Esthetic Dentistry

What causes discolored teeth?

Discolored teeth are characterized by many possible causes. Some of these include, trauma to a tooth, early infection, severe illness that may disrupt proper tooth development and poor oral hygiene all can result in discolored teeth.

How do you restore a discolored tooth to its natural color?

One treatment choice is bleaching. This method does not require anesthetic and keeps the tooth structure intact. Multiple teeth can be bleached in multiple visits to your dentist. Another option is your dentist may recommend an at-home bleaching program under supervision.

How do you treat discolored spots on teeth?

Microabrasion can be used to improve the appearance of discolored spots of teeth. The dentist removes microscopic bits of discolored tooth enamel with an abrasive and mild acid. This is a fairly conservative treatment where the patient generally feels no pain and works bests on surface discoloration. Discuss with your dentist as to which option is best for your child

What about chipped or broken teeth?

To restore the original shape of a chipped or broken tooth, a tooth-colored plastic can be bonded to the tooth or a veneer is cemented onto the tooth, which can restore the natural appearance of the tooth. These techniques are less costly than crowns and can be done without a lot of tooth preparation.

Are there any limitations to bonding or veneers?

With any dental treatment there are limitations. Bonded teeth and veneers are simply not as strong as the original tooth structure and can be damaged due to nail biting, hard foods, and sports accidents. Proper maintenance, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits help ensure they remain intact. It is important to discuss with your dentist which option is best suited for you child

What about porcelain crowns?

Porcelain crowns achieve nice results for discolored, chipped or broken teeth. However they are generally more expensive than other treatments and the dentist must remove a significant amount of tooth structure in order to make room to place the crown. We seldom recommend porcelain crowns for young patients.