Removal of Superficial Spots on Teeth

Many reasons exist for superficial white, brown, grey or orange spots on the surfaces of teeth. Often, thee spots are objectionable because they are unsightly. If the discolorations on the surfaces of your teeth are unacceptable to you, they may be remoed in one or more ways:

Microabrasion: Removal of a small amount of the discolored tooth structure using an abrasive solution is the most conservative method. This technique is usually very fast and relatively inexpensive, and it produces a permanent result. We will tell you if this procedure is appropriate for your teeth.
Tooth-Colored Fillings (Restorations): If the spots are deep, they may be removed by standard rotary abrasion and placement of a small, tooth-colored plastic restoration. These restorations are usually not discernable from the tooth structure, and they serve will for several years.
Veneers: If your teeth have multiple discolorations, veneers (thin, custom-made pieces of laminate or porcelain) can be bonded to the surfaces of the teeth to cover the spots. Veneers provide an excellent appearance and last well for several years.

If possible, we suggest beginning with conservative microabrasion. If it is successful, then further treatment is not necessary. If the spots are too deep, small restorations may be needed. If the spots or discolorations are very deep, veneers will usually be recommended from the start.

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