Superficial tooth stains such as those caused by certain foods, drinks, and smoking are typically very responsive to at-home treatments such as tooth whitening strips, bleaching trays, and whitening toothpaste. Dental office procedures such as laser bleaching are highly effective in removing superficial tooth stains, however, when it comes to tooth discoloration caused by exposed dentin, bleaching is not very ineffective.

When your tooth enamel becomes thin or wears away as a result of enamel erosion, it becomes more transparent. When this happens, your naturally dark yellow dentin is exposed, which makes your teeth look discolored. Here are some treatments your cosmetic dentist may recommend for your exposed dentin discoloration. 

Composite Resin Restorations

Dentin exposure can be treated with a special bonding material called composite resin. This material is strong and is very similar in appearance and texture to your own natural tooth enamel. The composite bonding procedure involves applying a special solution to the affected teeth to prepare them for the bonding agent. The solution makes the surface of the teeth rougher to help ensure that the composite resin bonds strongly to the enamel. After your cosmetic dentist has applied the resin to the affected teeth, it will be activated with a special light so that the material hardens over your teeth and effectively conceals the discoloration from the exposed dentin.

Crowns And Veneers

Dental crowns and porcelain veneers are other effective treatments for tooth discoloration caused by visible dentin. Dental crowns are restorations that are applied over your entire tooth. They are also called caps and are made by dental lab technicians after your dentist takes impressions of your teeth. Conversely, porcelain veneers only fit over the surface of your tooth and not over the entire tooth as crowns do. Veneers are very thin and before your cosmetic dentist applies the veneers to your teeth, a small portion of your enamel from your natural tooth will be shaved off. This is to help ensure that your veneer fits properly and so that it does not look thicker than your natural teeth. 

If your dentin is exposed and causing your teeth to look discolored, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. After they perform a comprehensive dental examination and discuss your treatment goals with you, they will recommend an individualized treatment plan. With proper at-home care and regular visits to your dentist, your tooth restorations should last for years. For more information, contact a local cosmetic dentist.