Many people aim to have a pearly white, full-looking smile. So if you notice a see-through, translucent look in your teeth, especially toward the top or crown, you might feel self-conscious about your smile’s appearance.
This translucent effect occurs due to a condition known as enamel erosion. This occurs when the outer layer of your tooth, enamel, starts to wear down, revealing the more vulnerable interior of your tooth. So not only does this issue impact the way your smile looks. But it also indicates a weakening of your dental structure.
If you see this symptom in your teeth, talk to your dentist. They can evaluate your oral health and help you determine the most effective way to get your smile looking and feeling its best once again. Read on to learn more about enamel erosion and how your dentist can restore your teeth after this dental damage.
What Causes Enamel Erosion?
More than one factor can contribute to the erosion of your tooth enamel. Your teeth endure wear and tear regularly without issue as you bite and chew. But certain elements may wreak havoc on your smile.
For instance, acidic and sugary substances will eat away at your teeth, eroding the enamel. Citrus foods and drinks, therefore, will weaken your teeth over time, which will affect the health and appearance of your smile. Tobacco products can similarly harm your smile.
Enamel erosion can also happen due to poor oral habits. Lapsed oral hygiene will allow plaque to linger on your smile where it can eat away at your dental structure.
Chronic behaviors like teeth grinding will exert pressure on the teeth that may grate at the enamel, leaving it weaker and more vulnerable. Pay attention to your smile to see if any of your oral habits are hurting your teeth. And visit your dentist to ensure your enamel stays healthy and strong.
How Can My Dentist Restore Dental Structure?
Once gone, tooth enamel will not regrow. Though your dental structure cannot heal itself, a dentist can help you improve the look and health of your teeth with targeted treatment.
Whitening treatment will not address the translucent discoloration that can occur with enamel loss. But a dentist can use porcelain veneers to give the teeth a more even and brighter appearance. The caps will also cover the weak spots of the tooth to prevent further harm from accruing on the tooth.
The dentist might also want to preserve the remaining enamel on the teeth with fluoride treatment. To do this, they apply a concentrated fluoride gel to the teeth, where they absorb the mineral to become stronger and more resistant to staining and tooth decay.
Ideally, you should preserve your natural dental structure for as long as you can. Protect your smile with good oral hygiene. Your dentist will provide adequate preventative oral health care when you attend routine check-ups too. Keep your smile looking beautiful and feeling healthy with this regular dental attention.