Tooth Enamel Restoration

You may have noticed that one or more of your teeth have started to discolor, or that they are fracturing. If this is the case, you may have tooth enamel erosion. While tooth enamel cannot be grown back, it can be restored with other methods to restore tooth enamel that your dentist can provide for you.

What Tooth Enamel Is

Before understanding different ways to restore tooth enamel, it is first important to understand what tooth enamel is to begin with. Tooth enamel is the outer layer of your teeth, and it is extremely important for protecting your teeth. Actually, enamel is the strongest substance in the human body. Still, this mineral can be damaged, and once it is, it can never be naturally restored. Still, there are different methods to restore tooth enamel that your dentist may consider to provide strength and cosmetic benefits to your damaged tooth or teeth.

How Do I Restore Tooth Enamel?

Tooth enamel restoration is the process of restoring a tooth or teeth that have eroded enamel. There are a few different methods to restore tooth enamel, and the method that your dentist decides to go with will depend on a few different factors, including the amount of damage and the type of damage.

Why You May Need to Restore Tooth Enamel

If you have noticed that your teeth are fractured, sensitive or discolored, you may need to restore tooth enamel. This will not only help to make your tooth more aesthetically pleasing, but it will also help to protect the tooth that is now lacking enamel. When you restore tooth enamel, you’ll have the functionality that your tooth has lost, and you’ll be able to smile again without feeling self-conscious about the way your teeth look.

The Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion

As mentioned before, tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the body. So, how is it that such a strong substance can be damaged and eroded? There are a few different causes for the erosion of tooth enamel.

One of the biggest and most preventable contributors to the damaging of tooth enamel is soda and other sugary drinks. All of the chemicals, citric acid and sugar can wear away the enamel of your teeth over time—leaving them permanently damaged. The easiest way to prevent this form of erosion is to significantly cut down on sugary beverage intake—if not eliminate it entirely.

Another contributor to tooth enamel erosion is acid reflux. In order to treat acid reflux, consider different over-the-counter options. If it is bad enough, speak with a doctor. Another way to treat acid reflux is through changes in the diet. A healthier diet can help to treat your acid reflux naturally.

Options to Restore Tooth Enamel

If your enamel has been damaged, you’ll need to consider different options to restore tooth enamel. Which one your dentist decides to go with will likely depend on the amount of damage that has occurred.

If you have experienced less damage to the enamel of your teeth, dental bonding may be the best option. This involves a bonding resin being placed to protect the tooth, and fix minor cosmetic issues. For more advanced enamel damage, a dental veneer may be a good option. Dental veneers are partial crown replacements that increase the functionality of the tooth, while also improving the overall appearance. Finally, if the damage is severe enough, the placement of a dental crown may need to be considered. This option involves replacing the entirety of the crown of a tooth. This option will only be considered for severely damaged tooth enamel.

Avoiding the Need to Restore Tooth Enamel

The best treatment option for enamel erosion is avoidance. With the right care for your enamel, you won’t need to consider different options to restore tooth enamel. As was mentioned above, avoiding sugary beverages can help with protecting the enamel. You’ll also want to consider avoiding sugary and starchy snacks. Supplements can also help to protect tooth enamel. Consider taking vitamin D, as well as calcium  supplements. These supplements will help to strengthen your teeth.

Speak with Your Dentist to Restore Tooth Enamel

If your teeth have started to turn yellow, are sensitive and/or are beginning to fracture, set an appointment with your dentist. They can take a look at the enamel of your teeth and see if you need to restore tooth enamel. If so, they will discuss different options to restore tooth enamel with you.