What Causes Teeth to Become Discolored?

Have you noticed your smile looking more yellow or dull than it used to, even though you brush every day? Tooth discoloration happens to almost everyone over time, and the most common causes are dark foods and drinks like coffee and red wine, tobacco use, natural aging, certain medications, and dental injuries. The good news is that most stains can be treated. 

 Want to improve your smile? At Contemporary Dentistry, our team offers professional teeth whitening in Fairfax, VA that can brighten your teeth by up to several shades. Call to book a cosmetic dentistry consultation and find out which approach works for you. 

What causes stained teeth? 

Not all stains are the same, and understanding which type you have helps determine the best treatment possible. Discoloration generally falls into a few categories:  

• Surface stains: These develop on the enamel from daily exposure to coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, and tobacco. They're the most common type and respond well to whitening. 
• Internal discoloration: Staining that comes from inside the tooth can result from certain antibiotics, excessive fluoride, or trauma that damages the nerve. These stains tend to look gray or brown rather than yellow. 
• Age-related changes: Enamel naturally thins over the years, revealing more of the yellowish dentin underneath. Decades of surface staining compound the effect. 

Stained teeth aren't necessarily unhealthy, but they can make you look older than you are and leave you hesitant to smile in photos or conversation. This is why teeth whitening is often recommended. 

How we treat discoloration 

Teeth whitening in Fairfax uses a prescription-strength whitening gel far more powerful than anything available in stores. We combine the gel with a light system that activates it, almost immediately whitening teeth up to several shades in a single visit. It's a popular choice before weddings, reunions, and other big events. 

If you prefer to brighten gradually, our at-home systems are equally effective but deliver a more subtle result over a period of time. You'll receive custom trays and professional gel to use on your own schedule. During a consultation, we will examine the type of tooth discoloration you have, since internal stains sometimes respond better to other cosmetic dentistry options like veneers or bonding. Either way, you'll leave with a plan matched to your goals. 

Is tooth discoloration permanent? 

For most patients, no. Surface stains and age-related yellowing respond very well to professional teeth whitening, and even deep-set stains can usually be corrected or covered with the right treatment. What's important to understand is that whitening results aren't indefinite. Teeth remain exposed to the same foods, drinks, and habits that stained them in the first place, so most patients benefit from periodic touch-ups. 

A few simple habits can stretch your results further: rinsing with water after coffee or wine, avoiding tobacco, and keeping up with regular cleanings so surface stains don't get a chance to settle in. 

Improve your smile in Fairfax with professional care 

Tooth discoloration builds so gradually that many people don't realize how much brighter their smile could be. Whether you want dramatic same-day whitening or a gradual at-home approach, our team at Contemporary Dentistry can improve your smile with treatment designed around your schedule. If stained teeth have you holding back, schedule a consultation in Fairfax, VA today and see what modern cosmetic dentistry can do.