Cosmetic Dental Solutions and Preventative Dental Care Address Imperfections
You want your pearly whites to be, well, white. But what if there are spots on your teeth that are even whiter than the rest? These likely weren’t always there, but appeared fairly recently. You’re probably wondering what they are, how to get rid of them, and how to prevent them in the future.
E-Care Dentistry of Olathe, Kansas, specializes in bringing out your teeth’s natural beauty – and we’re well-versed in this condition, called hypocalcification.
Enamel Erosion Causes White Spots on Teeth
Hypocalcification, put plainly, is when white calcium spots on your teeth begin to form. It is a type of tooth enamel damage in which the amount of calcium in your enamel begins to decline. As the enamel gets thinner in a process called enamel erosion, the white spots appear.
How Can I Prevent White Spots on My Teeth?
Unfortunately, once hypocalcification begins, you cannot reverse it on your own; enamel does not regrow. However, you can prevent it by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth at least twice per day and receiving preventative dental care at least every six months.
Eating too many acidic or sugary foods can also destroy your enamel and cause hypocalcification, while others are simply genetically prone to hypocalcification. Acidic foods can include colas and citrus fruits, while sugary foods include bread, cakes, cookies, and more. This isn’t to say you should cut these foods from your diet altogether. However, you should take care to brush and floss your teeth to remove the plaque build-up and lingering substances after eating or drinking.
Only Cosmetic Dental Solutions Can Fix the White Spots on Your Teeth
If your teeth are otherwise healthy, your Kansas City dentist can help mask the hypocalcification on your teeth. You may need a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel. Fluoride can help halt tooth decay by making enamel more resistant to acids.
However, fluoride won’t remove white calcium spots on teeth. You’ll need a cosmetic dental solution for that, such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers, or a restorative solution, such as a dental crown.
Dental Bonding
During the process of dental bonding, your cosmetic dentist will use composite resin to give your teeth a more even color. Your dentist contours the resin to match – or change the shape of – your teeth, depending on the aesthetic you prefer. The resin covers the areas of hypocalcification and looks natural once application is complete.
For most patients, dental bonding is the most cost-effective solution for white spots on teeth – but your dentist must evaluate your oral health and severity of enamel loss to determine whether you’re a candidate.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can not only correct white spots on teeth, but they also can provide a solution for staining, chips, and gaps.
Made of biocompatible porcelain, veneers essentially are durable shells that are made to perfectly fit the front surfaces of your teeth. They are adhered with a strong bonding agent, and with the right care, can last for decades. Veneers are incredibly natural looking, and no one will know they’re there.
Dental Crowns
For people with severe enamel loss and discoloration, a dental crown could be necessary. A crown fully covers weakened enamel and protects the tooth as a whole.
Dental crowns match your teeth’s color and can even improve the appearance of your smile. If you need a crown due to severe white spots on your teeth, your dentist will walk you through the procedure and create a custom crown just for you.
What if I Don’t Take Action Through Cosmetic Dental Solutions?
Protecting your teeth with composite resin, porcelain veneers, or dental crowns can help prevent further enamel erosion. Combined with preventative dental care, these processes prevent white calcium spots on your teeth from worsening and protect the internal structures of your teeth.
Only your dentist can provide the right suggestions for dental care for you, so it’s best if you make an appointment to learn more about your options.
Visit an Excellent and Experienced Dentist in the Kansas City Area
If you’re experiencing white spots on your teeth, or if you’re looking to take better care of your oral structures, E-Care Dentistry in Olathe, Kansas, is ready to help you! Our unique, spa-like setting and comfort menu encourage patients like you to relax and perhaps even enjoy your trip to the dentist’s office, even if you have dental anxiety.
And with our team’s experience and demonstrated excellence in cosmetic dentistry and preventative dental care, you can rest assured that your teeth are in good hands.
To make your first appointment with E-Care Dentistry, talk to one of our schedulers.
