Understanding The Types of Teeth Stains

Get the Right Whitening Treatment for Your Teeth

Teeth stains are a common concern that can affect your smile’s brightness and impact your self-confidence. Whether your teeth have turned yellow or developed dark spots, understanding the type of stains you have can help you choose the most effective teeth whitening treatment.

At Fishinger Dental in Hilliard, OH, we offer advanced professional teeth whitening solutions to tackle different types of stains. Discover how our customized treatments can help restore your smile’s natural glow.

Extrinsic Teeth Stains

Extrinsic stains are the most common type and occur on the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel. These stains are often caused by:

• Smoking or using tobacco
• Drinking coffee, tea, or red wine
• Eating pigmented foods like berries, soy sauce, or tomato sauce 

Treatment for Extrinsic Stains:

Because extrinsic stains are on the surface, they’re easier to treat. In-office teeth whitening is the most effective method, offering faster, more visible results compared to over-the-counter products. A professional-strength bleaching agent is applied to your teeth, and a special light is used to speed up the process.

KöR Whitening and Opalescence are advanced whitening systems known for targeting even tough extrinsic stains while being gentle on sensitive teeth. If you prefer a more gradual approach, your dentist may provide custom at-home whitening kits tailored to your specific needs.

Intrinsic Teeth Stains

Intrinsic stains develop inside the tooth, often due to factors beyond surface staining, such as:

• Genetics
• Medications (like tetracycline)
• Dental trauma
• Excessive fluoride exposure

Treatment for Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove because they affect the inner structure of the tooth. Professional treatments such as in-office whitening, custom at-home whitening kits, or cosmetic options like porcelain veneers are recommended for these deeper stains. Depending on the severity, techniques such as microabrasion or dental bonding can also be effective.

Our Hilliard dental team will assess your unique needs and recommend the best course of treatment to ensure effective results.

Age-Related Teeth Stains

As we age, our enamel naturally thins, allowing the yellowish dentin beneath to show through. Over time, this makes teeth more prone to absorbing stains from food, drinks, and lifestyle habits like smoking.

Treatment for Age-Related Stains

For age-related discoloration, professional teeth whitening treatments, such as in-office whitening or customized at-home whitening trays, are highly effective. In severe cases where whitening treatments aren’t sufficient, options like porcelain veneers or dental bonding can restore the appearance of a youthful, bright smile.

The Best Whitening Treatment for Every Type of Stain

At Fishinger Dental, we offer a variety of teeth whitening treatments designed to tackle all types of stains:

1. In-Office Whitening: Our professional in-office treatments use high-concentration bleaching agents activated by a special light, perfect for deep-set intrinsic stains or severe extrinsic discoloration.
2. At-Home Whitening Kits: These custom-made trays provide convenience and flexibility for those looking to whiten their teeth gradually.
3. Porcelain Veneers: If whitening alone can’t address your stains, veneers offer a permanent, stain-resistant solution to cover severely stained teeth.
4. Microabrasion: Ideal for surface-level stains, this technique gently removes a thin layer of enamel to reveal a brighter smile underneath.
5. Dental Bonding: A tooth-colored resin is applied to your teeth, covering up imperfections and moderate intrinsic stains.