Translucent teeth are often caused by dental erosion and can be treated with restorative or cosmetic dentistry.
Ideally, your teeth should be opaque, but the reality is that many people notice that the edges of their teeth begin to appear translucent, especially as they get older. If you have noticed this issue and it is a cause for concern for you, read on to find out about the possible causes and what you can do to resolve it…
What causes translucent teeth?
In some cases, poor enamel development is a side-effect of health conditions like celiac disease and enamel hypoplasia. When the enamel does not develop as it should, it may appear more translucent than opaque. Enamel hypoplasia is a common side-effect of certain genetic conditions and can cause particularly thin tooth surfaces as well as a loss of minerals from the enamel of the teeth. It can cause the enamel to weaken and take on a translucent appearance.
Translucent teeth can also be caused by dental erosion, an issue that often occurs as the result of consuming acidic foods and drinks. If, for example, you drink carbonated soft drinks often, the bacteria in your mouth react with the acids and eat away at the enamel, weakening it over time. Other foods and drinks that are highly acidic and can contribute to dental erosion include some fruit juices, sour candy, citrus fruits, coffee, and alcohol.
Can the issue be prevented?
If a condition like celiac disease or enamel hypoplasia is causing your teeth to appear translucent, the issue cannot be prevented. If, however, dental erosion is the cause of the issue, there are a few things you can do to prevent further damage to your teeth.
In order to prevent acid from wearing away at the enamel of your teeth, you can limit your consumption of acidic foods and drinks such as carbonated soft drinks, fruit juice, and sugary snacks. If you do enjoy something sugary or acidic, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards to reduce the effects on the teeth.
What are the treatment options?
If you are concerned about the extent of your enamel loss and the fact that your teeth appear more translucent than opaque, you might consider a cosmetic treatment such as dental veneers. Dental veneers are designed to fit over the front surface of the teeth and conceal cosmetic imperfections. Made to achieve a natural-looking appearance, dental veneers are made from porcelain and are extremely durable and strong.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend that you undergo a rehabilitation process in which tooth wear is managed and treated. If you are concerned that the enamel of your teeth has been severely thinned and worn down, your dentist will begin by assessing your teeth before recommending an appropriate course of action. Besides dental veneers, other possible restorative techniques include crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures.
How can we help?
At Extreme Dentistry in Darwin, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments. If you are worried about the appearance and/or function of your teeth, we encourage you to come in and see us so we can advise you on the treatment most suitable for you. We offer a number of options for the rehabilitation of tooth wear — read more about how we can help here.
We also offer cosmetic options such as dental veneers. If you are considering this treatment, you will have the choice of paint on veneers and one visit veneers — read more about these innovative treatments here.
To see the full range of services we offer at Extreme Dentistry, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, please give us a call at 08 8948 1225 or get in touch with us here.
