Many people are quite happy with the health of their teeth but feel less confident about the colour. Over time it is common for teeth to become darker or slightly stained, even when someone brushes regularly and attends dental check-ups. When patients mention this during an appointment with us, the concern is often not about pain or damage. Instead, it is simply that their smile no longer looks as bright as it once did.
Changes in tooth colour are very common and usually develop gradually. You may not notice the difference from one month to the next, but after several years the change can become more obvious. The good news is that modern cosmetic dentistry treatments at the Smile Dental Practice Catford offer several ways of improving the colour of teeth and restoring a brighter appearance.
To understand how stained teeth can be improved, it helps to know why the colour changes in the first place. For many people the explanation lies in everyday habits.
Tea and coffee are two of the most common causes. Both drinks contain pigments that gradually attach themselves to the enamel surface. Given the fondness for these beverages in this country, it is not surprising that they affect the colour of the teeth.
Red wine can have a similar effect too, as can strongly coloured foods such as certain berries or sauces. None of these things are unusual parts of a normal diet, yet over the years they can leave a noticeable mark on the teeth.
Smoking is another well known cause of staining. Tobacco deposits tend to collect on the enamel and may lead to yellow or brown marks that become more difficult to remove with time.
Age can also be a factor. The outer enamel layer slowly wears down as the years pass. Beneath that enamel lies dentine, which has a naturally darker shade. As enamel becomes thinner, the colour of the dentine shows through more clearly. Even teeth that are perfectly healthy may therefore appear darker than they did in our youth.
For some patients the colour of their teeth becomes a cosmetic concern. A person may hesitate to smile fully in photographs or feel slightly self-conscious when speaking with others. No wonder then that patients often turn to the cosmetic dental solutions that we have available at our Catford dental practice.
One of the most widely used ways to improve the colour of teeth is to have them whitened professionally by one of our skilled dentists. Initially, this involves producing trays which sit over the teeth and which are made following impressions being taken. These are used to hold the whitening gel which will lighten the colour of your teeth and which are worn for a few hours a day.
The whitening process takes place gradually and over the course of several days or weeks the colour begins to lighten. This method produces a natural looking whiter teeth which is one of the reasons it is so widely used.
Where staining appears only on the surface enamel, a professional scale and polish carried out by our hygienist may improve the appearance.
During a routine cleaning appointment, plaque and hardened deposits are removed from the teeth. The polishing stage helps to eliminate many relatively superficial, but visible stains that brushing alone cannot remove. For some of our patients, this simple treatment can make their teeth look noticeably brighter.
If deeper staining remains after cleaning, teeth whitening can then be considered as the next step.
Dental veneers can be particularly helpful when teeth are more heavily discoloured, uneven in shade, or slightly damaged. Because they are designed individually for each patient, they can provide a very natural looking improvement.
Once teeth have been whitened or cosmetically improved, many patients want to maintain the result for as long as possible. While some natural colour change may occur over time, there are a few simple habits that may help keep your teeth looking brighter.
Limiting drinks that strongly stain teeth can make a difference. Tea, coffee and red wine are well known ‘stainers’. If you do drink these, try rinsing your mouth with water afterwards to remove some of the staining elements. Obviously, brushing and flossing daily is essential too.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning appointments can also play a useful role in maintaining a healthy and attractive smile.
At our Catford practice, our cosmetic dentists take time to discuss these options with you and explain what can realistically be achieved. Every smile is different, so a personalised approach is always the best way to reach a satisfying result.
If stained teeth are affecting the way you feel about your smile, it might be worth speaking with our dentists about the options available. In many cases, a whiter and more confident smile is easier to achieve than people expect. To book your appointment to speak with us about this, please call the Smile Dental Practice on 020 8314 5066.
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