Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
For some people, tooth whitening is a routine process. Unfortunately, it's more complex if you have thin enamel. When your tooth enamel is thin, your teeth are more susceptible to damage from whitening materials, and they can also be more sensitive. If you have thin tooth enamel, it's important that you talk with a dentist before you whiten. He or she can help you explore safer whitening options. Here is a look at a few whitening choices you can consider in the event of thin tooth enamel.
Applying Veneers
A departure from traditional whitening, veneers actually cover your natural tooth with a thin layer of porcelain or composite material. The veneers build a barrier between your teeth and the environment. In many cases, veneers are chosen when front teeth are badly discolored, damaged or difficult to fix otherwise. In order to opt for these, though, you'll need to have enough of the enamel and tooth surface intact for your dentist to file away enough to fit the veneer. Then, the veneer will be attached with dental cement.
Choosing Crowns
If you have a few teeth that are heavily discolored but too damaged to apply veneers, your dentist may suggest a crown instead. Crowns are placed over the top of your natural tooth with dental cement, but unlike veneers that only cover the front, crowns cover the entire tooth. These are intended to be a long-lasting fix, providing protection for your teeth and a whiter appearance. Crowns can also be made to blend in with your existing teeth.
Opting for Cosmetic Whitening
Tooth enamel is designed to protect the material inside your tooth, called dentin. When your tooth enamel starts to thin out, you'll see the yellow hue of the dentin. Your dentist may recommend that you seek a cosmetic whitening treatment to help counter the yellow shade of your tooth's dentin.
Commercial whitening products available from a dentist's office are the best way to address yellowing due to poor enamel. This is a good option if your teeth are lightly or moderately yellow. If your dentin is naturally darker, you might need to talk to your dentist about veneers or crowns.
If you've been bothered by discoloration on your teeth but aren't sure what to do about it since you have thin enamel, talk with your dentist. He or she can evaluate your teeth and enamel to help you choose the safest and most effective option for improving your smile and helping you preserve your self-confidence.
Share14 June 2015
