Having discolored teeth might not always be a sign of oral health decline. That does not mean it cannot have a daily impact on your quality of life. With a visit to a Zoom teeth whitening specialist, patients can clear away even tough stains with a single visit. But not all stains respond the same way. So what stains is Zoom whitening best for?
What Stains Is Zoom Whitening Best For?
Tooth discoloration can happen for a number of reasons. Generally, there are two types of stains or discolorations that can affect your teeth.
Extrinsic Stains
The most common type of tooth discoloration is an extrinsic stain. These are stains that exist on the surface of the tooth and are caused by external sources. They can vary in color but are usually:
- Yellow
- Brown
- Orange
- Green
- Black
For example, someone who smokes a lot of tobacco can have nicotine stains. Likewise, those of us who need multiple cups of black coffee to survive can also invite teeth stains in. Modern diets and habits are packed with staining elements, from healthy fruits (berries) to unhealthy vices (smoking and red wine).
Does Zoom Whitening Work for Extrinsic Stains?
The good news is that Zoom whitening works perfectly for extrinsic stains. In fact, these are the type of stains the treatment was designed for. Zoom whitening breaks down the pigments of stains, lifting them from the tooth’s enamel.
However, even Zoom whitening has limits. Severe extrinsic stains may require multiple treatments to improve your teeth’s appearance. In some cases, staining could be so severe that whitening might not be the best solution.
In these cases, patients still have alternatives, including:
- Dental bonding
- Dental veneers
- Dental crowns
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains are typically one color: gray. These are stains caused by the makeup of the tooth itself rather than external pigments. Typically, a tooth can have intrinsic stains due to:
- Trauma (e.g., the tooth died)
- Tetracycline antibiotics (maternal use in pregnancy can cause stains in the infant’s teeth)
- Excessive fluoride exposure
In some cases, intrinsic stains might not be immediately noticeable or can be overlooked due to other dental conditions. Since they are often gray, they can slip under the radar until they build up enough to become noticeable.
Does Zoom Whitening Work for Intrinsic Stains?
Generally, Zoom whitening does not improve the appearance of teeth with intrinsic stains. If you did have whitening on such teeth, you may still notice a difference. But that would only be due to it lifting any minor surface stains. The gray intrinsic stains would remain visible.
Intrinsic stains generally will require a treatment that covers the stained area. For your front teeth, this could mean getting dental veneers. For other teeth, you could use dental bonding or crowns.
How Do I Tell What Stains I Have?
If you have discolored teeth, the odds are more likely that you have treatable extrinsic stains. However, sometimes it can be hard to tell.
Your best solution is to set up a consultation with your dentist. They can examine your teeth and provide a concrete diagnosis and treatment plan.
Is Zoom Teeth Whitening Safe?
Yes! When performed by an experienced dentist, Zoom teeth whitening offers a safe way to lift stains from your teeth. Be sure to check your dentist’s past work before moving forward with your treatment plan.
Whiter Teeth in One Visit
At Smile World Dental, our top-rated dentist provides world-class Zoom teeth whitening to lift extrinsic stains. Call today to set up a consultation appointment and take a step toward a brighter smile.
