When you look at your smile in the mirror, are your teeth gray? This type of discoloration often leaves people confused about what’s happening, since it’s different from the typical yellow stains. However, your dentist is here to give you answers and solutions. Keep reading to learn possible causes for this flaw and what you can do to get back an aesthetic grin you love.
What’s Making Your Teeth Turn Gray?
You can develop gray-looking teeth as you get older, but there are a few culprits for them as well, such as:
- A Dead Tooth: Infection or trauma can cause this, but it can turn the structure bluish-gray.
- Metal Parts of Restorations Showing: If you have a metal base to your crown or other prosthetic, then it may show as a natural consequence of how it’s made.
- Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: This hereditary disorder impacts tooth development, making a smile chip easily because the dentin under enamel is softer. It also causes a blue-gray appearance.
- Exposure to Tetracycline: This antibiotic can make your teeth discolored or dull if you were exposed to it while in the womb or during childhood.
How Can You Fix Gray Teeth?
Since gray teeth have several causes, your dentist will determine which is true and then offer cosmetic dental treatments as a solution. Here are a few you may consider:
- Veneers: These porcelain shells bond to the front of your teeth, hiding flaws beneath them. They offer a reliable way to get a dramatic transformation.
- Cosmetic Bonding: Using composite resin, it will be sculpted over a tooth to cover it. It’s a great solution if you have just one or two discoloration spots you want fixed.
- Professional Teeth Whitening: High-quality bleaching gel is used to break down dark particles on and within enamel, giving you up to an eight-shade difference. However, tetracycline-affected teeth may not respond well to this service.
In the end, while you are bothered by gray teeth, your dentist is here to help. They first understand the cause, and then offer a custom treatment plan to give you the results you dream of. That way, you get closer to feeling confident about your grin.
About the Practice
Want a perfect smile? Our team at Whitinsville Family Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients correct stains, chips, and misalignment with a wide range of cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic treatments. Led by compassionate dentists, we come up with an effective solution for the changes you have in mind, whether that’s fixing gray teeth or another flaw. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at (508) 234-8107.