White, bright, healthy smiles can make you feel and look good. From dietary habits and aging to accidental injury, tooth discoloration is the most common cosmetic dental concern. Patients often feel frustrated by yellow or discolored teeth and report feeling like their smiles look faded or “old.”
Emerald Isle cosmetic dentist Dr. Aubrey Myers offers treatment options to improve the appearance of a discolored smile. A highly trained and experienced cosmetic dentist, Dr. Myers offers treatments that can improve the appearance of your smile. Whitening your teeth can take years off your appearance and improve your self-confidence.
What Causes Yellow or Discolored Teeth?
There are a variety of factors that can stain or discolor the teeth. Dr. Myers will conduct a thorough oral health exam to understand the cause of discoloration so that she may provide treatment that can deliver optimal whitening results.
- Yellow Stained Teeth- Yellowing teeth are common as patients age. Yellow teeth can occur by natural erosion of the tooth enamel over time. As the tooth enamel wears away over time, the dentin becomes exposed. Dentin is naturally yellow. Lifestyle factors such as drinking red wine and coffee, smoking, or a diet high in sugar can also discolor teeth.
- Dark Spots- Some patients experience dark or brown spots on their teeth. Trauma or injury can also cause dark spots to form on teeth. Certain antibiotics also cause dark spots on the teeth. Be sure to let Dr. Myers know if you are on any medications to allow for proper treatment.
- White Spots- Bright white spots are usually a result of overexposure to fluoride during the development of the teeth.
Treating Tooth Discoloration
After determining the underlying cause of your tooth stains or discoloration, Dr. Myers will recommend the most appropriate treatment option. In some cases, the discoloration is due to previous use of certain medications, such as tetracycline, a medical concern, or genetic factors. For these situations, Dr. Myers may recommend considering tooth bonding, porcelain veneers, or a dental crown. These options can also provide permanent changes and a whiter, brighter smile. For most patients, professional teeth whitening using our custom whitening kits can offer exceptional results. Dr. Myers will provide custom bleaching trays that can be used daily over a period of time to whiten your teeth without affecting gums and soft tissue in the mouth.
Areas We Serve
If you are dissatisfied with your discolored or stained smile, contact our office today or schedule a consultation online. Dr. Myers offers personalized consultation and works with patients to choose cosmetic dental treatments that will meet the patient’s goals and improve their oral health. We welcome new patients from Cedar Point, Cape Carteret, Bogue, Emerald Isle, and surrounding communities.