If you notice that you can see through your teeth, especially at the edges, you might feel unhappy that this effect disrupts the pearly white appearance of your smile. But this cosmetic concern can also be a sign of structural damage in your teeth.
If you see that your teeth appear translucent, talk to your dentist. They can evaluate your oral health and find a way to get your teeth looking even and bright once again. Read on to learn what a translucent effect in your teeth might mean for your oral health and how your Cary, NC dentist can help you restore your smile.
Why Do My Teeth Appear See-Through?
When you can see through the edges of your teeth, this is a symptom of the erosion of the tooth enamel. This hard outer layer serves as a shield for the more vulnerable interior of the teeth. Enamel is durable, but it is not indestructible. It can wear down over time, and once gone, the enamel will not regenerate on its own.
Thinned enamel can appear translucent, so these see-through spots designate weakened teeth. Not only does leave stubborn cosmetic problems in your smile, but it means your dental health is at risk.
Bacteria can more easily penetrate the weak enamel, putting you in danger of cavities and oral infections. You will need help from a dentist to protect your smile and enhance its appearance.
Can My Dentist Fix Translucency in Teeth?
Though tooth enamel will not regrow, your dentist can preserve the remaining enamel with fluoride treatments. In their office, a dentist can apply a gel, paste, or rinse containing fluoride to the teeth. The teeth absorb this mineral, which will fortify the enamel against threats that will contribute to its erosion.
But this treatment will not address already lost enamel and the translucent aesthetic effect. Your dentist can offer cosmetic dental solutions in this case. For instance, they can use tooth bonding to apply resin over the teeth. This results in a brighter, whiter, and more even finish to the teeth.
A dentist might instead use porcelain veneers to cover the teeth with custom-made caps that build a whiter and fuller smile. They have the added benefit of serving as a replacement for weakened enamel.
Can I Prevent Enamel Erosion?
Translucency in teeth results from erosion of the tooth enamel, but is there a way to prevent this type of dental damage and preserve your smile? Sometimes enamel erosion occurs due to factors outside your control, like aging or medication side effects.
But certain oral habits can cause enamel to wear down too. Consuming acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits and juices, will eat away at enamel over time. Similarly, sugar becomes acidic when it reacts with saliva and can erode your teeth. So limit these items in your diet to protect your smile.
Continue good oral hygiene too to remove plaque from your teeth in a timely fashion before it can hurt your smile. Though it develops naturally, it will cause major harm to your smile if it lingers on your teeth.