When waking up in the morning, do you try to avoid looking in the mirror because of your gray teeth? Do you sidestep conversations at work so that others won’t see your smile? Do you keep your lips tightly closed when smiling for a picture? Living with discolored teeth can take its toll on your self-esteem, leaving you to feel as if there is nothing that can be done to fix the problem. However, your pearly whites can once again be beautiful with the help of a trusted cosmetic dentist. Keep reading to learn why gray teeth develop and what you can expect when seeking effective treatment.
The Causes Behind Gray Teeth
It can be embarrassing to know that your teeth, especially those that are most visible, have a gray or blue tint to their appearance. Although not desired, many individuals suffer from yellow or stained teeth because of an overconsumption of coffee each day or smoking. But what causes gray teeth to appear?
Below are just a few of the reasons this may be happening to you:
- Antibiotic Exposure as a Child – Tetracycline is an antibiotic many children receive to help fight off infections. If taken even while in the womb, it can later cause tooth discoloration.
- Non-Viable Teeth – If severe damage (i.e., a broken or cracked tooth) causes a tooth to no longer be viable, it will likely turn gray or black because it is considered “dead.”
- Metal Restorations – If you have a metal filling or crown, it can cause your tooth to appear gray or even slightly blue over time.
- Your Natural Tooth Color – This may be the hardest one to grasp, but the truth is that everyone has a different shade of enamel. If you were born with a genetic condition that results in tooth discoloration, you may have teeth that appear more gray than white.
What Kinds of Treatment Are Available to Eliminate Gray Teeth?
When it comes to treating gray teeth, there are a few different ways to improve your appearance. For example, the most common solution is professional teeth whitening. Store-bought options are unlikely to produce the kind of results you desire simply because they don’t contain the high-grade whitening gel that is required to move beyond the enamel.
With professional take-home kits designed by your cosmetic dentist, you can brighten your teeth at home when it’s convenient for you. With custom trays and powerful bleaching gel, the grayish shade will begin to be replaced with a brighter, whiter smile.
There is also the option of asking your cosmetic dentist about custom veneers or all-ceramic dental crowns, as they, too, can conceal gray teeth, producing a more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The choice is ultimately yours; however, you will need to undergo a thorough consultation before you decide how to address your tooth discoloration. As long as you commit to seeing a trusted professional, you can expect your gray teeth to be a thing of the past.
About the McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice
Our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice is pleased to provide cosmetic dental treatments that transform the way patients view their smiles. Using professional teeth whitening to brighten smiles of all types, our cosmetic dentists can target surface and deep-down stains and discolorations so that you look and feel better about your appearance. Call our office or visit our website to find out how we can help.