Cosmetic Dentistry Starts with Enamel

Cosmetic dentistry has become big business in recent years simply because people care more about how their teeth look than ever before.

Because of this, procedures such as bonding and reshaping and prostheses such as bridges, crowns and veneers have become more popular and common than ever before. Yet despite the individual popularity of these products, the most common and widely sought-after form of cosmetic dentistry is teeth whitening.

It’s no secret that one of the first things anyone notices about another person’s teeth is the color. Because of this, whitening approaches ranging from do-it-yourself products to actual procedures in a dentist’s office are employed around the world to help people achieve the most attractive smile they can.

Despite its typically superior popularity, what whitening has in common with every form of cosmetic dentistry is that it is centered around one of the key elements of the tooth - its enamel.

Tooth enamel is actually a form of tissue that is the most solid individual substance in the human body. It is mostly made up of minerals and its true color can be anything from a grayish tint of white to a light yellow. It is also semi-translucent, meaning it allows some light to pass through it and is somewhat see-through. Because of this, it’s color can be easily manipulated, mostly in negative ways.

Due to the fact that enamel is mostly made up of minerals, it is subject to demineralization, which can best be described as a process resembling decomposition. For most individuals, this is recognized in the form of cavities, which are brought on by acids in foods such as sugar dissolving this surface material on a tooth.

The breaking down of enamels in the mouth can promote the need for cosmetic dentistry on a number of levels. 

When forming cavities, the entire tooth can become compromised if left untreated. This creates not only a health risk but also an unsightly mess inside the mouth, as the site of a rotting tooth is both noticeable and repulsive. Because of this, the installation of crowns or bridges can be necessary to save the tooth structurally. At the same time, in cases where the teeth may still be health enough to remain the patient may still choose to have a prostheses installed purely for the purpose of improving appearance.

The most common issue with enamel is the breakdown of its color. The same types of foods and drinks that can cause cavities, as well as tobacco use and other causes, can lead to discoloration of the enamels as they are broken down by these chemicals. This can often lead to an individual pursuing a whitening treatment that can help restore the natural color.

No matter the form of cosmetic dentistry, the enamel is typically at the center of the problem and the treatment. Because of this, its best to understand the important role it plays in oral health and the need to protect it as much as possible.