One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if you feel self-conscious because of dental flaws, you might try to avoid spending time with others for fear of judgement. For example, if you have a tooth that looks darker or grayer than its neighbors, you might skip lunches with friends or avoid speaking up during work meetings, which can detract from your quality of life.
Continue reading to learn 3 reasons for this type of discoloration and how your dentist can fix it!
Issue #1: Genetics
You might expect your once pearly whites to appear more yellow or brown when you consume too many darkly pigmented foods and drinks. However, if you have a tooth that looks gray or blue, extrinsic stains might not be the cause. Sometimes, this type of blemish is hereditary.
There are a couple of genetic conditions that can tint your teeth, and they are:
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta. Also known as hereditary opalescent dentin, this rare disorder impacts the layer of dentin beneath your enamel and causes your teeth to appear overly dark, brittle, or translucent.
- Amelogenesis imperfecta. This inherited abnormality affects how your enamel develops and can alter both your baby teeth and your permanent ones.
Usually, topical stains can be effectively addressed with professional teeth whitening with your dentist, but deeper discoloration may require a different solution, like veneers or dental bonding.
Issue #2: Antibiotics
Many people who were exposed to tetracycline, an antibiotic, either in the womb or as children also develop blue-gray or yellow-brown blemishes in their smiles. This medication is used to treat infections like pneumonia and other respiratory tract issues. However, it also binds with calcium in the body, which affects the way teeth look when they grow.
The permanent stains this causes can sometimes be reduced with topical whiteners. If that’s ineffective, you might do better with dental bonding or veneers to mask the imperfections.
Issue #3: Restorations
Today, repairs like dental crowns and fillings utilize tooth-colored composite resin that can be matched to your natural hue for seamless results, but that hasn’t always been the case. In the past, dentists frequently used amalgam metal materials for their strength and durability. Although they are incredibly resilient, if you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration, there’s a chance the ceramic has worn down to reveal the metal beneath. Replacing it with an updated restoration may be the most effective way to improve your appearance and dental health.
If you’re still unsure of the culprit behind your dental discoloration, the best next step is to schedule a consultation with your provider. They’ll examine your grin and provide treatment suggestions based on their findings.
About the Practice
Patients at Midtown Family Dentistry benefit from a team of dentists who work together to provide a full array of world-class services to improve your oral health. They are members of many prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you can trust that you’re receiving the most current treatment options. They take the time to get to know your unique needs and then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to devise and deliver accurate, long-lasting results. You can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (469) 529-6016.