Teeth Whitening Options For Those With Thin Tooth Enamel

If the enamel on your teeth has become eroded due to your age or an acidic diet, then you have a few different options when it comes to whitening your smile. 

Listed below are the three options you have to choose from to regain a more youthful white smile with the help of a local cosmetic dentist:

Cosmetic Tooth Whitening 

When the protective coating of enamel on your teeth has thinned from acid erosion, it allows the underlying tooth dentin material to show through. Normal tooth dentin is yellow in color, so when your tooth enamel has thinned this will cause your teeth to appear yellow as the light shines on your teeth. 

Cosmetic dentists are sometimes able to use special whitening agents which will not damage the remaining enamel and can lighten the color of the dentin. If your natural dentin color is not too dark a shade of yellow, then this is a good option. However, most people with this problem will require veneers or crowns to get the best look.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can be attached to the front of your damaged teeth and will immediately improve your smile. They are simple for your dentist to install and will look and feel just like your natural teeth. Veneers are a good option for front teeth that are yellow or that have only slightly become damaged by decay.

If your existing enamel is too thin to successfully attach veneers or if you have severely damaged teeth, then your cosmetic dentist will suggest that you have porcelain crowns installed.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns can be applied to cover teeth that are severely discolored or damaged. Crowns are used in a situation where your teeth are stable enough to attach a dental appliance to, but are too damaged to use a simple veneer. This is especially helpful for your front top and bottom teeth. People can sometimes see the inner part of your teeth when you talk, so the crowns will give the appearance of healthy natrual teeth.

Final Thoughts

Now that you understand your options for obtaining a white smile despite your acid eroded tooth enamel, you should make an appointment with a local cosmetic dentist's office like Dr. Robert Petrtyl for a consultation appointment. At your appointment, your cosmetic dentist will be able to evaluate the current condition of your teeth and let you know which option will deliver the results you seek.