At Eagle Gate Dental, we want all of our patients to walk out of our office with bright, brilliant smiles. To achieve this goal, our Salt Lake City office offers several types of teeth whitening treatments to correct the different types of tooth discoloration that may be afflicting our patients.

Are There Different Types of Tooth Discoloration?

Not all tooth discoloration is the same. When it comes to finding the right teeth whitening method to enhance your smile, the type of tooth discoloration matters. Tooth discoloration can be divided into two types: extrinsic tooth discoloration and intrinsic tooth discoloration.

What Is Extrinsic Tooth Discoloration?

Extrinsic tooth discoloration is the most common type of tooth discoloration. This is discoloration that forms on the enamel, or the hard outer surface, of a tooth. These surface stains can be caused by factors including:

• Food and Drink: Dark or acidic foods and beverages like coffee, tea, cola, red wine, and dark fruits can stain the surface of your teeth over time.
• Tobacco: Both smoking and using chewing tobacco can have a serious effect on your teeth, causing stains and discoloration.

What Is Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration?

Intrinsic tooth discoloration is discoloration that forms within the dentin, or the inner layer, of a tooth. This type of discoloration is not caused by what you’re eating or drinking, rather it is caused by factors such as:

• Medical Treatments: If you took tetracycline antibiotics as a young child, or if your mother took tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of her pregnancy, you may have teeth with gray-colored stains.
• Fluoride exposure: Overexposure to fluoride can also result in discoloration of teeth.
• Dental Trauma: Even if there is no immediate change, a traumatic injury or nerve damage within a tooth can lead to darkening and discoloration over time.
• Aging: While some tooth discoloration can be attributed to coffee or smoking, teeth may also naturally darken with age.

How Are Different Types of Tooth Discoloration Treated?

Because extrinsic and intrinsic tooth discoloration affect different parts of the teeth, they require different methods of treatment.

Extrinsic tooth discoloration affects the surface of the teeth, so it responds well to traditional topical teeth bleaching treatments. At Eagle Gate Dental, we offer a range of take-home and in-office teeth whitening treatments to fit your needs.

The deeper set nature of intrinsic tooth discoloration makes it more complicated to treat. At Eagle Gate Dental, we offer more powerful whitening treatments that can penetrate deep within the tooth to lighten some forms of intrinsic discoloration. But depending on the severity of the discoloration and how many teeth are affected, we may also recommend alternative treatments such as porcelain veneers or dental crowns to correct the issue.

Learn More about Tooth Discoloration at Eagle Gate Dental

Finding the right teeth whitening treatment starts with understanding your specific type of tooth discoloration, and a consultation with a cosmetic and restorative dentist is the first step. Contact our dental care center to schedule an appointment and learn more about our cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening options. Our team at Eagle Gate Dental is ready to help you realize a more radiant smile today.