Lauren came into our office complaining of sensitivity in her teeth that she hadn’t previously experienced. She noticed that although she was still brushing regularly and flossing diligently, her teeth seemed more fragile than they had been in the past. Lauren wasn’t sure what was going on, so she came to our Boca Raton dentists for help. After a thorough evaluation of her teeth, cleaning routine, and diet, we were able to determine that Lauren was suffering from the effects of acid erosion.

Acid dental erosion occurs when teeth begin to weaken, thin, or soften—through a process called demineralization—because they have been exposed to acidic substances. Throughout the day our teeth undergo some demineralization as we eat and drink normally. However, usually the teeth are quickly remineralized through saliva and regular dental hygiene. Teeth suffering from acid erosion, however, are not effectively remineralized. This means that acid eroded dental enamel is more likely to become infected or damaged, and it more likely to feel sensitive.

So how can you minimize your risk for acid erosion? First, keep your eyes open for certain foods and drinks that may lead to acid erosion. Common drinks like fruit juices and carbonated beverages, and foods like fruits, can wear down dental enamel. In order to protect your teeth, you can try drinking acidic beverages through a straw, so that your front teeth are protected from acidic exposure. Additionally, try to rinse your teeth with water after consuming acidic substances. Brush and floss at least twice a day as normal, but refrain from brushing directly after consuming acidic substances, because your teeth may still be in a weakened state.

If you notice any changes in your teeth, alert your dentist at your semi-annual dental check-up. Working with your dentist you can take control of your dental health and maintain healthy teeth. Give our Boca Raton dental office a call for more information!

Our patient Melissa had struggled with her smile for years. She had gone back and forth about pursuing cosmetic treatments for a long time, but she was afraid of making the commitment. Melissa was worried she might not like her final smile, she was afraid that her teeth wouldn’t look “natural” or like “her teeth.”

Our Boca Raton veneers dentists explained to Melissa that porcelain veneers could be customized to fit her smile and her aesthetic. Dental veneers are an exceptional cosmetic option because your dentist can truly craft veneers that fit your personality and style.

The first thing to know is that dental veneers can be used to solve a variety of cosmetic issues. You can use porcelain veneers to straighten the appearance of crooked teeth, correct chipped or damaged enamel, lengthen teeth, or reshape disproportionate smile. If you struggle with one or multiple of these issues, veneers may be the solution for you.

Because veneers are made of porcelain, they can be shaped to fit your specific needs. If you’d like to lengthen or widen the appearance of a tooth, your dentist can shave your veneer to complement the shape of your smile.

In order to ensure a personalized result, your dentist can also shade and color your veneer. Veneers are naturally radiant and multi-dimensional, because they are made of layers of porcelain, which reflect and absorb light like natural enamel. However, the specific shade of your veneer can be customized to blend seamlessly with your other natural teeth. You won’t have to worry about your veneer standing out because it looks unnaturally bright or “techno-color.”

Melissa chose to have three veneers placed, and she’s thrilled with the result. She says her only regret is that it took her so long to decide to pursue treatment! If you’ve been thinking about getting dental veneers, give our Boca Raton veneers dental office a call for more information.