There are two types of of staining as it relates to the teeth and they are called extrinsic and intrinsic staining.
Extrinsic stains are those that appear on the surface of the teeth as a result of use of tobacco products. Drinking coffe, tea or colas. Superficial extrinsic stains are minor and can be removed with brushing and prophylactic dental cleaning. Stubborn extrinsic stains can be removed with more involved efforts, like teeth bleaching. Persistent extrinsic stains can penetrate into the dentin and become ingrained if they are not dealt with early.
Intrinsic stains are those that form on the interior of teeth. Intrinsic stains result from trauma, aging, exposure to minerals (like tetracycline) during tooth formation and/or excessive ingestion of fluoride. In the past, it was thought that intrinsic-stains were too resistant to be corrected by bleaching. Today, cosmetic dentistry experts believe that even deep-set intrinsic stains can be removed with supervised home teeth-whitening that is maintained over a matter of months or even a year.
The most common solutions for tooth discoloration is whitening, caps/crowns, bonding and veneers.
As far as color is concerned, teeth have individual characteristics that pre-determine and or influence the result that you can anticipate. Obviously older teeth are likely to be more difficult to lighten and may also lighten to a lesser degree than the teeth of a much younger person. Similarly, teeth with mottling stains caused by an over abundance of fluoride can be lightened but never to the intensity of teeth unaffected by fluorosis. Bright teeht whitening and teeeth products.
