Were you one of those kids who were asked to have fluoride applications when they were young? Have you noticed developing a stain or discoloration on your teeth even if you are practicing proper oral hygiene? This may be dental fluorosis brought about by excessive fluoride application or exposure. Let us find out what this condition really is about, its causes, and how much is a dental fluorosis treatment cost. If you want to know more, feel free to visit a dental clinic so a professional dentist can give you more information about this topic. You can go to DentistAlbany.com.au today if you need more information about this topic.
Dental fluorosis: What is it?
After the 20 deciduous teeth, also called baby or temporary teeth, are all formed and have fallen out, your permanent teeth would start to erupt by the time we reach the age of 8. From the time your first baby tooth erupted, your parents would have been urged and advised by your dentists to have their child undergo regular tooth cleanings and fluoride applications to strengthen and protect your teeth from tooth decay. But there may be instances where children would develop whitish or yellowish discolorations on their permanent teeth, and their parents would wonder why because they know they have followed everything that their dentist instructed them. Once they go to the dentist, he will mention that the condition is called dental fluorosis.
Dental fluorosis is a dental issue characterized by discoloration of the enamel or the tooth surface. Parents do not have to worry about a child’s dental health because this is only considered as a cosmetic problem, and it does not, in any way, affect the integrity of the teeth.
What causes dental fluorosis?
The staining can happen even when your permanent teeth are still under your gums and have yet to erupt. Children who take fluoride supplements are mostly the ones at risk for developing this cosmetic dental problem. The excess fluoride affects the calcification of the permanent teeth’s enamel, causing a disturbance in their appearance. The discoloration can also be caused by young children who consume or swallow fluoride toothpaste because they do not know how to spit it out yet. These children, especially the ones who gargle or drink fluoridated water, become highly susceptible to this condition.
How to solve dental fluorosis
Because dental fluorosis is not really a dental health problem but a cosmetic one, it does not need to be treated at all. Most fluorosis conditions are mild that only dentists can determine if it is indeed a discoloration or tooth damage. So the only fluorosis treatment that can be recommended is teeth whitening. In very severe cases where the teeth are really discolored and have malformation, a dentist can recommend using restorative procedures like dental veneers, crowns, and dental bonding.
Dental fluorosis treatment cost
The treatment cost of dental fluorosis would depend on what procedure is to be done. Teeth whitening can cost you around $100 to $400 for DIY whitening and at least $650 or more for professional in-chair whitening. If you choose to get dental crowns, the cost can be estimated from $800 to $1700 per tooth. Typical dental veneers will cost you $800 to $2500 per tooth, depending on the material being used, while dental bonding has a price range of $300 to $600 per tooth. You can go to ADC Dubbo’s family dental clinic today and ask them about their pricing.
