Improve the Smile with Treatment for White Spots on the Teeth
Attractive, white teeth can help you feel confident about your appearance. When dental flaws and imperfections such as white spots are visible on the teeth, porcelain veneers can help.
Porcelain veneers are particularly beneficial for white spots on the teeth, especially white spots that don't respond to teeth whitening. Dr. Bruce J. Wilderman enhances patients' smiles with treatment for white spots on teeth. Contact our practice in Philadelphia, PA, to find out if treatment is right for you.
What Causes White Spots on the Teeth?
White spots are a type of stain that typically develops beneath the enamel. Sometimes called intrinsic stains, white spots may develop for a number of reasons.
One of the most common reasons is demineralization. Demineralization is caused by plaque accumulating on the teeth, as is common with poor oral hygiene or inadequate brushing.
Some other reasons white spots may appear on the teeth include excessive fluoride exposure during childhood when the teeth are still forming and taking certain medications, like some antibiotics.
Treatment for White Spots on the Teeth
Treating white spots on the teeth is largely dependent on the extent and location of discoloration. Some white spots are more superficial than others and may respond well to whitening treatments, while others are deep within the dentin of the teeth and may require more involved treatment.
The following treatments are some procedures that can help reduce or mask the appearance of white spots on the teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Although white spots can be considered a type of dental stain, they do not typically respond to teeth whitening treatments like surface stains generally do. However, teeth whitening treatments can sometimes help even out the color of the tooth by whitening the surrounding enamel.
Microabrasion
Microabrasion is procedure that can help minimize the appearance of white spots on the teeth, as well as surface stains, by removing a thin layer of the enamel.
Microabrasion is performed either by gently scrubbing and polishing the tooth or through the application of a special acidic solution.
As with teeth whitening, microabrasion has some limitations when treating white spots; it works best for white spots that are within or close to the surface of the teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are tooth-shaped shells that fit over the surface of the teeth and can be made to any shape, size, or shade of white for our Philadelphia patients.
Because porcelain veneers cover the surface of the teeth, they are one of the most effective ways to treat white spots on the teeth, regardless of whether white spots are deep within the teeth or closer to the surface.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding, like porcelain veneers, can mask white spots and other dental flaws. Instead of using porcelain shells, dental bonding is performed by applying a tooth-colored resin to the teeth. This resin is then shaped and hardened for a natural look.
Dental bonding can help mask white spots while also improving the shape, size, and overall appearance of the teeth.
Preventing White Spots
Once white spots develop, it's important for our patients in Philadelphia to take steps to prevent more from appearing. White spots caused by demineralization can be prevented by keeping the teeth free of plaque buildup.
White spots caused by excessive fluoride use during tooth formation won't be noticeable until the teeth erupt. Preventing white spots primarily falls onto the parents. This may include only allowing small children a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpastes and changing fluoride use habits when pregnant.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have white spots on your teeth and would like to learn more about your treatment options, please call (215) 340-1199 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilderman.
