Did you know that enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, is the hardest substance in your body? It’s made of minerals such as calcium and phosphorous and is even harder than your bones, which is saying something! Unfortunately, your enamel is also porous, which makes is susceptible to discoloration and staining. But what exactly causes discoloration and are porcelain veneers in Naples a good solution? Keep reading to learn about the most common causes of staining and why there’s hope for every patient – no matter how discolored their teeth are!
What Causes Enamel Discoloration?
Here are some of the most common causes of discoloration. Many of these types of stains are too severe to be corrected with simple whitening treatments:
- Tooth Trauma – If a tooth is subjected to blunt-force trauma, the inner pulp where the nerve and blood supply can be damaged. Since the inner layer is responsible for the color of the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel), it can cause the tooth to turn a gray or dark yellow color.
- Diet – Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and turmeric are just some of the dietary choices that can easily discolor the enamel over time.
- Fluorosis – Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel and prevents tooth decay. But, as with many things, too much of a good thing can actually be detrimental. For people who grew up near a water supply that had too much fluoride, their teeth may have developed enamel defects that give a severely stained or mottled appearance.
- Smoking – In some people, tobacco use causes severe staining, while other people only get mild or moderate yellowing.
- Tetracycline in Childhood – If someone took the antibiotic tetracycline younger than age 8, they may have permanent, dark gray or yellow staining.
What’s the Best Way to Correct It?
As mentioned, many of these more severe types of enamel discoloration don’t respond well to traditional teeth whitening procedures. That’s where porcelain veneers come in!
Porcelain veneers are thin, strong “shells” that are permanently adhered to the front of the teeth, giving them a whole new appearance. With basic care and maintenance, they’ll continue looking and feeling great for many years.
If you decide this procedure is for you, you’ll work closely with a dentist in Naples from the very beginning to determine how you want your new smile to look.
The shape and color are completely customizable, so you truly can use porcelain veneers to give your smile a completely new appearance, regardless of what type of staining you have!
About the Author
Dr. Gery Benza is a general and cosmetic dentist in Naples with a passion for transforming smiles. He’s used porcelain veneers to correct a wide variety of enamel discoloration and loves the beautiful, long-lasting results they provide. If you have any questions, he can be reached via his website or at (239) 592-5112.