Why Are My Teeth Getting Darker Over Time?

Beautiful white teeth have a way of setting the tone for how you interact in the world. When your teeth are gorgeous, you’re just more confident. Feeling like no challenge is too great.

But have you ever noticed that your teeth seem less bright as you age? It’s like someone turned down the volume so that they’re looking darker. No, it’s not your imagination, says Dr. Duval and the professional staff at Duval Orthodontics. In this blog, we explain the impact that aging has on your teeth and how you can turn up the volume on your smile.

The layers of your teeth

Let’s open this discussion with a quick review of the anatomy of your teeth. With tooth color, it is all about those first two layers. The most well-known layer of your teeth is the outer layer, dental enamel.

Enamel is the hardest substance in the body since it’s made almost entirely of calcium and phosphorus – to the tune of 95%. These two minerals bond, forming a shield that prevents bacteria from entering the inner layers and your teeth.

A great plus is that enamel also provides that pearly-white, luminous quality. The next layer under the enamel is called dentin. Dentin’s natural color varies but is usually gray to light brown or yellow. 

Natural aging and teeth discoloration

Over time, the color of your teeth can change because of genetics and natural aging. The results of years and years of chewing and biting, wear and tear, and the never-ending bombardment of acidic foods and drinks take a toll on dental enamel.

Precisely, enamel becomes more vulnerable to breaches as it thins out. This scenario sets up a perfect storm for the dark dental layer to peek through and for your teeth to seem slightly darker and more discolored as you age.

Teeth whitening customized for your preference

The good news is even if your teeth show signs of a well-lived life, there are whitening treatment options to make them brighter and whiter.

Several options, including over-the-counter teeth whitening products and kits, dentist-directed at-home custom whitening kits, and professional in-office teeth whitening, have primary differences with options, such as the strength of the whitening agents and who performs the service. 

For most patients, the decision comes down to where you’d like to do your whitening service. For folks who prefer to sit back and relax while someone else does all the work, in-office services, also known as chair-side whitening, may be the perfect option.

At Duval Orthodontics, we help patients turn up the volume on their smiles in the time it takes to go out for lunch. Your provider begins the session by applying a whitening agent on your teeth after placing a protective rubber dam to protect your gum, tongue, and lips.

After waiting about 15 minutes for the agent to begin working, your provider uses a special light to activate the whitening agent to break up the stains. During your whitening session, your provider repeats these steps several times until reaching your whitening goals. In-office whitening provides noticeably whiter teeth in about an hour.

If your teeth are losing their luster and you want to learn if teeth whitening is right for you, schedule a consultation with Duval Orthodontics. Contact the office most convenient in Warner Robins or Albany, Georgia, or book an appointment online today. We want to capture your best smile.