Your genes are responsible for a lot of cool traits, like your hair texture, skin tone, and even the depth of your voice. But did you know they can also determine the color of your teeth? It’s true! However, while some people were born lucky enough to have a gleaming white grin, others may not be so fortunate. Here’s a closer look at how the shade of your smile could be due to genetics, and what your cosmetic dentist can do to give you the gorgeous, glowing grin you wish you were born with!
Can You Really Inherit Tooth Color?
If you think about it, having excellent oral hygiene and avoiding darkly pigmented foods and beverages, not smoking or vaping, and visiting your dentist regularly should be enough to keep your teeth looking white and bright. Unfortunately, however, sometimes our genes have other plans.
Hereditary conditions like fluoride resistance, thin enamel, or even dark dentin can all color your smile shades you never wanted, and despite your best efforts, may not be able to change. Worse yet, your genes can also affect the speed at which your enamel becomes worn, how fast the minerals inside it are depleted, and even how quickly your dentin becomes visible through it.
Is It Possible to Whiten Genetically Darker Teeth?
The good news is that if you’ve got teeth, there’s likely a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can improve them. For example, if you have stains that have accumulated in the pores in your enamel, professional whitening can brighten your teeth by up to eight shades in about an hour. For other discoloration, such as the kind that’s due to poor enamel density, veneers or even dental bonding can cover the outside surface of the teeth and shield them with a strong, natural looking restoration that can be made the exact shade of your choosing. Your dentist can help you determine which treatment is best for your unique smile and deliver a procedure with lasting results that finally give you the gorgeous, glowing grin you’ve been dreaming of!
Remember, although you may maintain excellent oral health, and even avoid food and activities that could cause your teeth to become discolored, if your smile is looking lackluster due to your genes, speak to your dentist today about your options for getting your whitest brightest glowing grin yet!
About Dr. Carla Bustillo-Gonzalez
Dr. Carla Bustillo-Gonzalez earned her dental degree at the Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University. Since graduating, she has completed a fellowship with the American Dental Implant Association. She is also a certified Invisalign provider, and a proud active member of the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Society. To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry at Shawsheen Family Dental, visit our website or call us today at 978-851-7112.