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What is fluorosis?
Fluorosis is the hypomineralisation of tooth enamel. This is caused by exposure to fluoride during enamel formation. This results in a mottled appearance of the teeth and can also lead to surface irregularities of the teeth. So this occurs when high concentrations of fluoride are ingested in very early childhood with digesting toothpaste or drinking water in highly fluoridated areas bring the main cause of fluorosis. Hence when using toothpaste a ‘pea size’ amount is recommended for children.
Fluorosis is extremely common and can be mild or severe. Many people with more obvious discolouration are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth.
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Use Dean’s index to determine how badly your teeth have been affected by Fluorosis
- Grade 0: Normal teeth
- Grade 1: Small white flecks on the tooth
- Grade 2: Small opaque areas, but affecting less than 25% of the surface of the tooth and not too much on the tooth cusps
- Grade 3: Opaque areas affect much of the teeth, but less than 50% of the surface
- Grade 4: Not only are enamel surfaces fully affect, but they’re also beginning to show wear. Brown stains affect the teeth.
- Grade 5: The teeth look pitted and corroded, darkly stained.
Treatment Options
Teeth whitening is a method that may work if the severity of the fluorosis is Grade 0, 1, or 2.
The treatment time may need to increase from a few weeks to several months depending on the severity of the whitening.
Severe whitening requires other treatment options such as the use of Icon, a highly sophisticated composite resin by DMG is very useful in helping with removal of the white spots due to Flourosis. As these options are minimally invasive, they are the method of choice.
Veneers become the treatment choice if teeth whitening with or without treatment with Icon does deliver the result desired or if the severity of fluorosis is high, and whitening thought to be an ineffective treatment modality.
It is possible to fit a veneer to a single tooth or as many as you desire. Veneers provide uniform shape and colour to your teeth. Our veneers are expertly colour matched to your natural teeth for a seamless, perfect smile.
Book a free consultation with a highly experienced cosmetic dentist to determine whether teeth whitening treatments are a suitable option for you.
