While most dental stains are superficial, also known as extrinsic stains, others are deep-set, or intrinsic stains.  After your cosmetic dentist performs a comprehensive oral examination and takes a detailed medical history from you, then he or she can determine which type of stains you have and which treatment options you may benefit from. Here are some causes of deep-set stains and which treatment options your dentist may recommend. 

Medications and Acid Erosion

Certain medications can lead to intrinsic dental stains. For example, if your mother had a bacterial infection and was prescribed tetracycline when she was pregnant with you, your teeth may appear brownish or gray.

Another medication that can cause deep-set tooth stains is liquid iron. If your physician prescribes a liquid iron supplement to help manage your anemia, he or she may recommend that you consume it through a straw to minimize its contact with your teeth.

Acid erosion may also make your teeth look dark yellow. If you regularly consume acidic foods and drinks, such as orange juice, coffee, tea, or cola, or if you take ascorbic acid supplements, you may develop acid erosion of your tooth enamel. When your enamel wears away as a result of acid erosion, your dentin becomes more visible. Dentin is naturally dark yellow, and because your enamel has thinned as a result of acid erosion, the dark yellow dentin will be more visible. 

Treatments

Because deep-set tooth stains do not usually respond to bleaching treatments, your cosmetic dentist may recommend different treatment options such as porcelain veneers. These small covers are applied over your teeth to hide stains.

Before your veneers are applied, your dentist will need to remove a portion of your enamel to help ensure that the veneers adhere well to your teeth. Bonding is another cosmetic dental treatment that can conceal deep-set stains. During the bonding process, your cosmetic dentist applies a bonding material to the affected teeth and then uses a special lighting instrument to set the material. Like porcelain veneers, bonding only covers up your dental stains and does not eliminate them.

If you have deep-set stains as a result of medications or acid erosion, make an appointment with your cosmetic dentist. A treatment plan will be developed based on the severity of your stains, the cause, and your financial situation. Furthermore, if you have severe acid erosion, your dentist may refer you back to your physician to determine if you have acid reflux disease which can also cause enamel erosion.

Visit a dental clinic, such as South Florida Dental Center, to figure out the best solution for your stains.