Your smile is an expression of your personality and a memorable part of your physical identity. But fluorosis stains on your teeth can make you hesitant about smiling. Are there any temporary ways to hide fluorosis stains on your teeth?
Background for our readers: Fluorosis stains occur from an excessive intake of fluoride during childhood while teeth are still developing. Stains on teeth are white, and in severe cases are brown.
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can personally do to hide fluorosis stains in your teeth. Even many general dentists are not able to successfully conceal the stains. But experienced cosmetic dentists have great success in rejuvenating smiles that are affected by fluorosis stains.
Porcelain Veneers and Other Options for Treating Dental Fluorosis
A porcelain veneer is bonded to the front of each affected tooth
Porcelain veneers are commonly used to conceal the stains. A delicate balance is needed to manipulate porcelain in a way that conceals the stains, yet the color and translucency of your natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist will work closely with a ceramist to ensure you receive natural-looking results.
Enamel Microabrasion
This process uses various acids and specific dental instruments to remove up to 0.2 mm of affected tooth enamel. Sometimes it is used when fluorosis stains are not deep. Not all dentists use it, it’s not right for every case, and it might be used along with porcelain veneers, teeth whitening treatment, or cosmetic bonding to conceal fluorosis stains.
Teeth Bleaching
Teeth bleaching can be used along with porcelain veneers or other cosmetic treatments to lighten the natural pigmentation of your teeth and brighten your smile. A dentist with training in dental esthetics understands the amount of whitening required, as well as when it should be used in the treatment process.
Composite Bonding
A cosmetic dentist can blend various shades of dental composite to hide stains and produce natural looking results. The dentist will roughen the surface of your teeth, apply the composite, and shape, harden, and polish it.
What Treatment Should You Request?
Before you request porcelain veneers or any other type of treatment, we suggest that you schedule consultations with at least two highly skilled cosmetic dentists. You will need an examination to receive a precise treatment plan, but during the consultation, the dentist will explain your treatment options and the results you can expect. To make this easier for patients, at Cheek Dental we offer free online consultations.
This post is sponsored by East Cobb cosmetic dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.