Have you noticed that you can see through your teeth, especially near the edges? You might feel unhappy about this disruption to your dental aesthetic. But this cosmetic dental issue can occur due to a major oral health problem.
You can schedule an appointment with your dentist to restore the look of your smile if your teeth seem translucent. The dentist will want to check the health of your teeth for underlying issues too. Read on to learn more about the structural dental concerns that could create this translucent effect in your teeth.
What Causes a See-Through Effect in Teeth?
If you notice your teeth appear translucent, especially toward the edge of the tooth, this is often a sign of enamel loss. Enamel, the outer layer of your tooth, provides a protective layer over the vulnerable interior of a tooth. Though durable, enamel can wear down or erode for a number of reasons.
Without enamel, the inner parts of the tooth become exposed, which may lead to many dental problems. Thinned or weakened enamel results in a loss of the pearly white color of the teeth, leaving you with this see-through effect.
Once enamel is lost, whether due to acidic erosion or factors outside of your control like medication side effects, it will not regrow on its own. You will need help from your dentist to get your smile looking and feeling its best again.
Can My Dentist Restore the Look and Health of My Smile?
If you suffer from enamel loss that results in this translucent look to your teeth, your dentist will want to help you preserve your remaining enamel. They may recommend fluoride treatments. This will fortify the enamel to make your teeth better resistant to erosion, staining, decay, and other issues.
However, this preventative care will not get rid of existing cosmetic damage to the teeth. Your dentist might recommend teeth bonding treatment to improve the look of your smile. They will use tooth-colored resin to make your teeth appear brighter and more even.
The dentist might also give you porcelain veneers, which are custom-made shell-like caps over the front of the teeth. This will build a white, straight smile that will look both beautiful and natural. It can also replace lost enamel, keeping your underlying teeth safe from further dental harm.
How Do I Prevent Enamel Erosion?
Some patients might be more susceptible to erosion of the tooth enamel for genetic or medical reasons. Consult with your dentist to find effective preventative dental care that will keep your unique smile looking and feeling its best.
But one of the primary causes of enamel erosion comes from consuming acidic food items. Certain foods and drinks, like citrus fruits and juices, contain acid that will eat away at your dental structure when you consume them.
Sugar will also have this effect on your smile. It reacts with the natural bacteria in your mouth to become acidic. So to preserve your smile, limit the amount of sugary and acidic food items in your diet. You should also practice good oral hygiene to remove plaque from your smile before it can hurt your teeth.