When you notice white, brown or blackish discoloration or spotting of your teeth you know it is dental fluorosis. The reason for this is overexposure to fluoride that occurs between 3 months to 8 years of ages and hence is irreversible. Post eruption the eth cannot develop enamel fluorosis, however the stains and spots might darken over time.

Types Of Dental Fluorosis

Very Mild: Small opaque, paper white areas covering less than 25% of the tooth surface.
Mild: Opaque white areas covering less than 50% of the tooth surface.
Moderate: All tooth surfaces affected; marked wear on biting surfaces; brown stain may be present
Severe: All tooth surfaces affected; discrete or confluent pitting; brown stain present

Cause Of Dental Fluorosis

The main reason is exposure to over fluoridated water and hence dental fluorosis is seen affecting population in certain belts or regions specifically. Certain other reasons are use of fluoridated mouth rinse and tooth pastes (ingestion of adult fluoridated toothpaste by kids below 6 years), bottled waters not tested for fluoride content, inappropriate fluoride supplements usage, ingestion of foods particularly imported from other countries, and public water fluoridation.

Treatment

Dental fluorosis is cosmetically treatable.Different treatment options depending on the severity include:

• Zoom bleaching
• Micro-abrasion with tooth bleaching
• Cosmetic restoration
• Jacket crown and/or porcelain veneers
• Zirconia crowns/veneers

Fluoride Belt In India

FAQs

Will cosmetic crowns make my teeth weaker?
No, in fact placement of the crowns will protect your brittle teeth from the occlusal forces thereby increasing the life and functionality of your teeth.

Are cosmetic crowns a permanent solution?
Yes, it is a permanent solution when the latest available materials are used..The longevity of your crown depends on your maintenance of oral hygiene and bite.

What are the different types of cosmetic crowns offered?
You can either go for porcelain veneers or Zirconia crowns Further information of which can be easily be found under the crowns and bridges section of general dentistry in this website..

What is the difference between porcelain veneers and zirconia crowns?
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells that will cover the front surface of your teeth. Zirconia crowns are much stronger than veneers and cover all the surfaces of your teeth

Do cosmetic crowns stain?
No! Cosmetic crowns never stain. These crowns have polished surfaces, making them resistant to acids and staining . You can have any kind of food without having to worry about getting your teeth stained!

Is getting cosmetic crowns a painful procedure?
The procedure is absolutely pain free, once the numbness has taken its effect! After the Local Anesthesia is administered, there will be numbness making the entire procedure comfortable for you. And you walk out with temporaries in the same visit till the permanents are customised in the lab

What are the treatment charges for cosmetic crowns?
Following are the charges for each crown:
Zirconia crown costs Rs.12,000/-
E-max crown cost Rs.10,000/-
Veneers/Laminates Rs12,000/-