Teeth Whitening Torrance

These foods, beverages, and habits contain organic compounds that adhere to your teeth, creating visible stains. Brushing regularly can remove some of these stains, but others tend to get caught in the natural roughness of your teeth. While your teeth may feel smooth, they have a texture that can trap these stains. Acidic foods and drinks can even make your teeth rougher, worsening stain retention. For example, white wine is more acidic than red wine, which can lead to more stains being trapped in the enamel.

At your regular dental checkups, your dentist will clean and polish your teeth, helping to remove stains and prevent new ones. However, sometimes professional cleaning isn’t enough, and cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or veneers may be recommended to achieve a brighter smile.

Intrinsic Discoloration: Internal Causes of Tooth Darkening

Intrinsic discoloration comes from within the tooth itself. Teeth are made up of several layers: the outer layer called the enamel (which is normally bright white), the dentin beneath it (which is naturally darker), and the pulp, which is the living tissue of the tooth. Intrinsic discoloration may arise from enamel defects, naturally darker dentin, dental infections, or bruised teeth.

As we age, the enamel on our teeth naturally thins, especially with exposure to acidic foods and drinks. Thinning enamel allows the darker dentin to show through more clearly, making teeth appear darker. Additionally, dentin itself can darken over time, contributing to the overall discoloration of your smile.

If you’re dealing with intrinsic stains, cosmetic dentistry offers several options, such as professional whitening, porcelain veneers, or bonding to help restore your teeth to their natural brightness.

Teeth whitening works by breaking down the organic compounds that stain your teeth. This makes it very effective on extrinsic stains. If your teeth are discolored because of food, drink, tobacco, or marijuana, teeth whitening will help. It’s even effective at discoloration caused by tetracycline antibiotics, which is less common, but can be hard to deal with.

Removing the stains will let your teeth get as white as your natural enamel allows, but it won’t combat intrinsic stains. It’s reasonable to try over-the-counter teeth whitening if you see your dentist regularly and have healthy teeth. It is effective on mild stains, but if you aren’t happy with the results, talk to a cosmetic dentist about professional teeth whitening.

At South Bay Prosthodontics, our cosmetic dentists offer KöR Whitening. We choose KöR Whitening because it is highly effective, but it also combats tooth sensitivity that some people experience with teeth whitening.

We use KöR Whitening for both in-office and take-home whitening. We custom-craft whitening trays that create a strong seal to keep the whitening compound on your teeth for better whitening and less gum irritation. For take-home whitening, you will wear these trays overnight for two weeks. If you need additional whitening, we can do an in-office whitening treatment with a more powerful concentration of whitening compound.

Once you achieve the whitening you want, you can maintain the results with periodic maintenance treatments.

If teeth whitening isn’t delivering the results you’re hoping for, it may be time to explore other options. Intrinsic staining often requires a more comprehensive solution, and porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and dental bonding can help you achieve the bright, flawless smile you desire.

For patients dealing with both discoloration and dental damage, these restorative treatments offer the added benefit of improving both the appearance and function of your teeth. Whether you need to repair chipped or cracked teeth, reshape uneven teeth, or close gaps in your smile, these solutions can provide dramatic results.

Our prosthodontists are experts in crafting custom porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and dental bonding to enhance your smile’s aesthetics. These advanced treatments not only address cosmetic concerns but also restore the health and structure of your teeth. If whitening alone isn’t providing the results you want, consulting with a skilled prosthodontist can help you achieve a brighter, more complete smile.

Don’t let discolored teeth keep you covering your teeth in public. Have the confidence to smile and speak in public with a bright, beautiful smile.

Please call (310) 378-9261 or use our online form to request an appointment at the Torrance, CA, office of South Bay Prosthodontics.