How to Get Rid of White and Orange Spots on Your Teeth
Having a bright, healthy smile is something many of us strive for, but sometimes, white and orange spots can appear on our teeth, making us feel self-conscious. These spots are often the result of various dental conditions, including hypomineralization, fluorosis, or the presence of orthodontic brackets. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to reduce or eliminate these spots, such as microabrasion and ICON by DMG. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of white and orange spots on your teeth and discuss how these treatments can help restore your smile.
What Causes White and Orange Spots?
- Hypomineralization
Hypomineralization occurs when the enamel on your teeth doesn’t form properly during the development of your permanent teeth. This condition can result in white spots, often seen as irregular areas of reduced mineral content on the tooth surface. These spots are typically softer than the surrounding enamel and more prone to staining. Traumatic hypomineralization, in particular, can occur as a result of an injury to the developing tooth.
- Fluorosis
Dental fluorosis is another common cause of white spots. It occurs when there’s an excessive intake of fluoride during the early years of life, typically while the teeth are still developing. In mild cases, fluorosis leads to small white streaks or spots on the teeth. In more severe cases, it can cause brown or orange discoloration. Fluorosis typically affects the permanent teeth and is often seen in children who consumed too much fluoride through toothpaste or drinking water with high fluoride levels.
- Orthodontic Brackets
If you've had braces, you might have noticed the appearance of white spots after your brackets were removed. These spots are usually caused by the difficulty in cleaning around the brackets during orthodontic treatment. Plaque buildup can lead to demineralization of the enamel in these areas, resulting in white or even orange discoloration.
How to Get Rid of White and Orange Spots on Your Teeth
Now that we know the causes, let's look at the treatment options available to reduce or eliminate these unsightly spots.
- Microabrasion
Microabrasion is a common technique used to treat white spots on teeth. It involves the use of a mild abrasive material to remove the outer layer of the enamel, which can help reduce the appearance of the spots. The process is minimally invasive and generally involves the use of a gel that’s applied to the affected teeth. The gel is then polished away, leaving behind a smoother surface. Microabrasion can significantly improve the appearance of white spots caused by hypomineralization and fluorosis, but it may not be effective for orange spots caused by staining.
- ICON by DMG
For more stubborn white or orange spots, ICON by DMG is an innovative treatment option that works by infiltrating the porous areas of the enamel. This technique is ideal for treating hypomineralized teeth and spots caused by orthodontic brackets. ICON is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a resin infiltration technique to fill in the porous enamel, essentially “masking” the white or orange spots. It’s especially effective for treating spots without the need for drilling or removing enamel, making it a popular choice for patients looking for a conservative solution.
- The iSmile method
Dr. Jake Shapiro is an expert in white spot treatment. Using various treatment modalities, we have a formula at our practice that treats all different types of white and orange spots, no matter the severity.
Conclusion
White and orange spots on your teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, including hypomineralization, traumatic hypomineralization, fluorosis, and the aftermath of orthodontic brackets. Thankfully, modern dental treatments like microabrasion and ICON by DMG offer effective solutions to help reduce or eliminate these spots and restore the natural appearance of your teeth. If you’re concerned about spots on your teeth, consult with us to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.
By addressing these issues early, you can enjoy a healthier, more confident smile without the distraction of unwanted discoloration.