It may not be your fault if your teeth are stained. It’s true that staining occurs as a result of dark foods like coffee and red wine, or from habits like smoking. However, the culprit might be something you did during childhood, before you knew that it could be harming your teeth. Teeth staining can be caused by taking certain antibiotics during childhood, before your permanent teeth even erupted. Tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline are the specific antibiotics which have been linked to altering your tooth color. For this reason, doctors have stopped prescribing these medications to young children and pregnant women. But for some adults, the damage has been done and you’re left trying to find a remedy for your stained teeth.

What can I try first to restore my teeth?
Some people achieve success through teeth whitening methods, especially when stains are mild. Special whitening solution is applied to remove surface stains from your teeth, providing you with a brighter smile. Teeth whitening options range from over-the-counter products used at home, to professional treatments in your dentist’s office. Professional teeth whitening methods often provide more dramatic and faster results.

What if that doesn’t work?
For more stubborn stains, dental bonding is an alternative. Your dentist applies a thin layer of composite resin to the surface of your teeth, hiding the stains. However, if your stains are extremely dark, bonding may not be sufficient to cover them completely.

What if my teeth are just too stained?
Dental veneers are your best option for teeth that are severely stained from antibiotics. Very thin porcelain shells will be customized to fit the fronts of your teeth, and permanently bonded in place. Veneers can be matched to your natural tooth color, or even whiter if you’d like a brighter smile, to create a natural and beautiful smile.

Teeth whitening dentist in Toronto