Countless people have stained or discolored teeth. Having less-than-white teeth can be a source of insecurity for many people, but could it have anything to do with genetics? Read on to how your genetics can affect the color of your teeth and what a cosmetic dentist can do to help you brighten up your smile.
What Causes Teeth to Turn Yellow?
More often than not, tooth discoloration is a result of lifestyle choices, such as consuming dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, and cola or using tobacco products. However, genetics can also play a big part in tooth staining or discoloration. Transparent tooth enamel can run in the family. Since the dentin, the layer under the tooth enamel, is naturally yellow, having thinner enamel will make your teeth look stained.
Can Genetics Cause Tooth Discoloration?
There are a few conditions that you can inherit from your family members that can cause tooth staining or discoloration, including.
- Amelogenesis Imperfecta – This is a disorder of tooth development that’s caused by a genetic mutation. It’s characterized by abnormal enamel formation, and the teeth are unusually small, pitted or grooved, discolored, and prone to accelerated wear and breakage. Those who have this genetic condition are also at an increased risk of tooth decay.
- Dentinogenesis Imperfecta – This genetic condition is another disorder of tooth development that causes weak, brittle teeth. It can also cause enamel that is transparent and blue-gray or yellow-brown in color. Since the teeth are weaker than normal, they are more susceptible to wear, breakage, and loss. This can affect both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
How Your Cosmetic Dentist Can Help
Whether your teeth stain easily due to genetic reasons or because you drink a lot of coffee, cosmetic dentistry can help. A few procedures you might be interested in include:
- Porcelain Veneers – These ultra-thin porcelain shells are bonded directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel and mask a range of issues including chips, discoloration, small gaps between teeth, and minor misalignment issues.
- Direct Bonding – Using a composite resin, composite bonding can correct minor stains, chips, and discoloration in as little as one hour.
- Teeth Whitening – Professional in-office or at-home teeth whitening is safer and more effective than over-the-counter solutions. In-office whitening allows you to achieve the smile of your dreams in just one visit, and at-home bleaching kits let you brighten your teeth in just two weeks from the comfort of your home.
Though genetics can make your smile appear dull and stained, that doesn’t mean you can’t do something to fix it. With cosmetic dentistry and the right dental care team, your smile will be shining bright in no time!
About the Practice
If your genetics have landed you with a smile you don’t love, cosmetic dentistry can help. Dr. Naira Kraipak, Dr. Faizan Ali, and their friendly, accommodating, and compassionate team at Plush Dentistry aim to assist their Frisco patients in brightening their teeth and achieving the smiles they’ve always wanted. They offer services like porcelain veneers, direct bonding, and teeth whitening to fight back against genetics and help you learn to love your smile. Call Plush Dentistry at (469) 850-0786 or visit their website for more information on how cosmetic dentistry can fix your smile or to set up an appointment.