While beauty standards vary wildly across the globe, there is one thing each person on the planet wants: a bright white smile. Of course, many people end up developing dental stains despite this. While darkly colored foods and beverages are usually the culprit, it turns out that genetics can play a big factor as well. Is your family tree the reason why your smile isn’t the right color, and if so, what can you do about it?
Can Genetics Affect Tooth Color?
The short answer is yes! The longer explanation is that there are two scenarios in which your genetics can make you more likely to have stained teeth. There are two rare inherited conditions that can have a direct influence, and they are:
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta can affect both primary (baby) and adult teeth and causes grayish, transparent tooth enamel that is also quite brittle.
- Amelogenesis imperfecta causes the enamel to appear yellow-brown and be more prone to chipping and breaking.
So what is the other scenario?
Like Mother Like Son…
A person’s risk for staining can increase if they frequently indulge in richly colored foods and drinks that contain pigments that stick to the enamel. But, aspects of the enamel itself can make it more likely to stain. People with thinner enamel are at a higher risk of staining compared to those with thicker enamel. And as you might have guessed, your genetics directly influence this.
What Can You Do?
Whether you have one of the genetic conditions touched on above or naturally weak enamel, that does NOT mean you just need to settle for a less-than-perfect smile. Cosmetic dentists offer a wide array of options that can remove stains, lighten teeth, and strengthen enamel. Veneers can accomplish all of this in two appointments, and white crowns can help restore weakened teeth while hiding any discoloration. For those with thin enamel, professional teeth whitening can quickly get rid of stains without harming the teeth like most store-bought methods.
Which one is right for you? The best way to find out is to talk to a cosmetic dentist. They’ll be able to guide you to the right choice based on your needs and expectations, and from there, you can trust that you’ll achieve the perfect shade in no time.
About the Practice
Boerne Dental Center loves creating gorgeous smiles and are eager to work with you so you can get the confident look you deserve. We offer veneers, teeth whitening, white crowns, and many more services all in-house. To learn more about your options and schedule a one-on-one consultation, click here or call 830-249-2045.