How To Handle Fluorosis Stains

If you had fluorosis as a child, chances are the condition left some odd marks on your teeth. This condition develops due to an over-exposure of fluoride while the teeth are developing. While harmless, it can leave small white stains on your teeth that you might feel embarrassed by or want to get rid of. Here are some ways that your local cosmetic dentistry professional can help you with this problem.

The Health of the Tooth

Thankfully, in most cases, fluorosis has no impact on the health, strength, or rigidity of teeth. As a result, you can typically expect to be able to get the same kinds of cosmetic treatments at a dentist's office that someone who didn't have fluorosis can. This is good news, as your cosmetic dentist's office can offer you two services to eliminate the appearance of those white marks.

Whitening

One easy option is to have your teeth professionally whitened. Whitening can allow the parts of the teeth that don't have the white marks to match the white marks themselves, effectively making them invisible.

This is a process that should always be performed by a professional. While people can whiten their teeth at home with products you can buy in stores, you need to match the exact shade of the white specks on your teeth. Your dentist will be able to accomplish this, while trying it at home could either not give you the effects you want or you could end up with teeth that are too white, making the spots look even stranger.

Veneers

Another good option for you is dental veneers. While some people might like to have their teeth looking super-white, if you don't want a really bright smile and are looking for a more neutral, naturally-colored tooth, veneers are what you can rely on.

Unlike whitening, veneers don't do anything to the tooth itself. They sit in front of the teeth, creating the appearance of perfectly healthy, straight, and symmetrical teeth. Most importantly for your situation, you're able to choose every facet of the veneers, so you can easily pick a shade that looks good to you. This will let you have a more natural looking smile without any of your white marks shining through.

Whether you choose whitening or veneers, you're in good hands at a dentist's office. Make an appointment and put the embarrassing white marks on your teeth behind you for good.