Removal of Stains
Stained or discoloured teeth can have a significant impact on your confidence and self-esteem. Whether it’s from consuming coffee, tea, or wine, or simply due to the natural ageing process, many people feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile when their teeth are discoloured. At Hornsby Dental, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with stubborn stains, and we’re here to help you achieve the bright, confident smile you’ve always wanted. Our professional teeth stain removal services can target a wide variety of stains, improving both the aesthetic and health of your teeth.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of tooth stains, their causes, and the treatment options available at Hornsby Dental to help you get your smile back to its best.
Types of Tooth Stains
1. Extrinsic Stains (Surface Stains)
Extrinsic stains are those that appear on the outer surface of your teeth. They are typically caused by external factors such as food, drinks, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. The most common causes of extrinsic staining include:
Coffee and Tea:
These drinks contain tannins, which can cause stains to stick to the surface of your teeth.
Red Wine:
This beverage also contains tannins and anthocyanins, which can cause discolouration.
Tobacco Use:
Both smoking and smokeless tobacco can result in yellowish or brown stains on your teeth.
Berries and Fruit Juices:
Certain dark fruits and juices can leave behind stains, especially if consumed regularly.
2. Intrinsic Stains (Internal Stains)
Excess Fluoride Exposure:
Known as dental fluorosis, this can result in white or brown spots on the teeth.
Trauma or Injury:
An injury to a tooth can cause it to darken over time.
Certain Medications:
Antibiotics such as tetracycline, especially when taken during childhood development or pregnancy, can cause discolouration.
Aging:
As we age, our tooth enamel naturally thins, allowing the yellowish dentin beneath to show through more prominently.
Common Causes of Teeth Staining
1. Dietary Choices
As mentioned, foods and beverages like coffee, tea, cola, berries, and red wine are some of the leading causes of extrinsic stains. These foods contain pigments and tannins that can cling to the tooth surface, leading to discolouration over time.
2. Smoking and Tobacco Products
Tobacco use is one of the most notorious causes of staining, leaving behind yellow and brown stains that are difficult to remove. Smokers may notice their teeth darkening over time, even with regular brushing.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
When oral hygiene habits are neglected, plaque and tartar can accumulate on your teeth, leading to a build-up of stains. Insufficient brushing and flossing allow bacteria and food particles to stick to the surface of the teeth, causing discolouration.
4. Ageing
As we age, the outer layer of enamel on our teeth naturally wears down, exposing the darker dentin underneath. This leads to a more yellow or greyish appearance of the teeth, even if stains are not present.
5. Medications
Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can cause intrinsic stains, particularly when taken during childhood development or pregnancy. Additionally, medications like antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antipsychotic drugs can also contribute to discolouration.
Treatment Options for Stain Removal at Hornsby Dental
1. Polishing
- Light surface staining
- People looking for a quick and natural solution
- Those wanting to avoid invasive procedures
While polishing is effective for removing superficial stains, more stubborn or deeper stains may require additional treatments.
2. Teeth Whitening
For more pronounced stains or those that involve both intrinsic and extrinsic discolouration, teeth whitening is a popular and effective solution. Teeth whitening uses a bleaching agent to lighten the colour of your teeth and can help address both surface stains and deeper intrinsic discolouration.
At Hornsby Dental, we offer both in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits, depending on your preferences and the severity of your stains. In-office treatments are completed in around 90 minutes, providing immediate results, while take-home kits involve custom-made trays that you wear at home for a more gradual whitening process.
Teeth whitening is most effective for:
- Moderate extrinsic and intrinsic staining
- Fluoride or trauma-related stains
- Those seeking a non-invasive, cost-effective treatment
While whitening is highly effective, it may not work as well on very deep stains or on crowns and fillings. It is important to discuss your expectations with your dentist to determine whether whitening is the right solution for you.
3. Bonding
For those looking to address both staining and minor imperfections, dental bonding is an excellent option. During bonding, your dentist applies a tooth-coloured composite resin to the surface of your teeth to mask stains and improve the overall appearance. Bonding is typically used to treat small stains or to fill in areas with wear and tear.
Bonding works well for:
- White or brown spots due to old fillings or trauma
- Minor surface staining
- People looking for a more affordable option than veneers
4. Porcelain Veneers
If you’re looking for a complete aesthetic transformation, porcelain veneers are a fantastic option. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to cover up stains, chips, and other imperfections. Porcelain is durable, long-lasting, and highly resistant to staining, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a long-term solution.
Porcelain veneers are ideal for:
- Those looking for a dramatic change in the colour and appearance of their teeth
- People who are willing to invest in a more permanent solution
- Those seeking a beautiful, natural-looking result that resists staining
5. Crowns
For severely discoloured or damaged teeth, crowns may be the best option. A crown completely covers the tooth, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. While crowns are more expensive and time-consuming than other treatments, they offer superior results for teeth that require substantial restoration or have intrinsic staining that cannot be addressed with whitening or bonding.
Crowns are ideal for:
- Severely stained or damaged teeth
- Teeth that also require functional restoration
- Those looking for the most long-lasting and aesthetic result
Regular Dental Care:
The Key to Preventing Future Staining
If you have concerns about the appearance of your teeth or are looking to brighten your smile, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team at Hornsby Dental can guide you through the various treatment options and help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Book your appointment today and let us help you restore your confidence with a radiant, stain-free smile!
Specials & Deals
New patient
check up & clean
$219 or NO GAP
Dental
Veneers
FROM $30 a WEEK
Dental Crowns/Bridges
FROM $1,820 EACH
Dental Implant Surgery
FROM $5,199 EACH
Invisalign Diamond Provider
FROM $5,199 EACH
Teeth Whitening Save up to 50%
FROM $449
Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Mark Neih
BDS (Otago, NZ)
Dr. Philip Song
BDS (Hons) (USyd) Bsc
Dr. Richard Huang
DMD (USyd)