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Cosmetic
Dentistry FAQ
Q:
What causes discolored teeth?
A: There are many possible causes. Trauma
to a tooth can cause discoloration. Severe illness during tooth development can
discolor areas of teeth because of disruptions in tooth development.
Additionally, an entire tooth might discolor if exposed to certain medicines or
minerals during development. Lastly, poor oral hygiene, especially during
orthodontic therapy, can lead to discolored areas on teeth as well.
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Q: How do you restore a discolored
tooth to its natural color?
A: Bleaching can be a good treatment
choice. It requires no anesthetic and removes no tooth structure. One or more
teeth can be bleached in a series of visits to your dentist. Your dentist may
recommend a bleaching program at home under his or her guidance.
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Q: How do you treat discolored spots
on teeth?
A: A technique called microabrasion can
improve the appearance of teeth with discolored areas. In this treatment, the
pediatric dentist removes microscopic bits of discolored tooth enamel with an
abrasive and a mild acid. Microabrasion is a conservative treatment, usually
comfortable for the patient. It works best on surface discoloration.
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Q: What about chipped or broken
teeth?
A: Bonding tooth-colored plastic to the
tooth or cementing tooth-colored veneers to affected teeth not only restores the
appearance of discolored teeth, but restores the original shape of chipped or
broken teeth as well. These techniques are less costly than crowns and generally
can be done without a lot of tooth preparation. They restore the natural
appearance of the tooth and therefore encourage a confident smile.
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Q: Are there any limitations to
bonding or veneers?
A: Yes, there are some limitations.
Although the treatments are conservative, they require some loss of tooth
enamel. Also, bonded teeth and veneers are simply not as strong as the original
tooth structure. Nail biting, hard foods, and sports accidents can damage them.
They must be maintained with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
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Q: What about porcelain crowns?
A: Porcelain crowns give nice cosmetic
results for discolored, chipped, or broken teeth. They do present two realities
of which a patient should be aware. First, crowns are more costly than other
treatments. Second, the dentist must remove a significant amount of tooth
structure to place a crown.
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replace face-to-face consultations with licensed medical professionals. In
no event shall Filipino Dentist.Com, or the featured doctor be liable to
you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on
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