Stains and Discoloration
Most stains are the result of external causes and are usually quite harmless. Most stains can be removed by routine prophylactic hygiene visits except
for those which are caused by old silver amalgam fillings, and internal
stains caused by certain medications, etc. These types of stains will
remain even after routine dental cleanings. However, they can be altered
by cosmetic bonding, porcelain laminates, cosmetic bleaching, etc. Your
dentist can assist in a treatment plan depending on the individual patients
stain level and expectations.
Stains come in different colors depending on what caused the change. As one gets older, the tooth color changes from a white color to a yellowish
color. The reason for this is part of the aging process. As the whitish
enamel of the tooth gets worn, the internal dentin layer, which has a
yellowish color, transmits through the thinned enamel. Other causes of
this, besides age, can be chemical wear, mechanical wear caused by the
patient brushing too hard, or by certain medical conditions.
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