When you look at your smile compared to others, do you think it has more of a gray tint to it? While this type of hue can leave you wondering why it’s happening, you may be more worried about what you can do to fix it! Thankfully, your dentist is here to help with cosmetic dentistry. That said, it’s important you get to the bottom of it, so here’s what you need to know and what treatments can give you a bright grin.
Why Is My Smile Looking Gray?
Just like with yellow stains, a gray smile can develop as you get older. This can happen naturally, so this factor might be harder to avoid, but these are some other culprits you should keep in mind:
- The tooth has died due to infection or trauma. When this happens, the entire structure can become blueish gray.
- You have a restoration with metal parts. In some cases, you might have a crown with a shiny base or silver filling, which can become exposed over time and peek through.
- You have dentinogenesis imperfecta, which is a hereditary tooth development disorder. Your grin may be naturally weaker and blue-gray in color.
- You were exposed to tetracycline as a child or in the womb. While an antibiotic, it can lead to dull-looking teeth.
How Can Gray Teeth Be Corrected?
Although a graying grin can leave you self-conscious, there are ways you can combat it. Here are a few ways you can get back your bright smile:
- Professional Whitening: Often the go-to for any type of discoloration, your dentist will use high-quality bleaching gel that will target dark particles on and within your enamel. You can get results up to an eight-shade difference. However, tetracycline-affected teeth may not respond well and look uneven.
- Cosmetic Bonding: This treatment is great if it’s just a tooth or two that’s the trouble. Using composite resin, it will be sculpted against the structure to cover the gray portions with color-matched material.
- Metal-Free Restorations: If you have a crown or filling that’s the issue, then you can consider getting them replaced with a more natural-looking option.
- Veneers: These are thin, durable shells that are bonded to the front of your smile, effectively hiding a wide range of flaws at once. You can customize them, so the shape, size, and color are exactly what you want.
No matter what, your dentist is here to help you out. By taking a look at your unique case, they can get to the bottom of the issue and let you know the next steps needed to get the smile you love.
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati earned his dental degree from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, meaning he stays up to date with the latest dental technology and techniques. By offering a wide range of treatments, Dr. Saati can come up with a plan to tackle the flaws that are on your grin, such as a gray color. If you want to transform your teeth, schedule an appointment or call his office at (978) 531-2185.