsic tooth stains.

Age-Related Teeth Stains

As we age, our teeth naturally lose their bright, youthful color. This occurs because the enamel layer wears down over time, revealing more of the yellowish dentin underneath. Age-related stains are a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Years of consuming stain-causing food and drinks, coupled with natural wear and tear, often lead to yellow or gray teeth.

Regular dental care and teeth whitening treatments can help reverse the signs of aging and restore a more youthful look to your smile. Dr. Kosinski specializes in customized treatment plans to tackle these age-related changes.

Treatment

Mild to moderate age-related teeth stains can be treated with professional teeth whitening treatments, such as in-office whitening, custom at-home whitening kits, or over-the-counter whitening products like whitening toothpaste or strips.

For severe cases, we can treat them with dental bonding or porcelain veneers. It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs. He can assess the condition of your teeth and recommend the most appropriate treatment to help you achieve a brighter, more youthful-looking smile.

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments for All Types of Teeth Stains

Professional teeth whitening treatments are the most effective way to remove all types of teeth stains. Depending on the type of teeth stain you have, our dentists may recommend one of the following teeth whitening treatments:

In-Office Whitening: In-office whitening is a procedure performed by a dentist. It involves applying a strong bleaching agent to the teeth and using a special light to activate the whitening process. In-office whitening is best for severe extrinsic and intrinsic tooth stains.
At-Home Whitening Kits: At-home whitening kits include custom-made trays filled with a whitening gel and worn for a specific amount of time each day. At-home whitening kits are best for mild to moderate extrinsic and intrinsic tooth stains.
Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells placed over the teeth to improve their appearance. They’re best for severe intrinsic teeth stains that can’t be treated with other teeth whitening methods.
Microabrasion: Microabrasion is a technique used to remove surface stains from teeth. It involves using mild acid to remove the outer layer of enamel and then polishing the teeth to improve their appearance. Microabrasion is best for mild to moderate extrinsic teeth stains.
Bonding: Bonding is a technique used to cover teeth with a tooth-colored resin material to improve their appearance. Bonding is best for mild to moderate intrinsic teeth stains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can teeth stains be prevented?

Can over-the-counter whitening products remove extrinsic stains?

Can everyone undergo teeth whitening treatment?

Can teeth stains be prevented?

Yes, teeth stains can be prevented with proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding foods and beverages that are known to cause stains, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Regular dental cleanings can also help remove surface stains before they become more embedded in the enamel.

Can over-the-counter whitening products remove extrinsic stains?

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening toothpaste or strips, can help to remove mild extrinsic stains. However, they aren’t as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments and may take longer to achieve desired results.

Can everyone undergo teeth whitening treatment?

Not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening treatment. Individuals with gum disease, tooth decay, or sensitive teeth may not be suitable candidates. Consult with a dental professional before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment.

Bring Back Your Bright Smile

Teeth stains can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be permanent. Whether your stains are extrinsic, intrinsic, or related to aging, there are effective ways to restore the beauty of your smile. At Smile Creator of Bingham Farms, Dr. Kosinski provides a range of professional teeth whitening treatments to help patients in Bingham Farms, Franklin, Bloomfield Hills, and Southfield, MI, achieve whiter, brighter teeth. Don’t let stains keep you from smiling—schedule your consultation today by calling 248-646-8651 to take the first step toward a radiant smile!