Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished you had whiter and brighter teeth? Well, you are not alone! Teeth whitening is one of the most popular ways to improve your smile and boost your confidence. While many people turn to whitening toothpaste, gels, or professional bleaching, some stains do not respond well to these treatments. That is where enamel microabrasion can be a good option.
If you have surface-level tooth stains and healthy enamel, you may be a good candidate for enamel microabrasion.
What Is Enamel Microabrasion?
Enamel microabrasion is a tooth whitening treatment that involves using a special paste and tools to gently remove a thin layer of enamel, which is the hard, protective outer surface of the teeth. This is often enough to get rid of stains and discoloration on the outer layer of the teeth, resulting in a whiter smile.
Enamel microabrasion works best for treating tooth stains caused by:
- Surface stains: Caused by things like coffee, tea, wine, and smoking
- Fluorosis: White or brown spots caused when children consume too much fluoride while their teeth are developing
- Decalcification: White spots that often appear after braces are removed
It is important to note that enamel microabrasion is not the same as tooth bleaching. Enamel microabrasion removes a thin layer of enamel to eliminate surface stains, while teeth bleaching uses chemicals to lighten the overall color of the teeth, including deep stains within the enamel.
How Does Microabrasion Remove Enamel Stains?
- Cleaning: Before the microabrasion treatment starts, the patient’s teeth are cleaned thoroughly. The dentist may also apply a protective barrier to the gums to shield them from irritation.
- Stain removal: The dentist adds a microabrasion paste to the stained areas of the teeth. This paste contains a special acid combined with fine particles that gently wear away the surface layer of enamel. Using a small polishing tool, the dentist carefully works the paste into the stained areas of the teeth. The process is gentle yet effective, removing a thin layer of enamel along with the stains.
- Polishing: Once the stains are removed, the dentist polishes the teeth to smooth out the surface and bring back their natural shine.
- Strengthening: To strengthen the enamel, a fluoride treatment is often applied as a final step.
Since only the very outer layer of enamel is affected, and there are no nerves in the enamel, microabrasion is painless. However, some people may experience mild sensitivity afterward, which usually goes away within a day or two.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Since tooth stains are physically removed and not just lightened, the results of enamel microabrasion are permanent. However, it is important to avoid habits that can cause new stains, such as smoking or drinking excessive coffee, tea, or wine. Daily brushing and flossing and regular dental cleanings will also help keep teeth white after treatment.
When Should You Consider Enamel Microabrasion?
Enamel microabrasion can be a great option for patients with stains on the surface of their teeth. It is also a good choice for those who want to see immediate results. Unlike some whitening methods that take multiple visits and weeks to show results, microabrasion makes teeth noticeably whiter in a single visit.
When performed by a qualified dentist, enamel microabrasion is a safe and effective procedure. However, because it involves removing a small amount of enamel, it is important to only undergo this treatment when the enamel is healthy and thick enough to handle it. The dentist will evaluate the patient’s teeth before recommending the procedure.
When Is Enamel Microabrasion Not Recommended?
While enamel microabrasion is effective for many people, it is not the right choice for every situation. In these cases, the dentist may recommend other tooth whitening options:
- Tooth stains are deep or internal: If discoloration comes from inside the tooth, such as stains caused by trauma, medications (like tetracycline), or severe enamel erosion, microabrasion will not be effective.
- Existing enamel problems: If the patient’s enamel is already thin due to acid erosion, grinding, or other factors, removing more enamel could weaken their teeth further and increase sensitivity.
- Looking for a drastic change: Microabrasion is best for small, localized stains or spots. To whiten all teeth at once or achieve a dramatic color change, bleaching or other whitening methods are more suitable.
- Sensitive teeth: Although the procedure is painless, removing enamel can increase sensitivity for some people. For patients who struggle with tooth sensitivity, the dentist might recommend a different way to whiten the teeth.
Alternatives to Enamel Microabrasion
For patients whothat are not candidates for enamel microabrasion, there are other teeth whitening options, including:
- Professional bleaching: This is a popular option for lightening the overall color of a patient’s teeth. It is safe and effective for stains that are deeper than the surface layer.
- At-home whitening kits: These kits can be effective for mild staining but take longer to show results compared to professional treatments. In addition, there can be safety concerns with at-home whitening.
- Veneers or bonding: For severe stains or discoloration that cannot be removed, veneers or bonding can cover up the affected areas and restore your smile.
Explore Your Whitening Options Today
Enamel microabrasion is an excellent option for people looking to permanently remove surface stains and improve the appearance of their teeth. It is a safe, quick, and effective procedure for certain types of discoloration, such as fluorosis spots or stains from coffee or tobacco.
If you are considering enamel microabrasion, find a dentist near you to get started.