Are There Treatment Options for White Spots on the Teeth?
Having small white spots on the surface of teeth is a common cosmetic problem. While the white patches are not an oral health concern, they can be the source of insecurity and embarrassment.
Dr. Everett E. Heringer offers effective cosmetic dentistry treatments that can conceal these blemishes for patients in Bismarck, ND, and Mandan, ND. The treatment options can brighten your overall smile and many options are completely non-invasive.
Common Causes of White Spots on the Teeth
There is no single cause of white patches on teeth. One common cause is dental fluorosis, which often results from overexposure to the mineral fluoride as a child. Enamel hypoplasia is a condition that causes enamel to not form properly. As with dental fluorosis, enamel hypoplasia typically occurs in childhood while the teeth are still forming. Other causes of white spots include poor hygiene while wearing braces and eating acidic foods.
Treatment Options
There are multiple treatment options for white spots. If the white patch is small and does not penetrate deeply into the enamel, a simple technique called enamel microabrasion can be used to gently remove the spot. Dr. Heringer can follow that treatment with teeth whitening to add more uniformity to the appearance of your teeth.
Bonding
Dental bonding is a versatile and effective treatment option for white spots. The composite resin is made from quartz and silica that deliver incredibly natural-looking results. Bonding even mimics the luster and shine of enamel. Dr. Heringer can shade-match the material to blend in seamlessly with your tooth. Once the material is ready, your tooth will be cleaned and an etching compound will be used to ensure a strong bond is achieved.
After Dr. Heringer artfully places the bonding over the white patch, a special blue light will be used to harden the material. The bonding can be polished to deliver a beautiful natural shine. Bonding is one of the most affordable treatment options we offer. The results can last several years when patients observe good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to our office.
Professional Whitening Treatment
Professional teeth whitening treatments lift stains from enamel so your white spots become less noticeable. In many cases, the white patches will disappear altogether. Our office features the new and improved Zoom!® WhiteSpeed teeth whitening system to help you attain a whiter, brighter smile. The cosmetic results of teeth whitening will not last forever. Patients will need to undergo this cosmetic treatment every few years, depending on factors like oral hygiene habits, diet, and the frequency of dental cleanings.
Porcelain Veneers
If you are dissatisfied with more than just the appearance of white spots, you can undergo veneer placement to completely revamp your smile. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of anterior teeth. The custom-made attachments can alter the size, shape, and orientation of your teeth. The placement of just one veneer can deliver dramatic cosmetic results.
Schedule Your Cosmetic Treatment Today
White spots are an easily treatable cosmetic problem. Dr. Heringer will work with your budget to customize a cosmetic treatment that helps you achieve your ideal smile. To schedule your cosmetic treatment, please contact our office online or call (701) 255-4850.
