Patient Reviews
Friendly, knowledgeable, and caring staff. They made me feel at ease as a new patient. I'm glad I found a very good dentist office.
Great dental services! Everyone in the practice is friendly and professional and attentive to the patients needs and concerns.
Cares about patients. The staff is very helpful and accommodating. Scheduling was easy. The practice is outstanding and deserves 10 stars!
Made me comfortable knowing I had a lot of anxiety Everything was explained really thoroughly which made me feel even more at ease
Dentist and dental tech are very kind and professional. Work is done gently . Great experience.
Staff is wonderful, Alex does a great job cleaning my teeth 😁 I'm not one that enjoys the dentist but Riverdale makes me feel at ease. Thank you!!
First visit. Everyone was so nice and made me comfortable knowing I had a lot of anxiety Everything was explained really thoroughly which made me feel even more at ease.
Excellent customer service. Extremely kind, courteous and caring about their patients. They do an awesome job communicating the treatment and patient out of pocket cost for a procedure.
Great dentist. Thorough, explained everything, reasonable pricing, warm and friendly staff. So happy I found you.
Yellow or Discolored Teeth
What Are Yellow or Discolored Teeth?
It is important to understand that natural tooth color varies from person to person. Healthy natural teeth are not necessarily bright white, and teeth can naturally have a slightly yellow or yellowish hue because tooth enamel is naturally translucent and allows the yellowish dentin beneath it to show through. As people age, enamel may become thinner due to normal enamel wear and enamel erosion, making the underlying dentin more noticeable and causing natural yellowing.
Other cases of discolored teeth result from external factors. Plaque buildup, tartar buildup, poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, chewing tobacco, red wine, and certain foods and beverages can create everyday surface discoloration. Acidic foods may also weaken enamel over time. Tooth decay, dental trauma, teeth grinding, and certain dental treatments can contribute to deeper discoloration. In some cases, medical conditions or medications may also affect tooth color.
What are the Benefits of Correcting Yellow or Discolored Teeth?
Addressing yellow or discolored teeth can improve both the appearance of your smile and your confidence. Treatment can help remove surface stains, brighten natural teeth, and address deeper discoloration when appropriate.
Benefits may include:
- Improve the appearance of yellow teeth and discolored teeth
- Remove surface stains and everyday discoloration
- Brighten the natural tooth color
- Improve confidence in your smile
- Remove plaque buildup that contributes to discoloration
- Support good oral hygiene and overall oral health
- Address stains associated with food, beverages, or tobacco
- Provide customized cosmetic dentistry options
- Create a healthier-looking, more vibrant smile
Treating the underlying cause is also important. Yellow teeth caused by plaque, tartar, tooth decay, or gum disease may require dental treatment rather than whitening alone.
What is the Yellow or Discolored Teeth Procedure Like?
Treatment for yellow or discolored teeth depends on whether the discoloration is located on the outer surface of the tooth or is deeper within the tooth structure. During your consultation at Riverdale Dental, your dentist will evaluate your natural teeth, enamel, gums, and overall oral health to determine what is causing the discoloration.
For surface stains, professional teeth whitening may be an effective option. Professional whitening treatments use carefully controlled whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to lighten stains and improve tooth color. Professional whitening may provide more predictable results than over-the-counter whitening products or whitening strips. Professional dental cleanings may also be recommended to remove hardened tartar buildup.
If discoloration is caused by enamel wear, dental trauma, tooth decay, or deeper staining that does not respond adequately to whitening, Riverdale Dental may discuss other cosmetic dentistry options. Depending on the condition of the tooth, dental bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns may help improve the appearance of noticeably darker or damaged teeth.
Recovery From Yellow or Discolored Teeth Treatment
Recovery depends on the treatment selected. Professional teeth whitening generally requires little to no downtime, although some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum sensitivity afterward. Following your dentist’s instructions can help minimize discomfort.
After whitening, patients may be advised to limit foods and beverages that can stain teeth, including red wine and certain dark-colored foods and drinks. Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing can help preserve whitening results. Dental bonding, veneers, or crowns may require a longer treatment process depending on the number of teeth being treated and the condition of the existing tooth structure.
Candidates for Yellow or Discolored Teeth Treatment
Many adults with yellow or discolored teeth may be candidates for cosmetic dental treatment. However, your dentist will first determine whether your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening or another cosmetic procedure.
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Yellow or yellowish teeth caused by surface stains
- Brown stains or yellow stains
- Natural yellowing associated with age
- Discoloration from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco
- Good oral hygiene but persistent tooth discoloration
- Deeper discoloration that requires cosmetic dentistry
- Healthy teeth and gums that are suitable for whitening
Patients with tooth decay, bleeding gums, gum disease, significant enamel erosion, or other dental concerns may need treatment for those conditions before pursuing cosmetic whitening.
Why Choose Riverdale Dental for Yellow or Discolored Teeth Treatment?
At Riverdale Dental, we understand that every patient’s natural tooth color and source of discoloration are different. Our team takes a personalized approach to determining whether professional whitening, dental bonding, veneers, crowns, or another dental treatment is the best way to improve your smile.
Rather than simply treating the visible yellowing, we look for potential causes such as plaque buildup, enamel wear, tooth decay, gum disease, or deeper discoloration. This comprehensive approach allows us to recommend cosmetic dentistry options that support both a brighter smile and long-term oral health.
Make a dull smile sparkle!
If your teeth have become yellow, noticeably darker, or discolored, Riverdale Dental can help you understand why and determine which treatment options may be appropriate. Schedule a consultation with Riverdale Dental today to learn more about your options for treating yellow or discolored teeth.