O’Fallon Cosmetic Dentist Explains How Veneers Can Improve the Appearance of Permanently Stained Teeth from Tetracycline Staining and Fluorosis
As a dentist, I genuinely enjoy many things about my job. I like connecting with patients, meeting new people, and improving my patients’ smiles. But without a doubt, one of my favorite things about my job is giving hope to patients who had given up on having a beautiful smile.
Modern dental technology has made it possible to rectify cosmetic issues that were previously considered untreatable. Too many patients don’t even know that these cosmetic treatments are available—they simply resign themselves to living with smiles they don’t love because they think there are no other options. Today, I’m explaining how our O’Fallon cosmetic dentists use veneers to rejuvenate tetracycline and fluorosis stained teeth. Both dental fluorosis and tetracycline staining permanently disfigure dental enamel, and are resistant to traditional teeth whitening treatments.
Tetracycline staining develops when young children use the antibiotic tetracycline. If they use this antibiotic while their permanent teeth are developing, their adult teeth may develop with dark stains embedded in the dental enamel.
Similarly, dental fluorosis occurs when children ingest or absorb excessive amounts of fluoride as their permanent teeth are forming. Mild cases of dental fluorosis result in adult dental enamel that is marked with white flecks and streaks. More severe cases can cause deeply pitted dental enamel and dark stains.
Both of these conditions develop as permanent, adult teeth are maturing. Consequently, the effects of tetracycline staining and fluorosis are permanent and entrenched in the structure of dental enamel. It used to be that patients with these conditions had no choice but to live with these cosmetic problems. Permanent dental stains can have a devastating effect on a patient’s self-esteem and confidence. Many patients with these conditions attempt to hide their teeth—even simple actions like smiling, laughing, and talking can become embarrassing.
Now, however, patients don’t have to live with cosmetically marred smile. We can transform tetracycline and fluorosis stained teeth with life-like porcelain veneers. Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are attached directly to dental enamel. These layers of porcelain give the appearance of smooth, brilliantly white dental enamel. Because veneers completely cover the outside of the tooth, they can correct extensive cosmetic staining and give any patient the white smile they want.
Dental veneers are a modern cosmetic dentistry option that can completely transform a patient’s smile. Our O’Fallon cosmetic office has helped numerous patients rejuvenate their smiles with veneers—many of them didn’t think they would ever be able to have a beautifully white smile. If you or someone you know is living unhappily with a less than stellar smile, please know that there are cosmetic options that could work for you. Give our office a call at (636) 614-1217 if you have any questions or you’d like to discuss dental veneers in greater detail—we’re here to help!