The adult population is embracing the range of treatments that cosmetic dentistry in Cambridge offers. At Burwell Dental Surgery, we are particularly proud of the treatments we can offer and passionate about the positive results they have on our patients. A key concern of patients interested in cosmetic dentistry in Cambridge is discolouration of their teeth.

So why do teeth become discoloured?

There are a variety of reasons – some avoidable and some not. They fall into three categories – extrinsic, intrinsic and age-related. We’ll look at each type.

Extrinsic discolouration is damage to the enamel on the outer layer of the tooth. Nowadays, drinking coffee and red wine is often to blame for changes in colour. There are also some foods that can stain teeth. Patients who smoke are also more prone to problems with discolouration.

Intrinsic stains occur when the dentine, which is the inner structure of the tooth, becomes darker or yellower. There are several causes for this.

• Excessive exposure to fluoride during early childhood
• If a patient’s mother used tetracycline antibiotic during months 5-9 of the pregnancy
• If the patient themselves used tetracycline antibiotics before the age of 8
• Trauma affecting a developing tooth during childhood, such as a fall
• Trauma to a permanent tooth or internal bleeding
• Dentinogenesis imperfecta, a condition that some people are born with. It causes purple, amber or grey discolourations.

The final type is age-related. Mostly unavoidable, it is a blend of extrinsic and intrinsic staining. It is natural for dentine to yellow over time. In addition, as we age, the enamel on our teeth becomes thinner and this reveals the yellowing dentine behind. It is also possible for damage to teeth such as a chip can lead to discolouration.

So what can be done? Well, most extrinsic staining can be removed with professional cleaning, or whitened by using a bleaching gel. Some patients’ teeth are darker following a root canal. In this can the dentist can bleach the inside of the tooth or recommend the patient considers having a crown or veneer fitted. Veneers are basically thin layers of ceramic the cover the outside of the teeth.

All these treatments and more are available if you look for cosmetic dentistry in Cambridge. Don’t let discolouration ruin your smile.