A common discoloration people have in their smile is a yellow tint. It can often be caused by things like diet, smoking, and even aging, but what if you notice a gray color instead? This can be a bit more difficult to pinpoint, as it may be something not everyone will experience. To help get to the bottom of it, here are some possible culprits for this flaw and how you can get an aesthetic grin once again.
Why Do My Teeth Look Gray?
Gray-looking teeth can happen as you get older, but you can have them on a single structure or multiple. No matter, there are several different reasons that you might have this discoloration, such as:
- An infection or trauma has led to a dead tooth. The damage can harm the nerve and inner pulp when it’s severe enough, turning the structure into a dark bluish gray.
- Your restoration may have metal underneath the tooth-colored top. So, a silver filling or crown might’ve worn down to expose it more than before.
- You have dentinogenesis imperfecta. This is a hereditary tooth development disorder, but it makes your smile blue-gray and a bit weaker.
- You were exposed to tetracycline in the womb or during childhood. This is an antibiotic, but cases with this as the cause don’t respond to whitening very well.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Fix My Gray Teeth?
Although your teeth may have a gray tint to them, there are ways you can get to a bright look once again! Your dentist is here to help with cosmetic dentistry. Here are some treatments you can consider:
- Veneers are thin shells that bond to the front-facing parts of your grin. You can customize the color, shape, and size to reach your goals and enjoy them for up to 15 years with proper care.
- Cosmetic dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to hide imperfections. By sculpting it against the affected structure, you can cover it and restore the appearance.
- Professional whitening can be helpful in some cases, as it’s much safer and more effective than products found in stores. Whether in-office or through your dentist’s take-home kit, you can brighten your smile with up to an eight-shade difference. However, tetracycline-affected teeth may be left with uneven results.
In the end, you don’t have to feel lost about your gray teeth. By talking to your provider, you can learn more about what’s causing it for you and what treatments would be best to get your confident back.
About the Author
Dr. Stacy Hebert-Schoener earned her dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. She is dedicated to helping the Bellaire community get rid of flaws in their grin by offering cosmetic dentistry. By finding out which services are right for you, you can get to your goals and enjoy your natural-looking results. If you have dental imperfections you want fixed, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Stacy’s office at (713) 666-1597.