What do you see when you smile at yourself in the mirror? If all you can focus on is your single yellow tooth, don’t fret about it. There are many ways to fix this common problem. Let’s go over a few of them and figure out which one is right for you.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments
Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products like Crest Whitestrips offer a quick, convenient, and affordable way to whiten your teeth. These treatments use low-strength bleaching agents to loosen the surface stains on your teeth and make them look several shades whiter.
However, the effectiveness of these products is limited. They can’t get rid of very dark stains, and their one-size-fits-all approach makes it difficult to use them to target just one yellow tooth.
In-Office Whitening Treatments
If OTC whitening treatments aren’t powerful enough to achieve the shade of white you’re hoping for, in-office whitening treatments might be. These treatments are only available through your dentist and are far stronger than anything you’ll find at your local drug store.
In-office whitening usually takes around an hour to complete. It’s more expensive than OTC whitening, but it produces more dramatic results. These treatments can also be targeted to specific teeth, making it easier to whiten your single yellow tooth without bleaching the rest.
Veneers
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or dental composite that are attached to the front of your teeth. These enhancements cover up any discolouration (even intrinsic stains from injuries or medications!) and can disguise damage like craze lines and chips.
You can get a veneer installed on just your yellow tooth or get a full set for all of your front teeth. They’re more expensive than in-office whitening treatments, but they’ll last you many years with proper care.
A Crown
If your yellow tooth is cracked or has a large filling in it, your dentist can cover it with a crown instead. Dental crowns cover the whole tooth instead of just the front, giving the tooth more protection from powerful chewing forces.
A well-made porcelain crown looks just as beautiful as any set of veneers and will usually last longer too. They’re more expensive than veneers, though, and they also require more tooth structure to be removed to accommodate them.
Keeping Your Teeth White
No matter which solution you choose to go with, you’ll need to be careful not to stain your newly whitened tooth all over again.
- Avoid consuming dark-coloured food and drink like wine, coffee, tea, blueberries, and curry. If you drink any of these liquids, use a straw to minimize the amount of time they make contact with your teeth.
- Don’t use dental products with stannous fluoride in them. This compound can stain your teeth. Products with sodium fluoride in them offer the same cavity-fighting benefits without the risk of stains.
- Visit your dentist regularly cleanings and check-ups. Cleanings remove tartar and built-up surface stains while check-ups catch tooth decay before it can visibly discolour your teeth.
Get Professional Help for That Stubborn Tooth
Your yellow tooth doesn’t have to stick out like a sore thumb. Coscarella Family Dentistry can help you achieve the uniform white smile you’re looking for. Contact us today to book an appointment and discuss your options.
