How To Fix Translucent Teeth

Healthy, normal teeth have a white, opaque appearance. However, in some circumstances, teeth can become translucent, appearing nearing see-through. If this has happened to you, you have options to correct the problem. Read on to learn how this problem happens and what you can do to have it fixed.

Acid Erosion

The typical culprit of teeth becoming translucent is acid erosion. Given time, acid erosion can wear away at the strong enamel of your teeth, creating a translucent appearance. Acid erosion can happen to anyone; a simple excess of acidic foods and drinks in your diet can ultimately cause this problem. However, some people are more likely to develop this problem than others.

For example, people who suffer from acid reflux - where stomach acid makes its way up the esophagus and into the throat and mouth - are more likely to experience this problem, since stomach acids are highly erosive. Anyone who has problems with frequent vomiting is also susceptible, so those with eating disorders or morning sickness may be at risk.

Thankfully, regardless of the cause of the acid erosion of your teeth, you have two options to fix the damage: remineralization and veneers.

Remineralization

Remineralization is a process in which the enamel of your teeth is restored, thereby fixing the appearance of translucent teeth.

In remineralization, your dentist will introduce new calcium and fluoride into the tooth structure itself. This helps to strengthen the enamel, replacing the minerals that were lost due to acid erosion.

In addition to fixing the appearance of translucent teeth, remineralization helps to protect your teeth, too. Having stronger enamel reduces your risk of dental decay and tooth sensitivity. It's a great choice if your teeth have suffered a great deal from acid erosion and are painful due to it.

Veneers

Veneers are an easy cosmetic way to repair the look of translucent teeth. Rather than altering your teeth, veneers are adhered to the front of them, giving you the appearance of healthy, normal teeth.

Veneers are a good option if your acid erosion hasn't gone too far and you have other dental problems. For example, veneers can correct the appearance of crooked teeth, misshapen teeth, or teeth that are uneven. If you have other cosmetic problems that you feel self-conscious about, veneers might be the best choice for you.

Acid erosion can do some serious damage to your teeth and leave them looking translucent. If you're concerned about how your teeth look, talk to a cosmetic dentist, such as at The Family Dentist, to find out which of these options are right for you.

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