Stained / Discolored Teeth

When a person notices that their teeth are not as white as they used to be, they often wonder what led to the development of teeth stains. When determining the cause of staining, it’s important to first determine which sort of stain has occurred.

There are three types of tooth staining to consider, extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related.

Extrinsic staining occurs when pigments from food or drinks build up on the tooth’s surface and soak into the protein that covers the enamel. Common staining agents include wine, coffee, tobacco, tea, and colored sodas.

Intrinsic staining can also be the result of food and drink pigments, but these stains work their way deeper into the tooth. They can also develop when an individual uses too much fluoride or takes certain medications that contribute to tooth staining.

Age-related staining can be the result of a combination of issues, such as extrinsic staining, intrinsic staining, and the natural yellowing of the dentin over time. These issues combined with the fact that enamel thins with age can make it to where older people notice significant darkening of their teeth.

A patient with stained, discolored teeth before receiving treatment
A patient with stained, discolored teeth after receiving treatment

Is Discoloration Dangerous?

In many cases, stained or discolored teeth are not dangerous on their own. Stains are simply pigmented residue that has had time to soak into the teeth and darken them. However, some stains may indicate poor oral hygiene practices, and poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

To have concerns about the shade of your teeth addressed, it’s always best to consult an experienced dental professional. This way, you can be sure your teeth are not at risk, and if desired, you can have the discoloration remedied.

A close up photo of a patient's stained, discolored teeth before receiving treatment
A close up photo of a patient's stained, discolored teeth after receiving treatment

Treatment Options

Stained and discolored teeth don’t have to stay that way. There are a few things that a dentist can do to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. For minor stains, a thorough dental cleaning might be all that’s needed. Other cases may require professional whitening services to lighten teeth a few shades.

Finally, some cosmetic options may include veneers, which will permanently enhance the symmetry, shape, alignment, and shade of a patient’s teeth.

If you’re concerned about the color of your teeth and you’d like to evaluate your treatment options, reach out to Signature Dentistry Centennial. Our office sees patients throughout the Centennial area, including Cottonwood, Dove Valley, Denver Tech Center, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Foxfield, Aurora, Lone Tree, and The Pinery.

Step 1

Evaluation of your facial structure, smile and lip line, gums, and teeth in planning a Smile Transformation that strikes an artist balance, to bring out your best features.

Before

Creation of a 3D Model of your new smile design based upon this evaluation and your expressed goals. Every aspect of your face, lips, gums, and teeth, go into the creation of your new Signature Smile. You now have an opportunity to see the 3D Model and see the final result BEFORE starting treatment.

Step 2

Creation of a 3D Model of your new smile design based upon this evaluation and your expressed goals. Every aspect of your face, lips, gums, and teeth, go into the creation of your new Signature Smile. You now have an opportunity to see the 3D Model and see the final result BEFORE starting treatment.

Your treatment begins. This is when your smile is transformed. At this appointment, any old restorations and decay are removed, and the underlying teeth made healthy and rebuilt. Care is taken by our doctors to save as much of the healthy teeth as possible. Impressions are made of the new structure, and beautiful temporary teeth are artistically sculpted by the doctor, so when you walk out of our office after the first visit you have a new smile!

Step 3

Your treatment begins. This is when your smile is transformed. At this appointment, any old restorations and decay are removed, and the underlying teeth made healthy and rebuilt. Care is taken by our doctors to save as much of the healthy teeth as possible. Impressions are made of the new structure, and beautiful temporary teeth are artistically sculpted by the doctor, so when you walk out of our office after the first visit you have a new smile!

While you try out your new smile for the next few weeks, our Master Ceramist will artistically design and create your new smile. The skill and artistry of the technician is a critical step in creating a beautiful smile with veneers. Our technician MJ is truly one of the best in the entire world, know for creating flawless, natural smiles.

Before

After

Step 4

While you try out your new smile for the next few weeks, our Master Ceramist will artistically design and create your new smile. The skill and artistry of the technician is a critical step in creating a beautiful smile with veneers. Our technician MJ is truly one of the best in the entire world, know for creating flawless, natural smiles.

Before

After

Completion of your full mouth reconstruction. When you return for your treatment appointment we bond the final restorations in place. Our doctors take time at this appointment to get the fine details of your smile looking perfect- completely natural, befitting of your smile line, face, and enhancing your overall appearance. Smile Transformations, if maintained properly, should look and feel great for up to 15 years after placement.

Before

After

Step 5

Completion of your full mouth reconstruction. When you return for your treatment appointment we bond the final restorations in place. Our doctors take time at this appointment to get the fine details of your smile looking perfect- completely natural, befitting of your smile line, face, and enhancing your overall appearance. Smile Transformations, if maintained properly, should look and feel great for up to 15 years after placement.

Before

After

Why choose Signature Dentistry Centennial for Smile Transformation?

All dentists are not created equal – either in terms of artistry, training, or experience. Our award-winning team of aesthetic dentists have gone above and beyond in these areas to become recognized experts in Smile Transformation. We are known for creating smiles that are radiant, beautiful, and so natural they are undetectable from natural teeth. Not only can you expect a smile that brings you new found health, confidence, and happiness, it will be delivered by a team of individuals that truly care for you and your experience, making the overall process as comfortable and smooth as possible. It is our team’s level of expertise and care that makes what we offer one-of-a-kind. We invite you to come see us and experience the Signature difference for yourself!

Our Signature On Every Smile