Discoloration of teeth
Often asked questions by the patients is whether the discoloration of teeth will be solved by teeth cleaning? or teeth whitening? or whether both procedures are the same?
Teeth discoloration can be due to different causes. Briefly we can divide it into intrinsic and extrinsic staining. Extrinsic stains are mainly due to plaque sticking on teeth surfaces, it can further be calcified to form calculus. Extrinsic staining can be due to food habits, beverages like tea, coffee; habits like supari or pan chewing; some medicines may also cause extrinsic staining like iron supplements, inhalers, etc. Most of these extrinsic stains need only professional cleaning, which uses only a tip vibrating at high frequency without any chemicals and is absolutely safe the results of which can be seen in the above picture.
Intrinsic stains on the other hand are due to systemic reasons like fluorosis (high fluoride intake during teeth development), developmental defects, usage of some medicines like tetracycline during teeth development, or in general more dentin colour showing through giving a yellowish tinge to the clour of teeth. These intrinsic colours cannot be removed by teeth cleaning and might need teeth whitening procedure or other treatment options like veneers. Teeth whitening includes application of chemicals on the teeth surface which is light activated to give a whitening effect. It whitens the teeth by 1-2 shades in one application. The results are not permanent and may revert back in a year or two. It may also cause a transient increase in tooth sensitivity. Case selection is very important in such treatment.
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