Is Fluorosis Treatable?

Fluorosis is a cosmetic dental condition that appears as white or brown spots on the teeth. It is caused by overexposure to fluoride during childhood when permanent teeth are developing. Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition, meaning it only affects the appearance of the teeth, and does not affect a person’s dental or overall health.

Only children who still have their primary teeth are at risk of developing fluorosis because it happens to the permanent teeth while they are still growing under the gums. It is not possible to develop fluorosis on teeth that are already grown in.

Treatments for Fluorosis

There are a few ways to treat fluorosis. The ideal treatment for you depends on the severity of your case, your budget, and your personal preferences. Treatments to address fluorosis include:

• Teeth whitening. This treatment is best suited for mild cases of fluorosis. White fluorosis spots are generally whiter than the rest of the person’s teeth, so your dentist can whiten your teeth with a bleaching gel, so they blend in with the fluorosis spots.

• Enamel microabrasion. During this procedure, your dentist removes a small amount of natural enamel to make the fluorosis spots less noticeable. This is generally followed by a whitening treatment to make the shade of your teeth more uniform. This treatment is recommended for mild cases of fluorosis.

• Dental bonding. For this treatment, your dentist uses a composite resin that matches the shade of your teeth to cover the fluorosis stains.

• Dental veneers. Veneers are thin shells of resin or porcelain that are permanently fixed to the front surfaces of your teeth. This treatment is ideal for moderate to severe cases of fluorosis because the stains will be completely covered by the veneer.

If you are ready to treat your fluorosis stains, call Ridge View Dental in South Ogden, Utah to schedule an appointment!