When you smile in the mirror, you would expect to see a flawless white smile, but upon a closer look, you might notice that some of your white teeth actually look a bit translucent or clear. Translucent teeth are not uncommon. There are actually a few different reasons why your teeth might look clear. Fortunately, at Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, we offer several cosmetic treatments to help cover up your clear teeth and give you the beautiful white smile you deserve. Learn more about clear teeth and then visit our Spokane Valley dental office for treatment.
Why Do Teeth Become Clear?
The enamel or outer layer of the teeth is already a semi-translucent material. It’s responsible for giving your teeth a white color. The layer beneath it is dentin and varies from a yellow to an off-white or gray. This is what gives your teeth the rest of their color. The dentin layer doesn’t extend to the tips of your teeth so it’s common to see the tips or edges of the teeth look clear, blue or grey from the enamel.
The enamel can wear away though. This is common when patients partake in abrasive oral hygiene habits like using charcoal toothpaste or misusing teeth whitening products or even just drinking soda or other acidic foods and drinks. When the enamel wears away, it can cause your teeth to look clear or translucent. There are a few other reasons your teeth might look clear.
Celiac Disease and Translucent Teeth
Not only does celiac disease cause gastrointestinal problems from eating gluten, but it can also cause poor development of the enamel. Patients commonly experience translucent portions of their teeth or other oral symptoms like canker sores or a red shiny tongue.
Enamel Hypoplasia Causes Clear Teeth
Enamel hypoplasia is another condition that affects the teeth during development. It generally occurs in permanent and primary teeth and gives people thin, weak or chalky enamel that presents a translucent appearance. The small amount of enamel also wears away quickly leaving the dentin exposed.
Acid Erosion Causes Translucent Teeth
Teeth look and feel their best in a slightly alkaline environment. Those with an oral pH of 7 or higher generally have less tooth decay than those with a lower oral pH. When the oral pH goes below 5.5, it causes the enamel to demineralize. Consuming highly acidic drinks and foods can cause the enamel to wear way and present translucent teeth.
Covering Translucent Teeth
If you have translucent teeth and you feel embarrassed about them and would like to cover them up, we offer several treatment options. These include dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns. Schedule a consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists to find out which cosmetic dentistry treatment is the best option for covering your translucent teeth. Contact us today to book an appointment at our Spokane Valley dental office!
