Tooth enamel weakens over time, which can lead to many dental issues. If you’re looking for treatment options for teeth without enamel, dental bonding is a great choice. However, make sure to go to a skilled dentist who knows what they’re doing. The best place to get tooth bonding in South Loop, IL is Dental Group of Chicago, as they provide excellent dental care at a reasonable price. If you want to learn more about tooth enamel and dental bonding, read on:
What Is the Tooth Enamel?
Essentially, enamel is a thin layer that protects your teeth from damage. It sits on top of the visible parts of teeth. When healthy, the enamel is translucent, and it’s the strongest tissue in the human body. However, although it’s strong, the enamel is also quite fragile.
A lot of everyday activities can damage this tissue. For example, excessive sugar intake erodes the enamel, in addition to soft drinks and alcohol. That’s because sugary foods and beverages contain acids that tend to damage teeth if used excessively.
Additionally, many illnesses that cause frequent vomiting damage the enamel for the same reason. For instance, bulimia damages teeth quite quickly because of the constant buildup of stomach acid.
Similarly, if someone drinks alcohol in excess, it can damage the enamel in two ways. Firstly, alcoholic drinks often contain a lot of sugar that erodes the teeth. Secondly, drinking excessively leads to nausea and vomiting, which further damages the tooth.
Teeth without enamel are weak and prone to damage. They chip easily and are often stained or yellow. Additionally, they become quite sensitive. People with damaged tooth enamel are likely to experience sharp pain in the teeth when they eat something hot or cold. Similarly, foods that are too sweet can also cause them tooth pain.
What Is Enamel Hypoplasia?
Environmental circumstances cause enamel decay over time. However, some people are more prone to enamel decay than others. The main reason for that is enamel hypoplasia. This condition is an enamel defect that occurs during tooth development. It affects both baby and adult teeth. Essentially, enamel hypoplasia leads to thin enamel, which is more prone to damage.
Although the enamel is strong, it does not contain any living cells. Therefore, if it gets damaged, there is no way for it to repair itself over time. Without the enamel to protect them, teeth become more vulnerable to decay. In order to prevent tooth damage, you must react immediately if you notice any of the signs of enamel hypoplasia in your child.
Common Signs of Enamel Hypoplasia
Teeth without enamel can be quite difficult to spot. However, if you pay attention to these signs, you’ll be able to notice enamel loss quickly. Firstly, if your teeth have white spots on them, it can be the first sign of enamel decay. You won’t find stark white marks on your teeth if your enamel is healthy. That’s because the enamel is translucent, and it gives your teeth a shiny, slightly reflective appearance.
Secondly, pay attention to your sensitivity to hot and cold food. If you notice any sharp pain, contact your dentist so they can have a closer look at your enamel. And lastly, notice if your teeth have become more prone to decay and cavities. If the enamel is damaged, it won’t be able to do its job, which leads to an increased vulnerability to cavities.
What Causes Enamel Hypoplasia?
There is no definitive cause of enamel hypoplasia. Many things can lead to teeth without enamel, including genetics. For example, Seckel syndrome, Usher syndrome, and Heimler syndrome can all cause thin enamel.
Additionally, if the mother lives an unhealthy lifestyle while pregnant, it can also lead to enamel hypoplasia. Maternal weight gain, smoking, and drug use are all risk factors for this condition. Furthermore, premature birth and low birth weight can also be risk factors.
Environmental factors upon birth dictate enamel development, as well. Infections and diseases often lead to hypoplasia. For instance, celiac disease, cerebral palsy, and jaundice are common causes of the condition. Additionally, vitamin deficiencies in a baby lead to improper enamel development. Vitamins A, D, and C are especially important for proper tooth growth.
Dental Bonding as Enamel Hypoplasia Treatment
Tooth bonding is a common treatment for teeth without enamel. It’s a simple procedure where a dentist applies tooth-colored resin to your teeth. Dental bonding does not require anesthesia. It’s a low-risk treatment that’s usually done in one appointment. So, how does dental bonding help with enamel decay?
Essentially, the resin acts as a replacement for the enamel. The dentist applies it to your teeth while it’s still soft. Then, they mold the resin to your teeth, so there are no gaps between them. Afterward, they harden the material using ultraviolet light. If needed, the dentist will shape the resin further.
Once it’s bonded to the tooth, the resin acts as a barrier between the teeth and various environmental factors. Therefore, it protects your teeth from damage, just like the enamel does. Additionally, bonding can be a great way to fill in small gaps between teeth or repair a broken tooth.
How Should You Prepare for Dental Bonding
Tooth bonding doesn’t require a lot of preparation. However, if you want to have the procedure, it’s important to consult your dentists. They will let you know whether dental bonding is your best option.
If you have moderate damage to your enamel, your dentist will probably recommend that you go through with the procedure. However, if you have a lot of decay and damage to your teeth, dental bonding may not be an option for you. In that case, the dentist will recommend a crown or a veneer instead.
How to Care for Your Teeth After Tooth Bonding
Your teeth will be quite sensitive after dental bonding. That’s why it’s important to take care of them properly after the treatment. First and foremost, brush your teeth twice a day and floss them every day. During the first week, avoid sugary and hard foods.
Additionally, avoid drinking coffee, tea, and alcohol for the first few days. These beverages, along with tobacco, can damage and discolor the resin. If you bite your nails, avoid doing so for as long as you can. And lastly, keep up with your dental appointments every six months. You should clean your teeth often if you want the resin to stay strong for a long time.
In Conclusion
Teeth without enamel lead to many problems. In order to prevent them, you should go to your dentist regularly. They’ll be able to notice any damage before it’s too late and propose a treatment plan. If your teeth aren’t too damaged, dental bonding is a great choice, as it’s inexpensive and non-invasive. However, be careful when choosing a dentist. A skilled professional will be able to make the resin match your teeth perfectly. Additionally, they will let you know if tooth bonding is not an option for you and recommend a better treatment choice.