Microabrasion Candidates

Cosmetic dentistry offers numerous ways to remove, lighten, and conceal discoloration on the teeth, each offering unique advantages that makes it effective against certain types of stains. For some patients, in-office professional teeth whitening is all that is necessary to reviving a dull smile, restoring its luminous shine and erasing years of wear and tear. For other patients, one or two discolored front teeth can be covered with natural-looking, custom-crafted porcelain veneers, which offer the added benefit of concealing other cosmetic flaws such as cracks, chips, and imperfections in shape and length. Many patients benefit from a combination of treatments as part of a comprehensive smile makeover plan.

For patients whose discoloration is present on the uppermost layers of their teeth’s natural enamel, Redwood City cosmetic dentist Jean Barthman offers microabrasion, a highly effective treatment that involves the precise removal of an extremely thin portion of enamel. This treatment provides patients with an alternative to teeth whitening procedures that use hydrogen-peroxide-based gels to bleach the teeth, as well as porcelain restorations. For the right candidates, microabrasion is a potentially ideal way to restore beauty to cosmetically damaged teeth.

At our cosmetic dentistry practice in Redwood City, microabrasion is just one of the many cutting-edge dental treatments we offer to restore health, function, and beauty to teeth. Are you a good candidate for microabrasion? The best way to find out is to contact Jean E. Barthman, D.D.S., in Redwood City today and schedule your initial consultation with one of the area’s most esteemed dental professionals.

What Is Microabrasion?

Microabrasion is a procedure in which hydrochloric acid and an abrasive are rubbed onto the surfaces of discolored teeth to remove the outermost layers of enamel where superficial stains are located. Once these layers have been removed, the fresh, pristine underlying layers of enamel are revealed, and the teeth look significantly whiter and healthier. The results are permanent and, for the right candidates, dramatic.

At our cosmetic dentistry practice in Redwood City, teeth whitening can be combined with microabrasion to produce truly stunning results, depending on the condition of the individual patient’s teeth and his or her unique needs.

Candidacy for Microabrasion

There are certain types of stains that do not respond fully or even well to teeth whitening with bleaching agents. These stains include:

• White spots caused by decalcification
• White and brown stains caused by fluorosis (overexposure to fluoride during tooth development)
• Stains caused by use of tetracycline and other medications
• White, yellow, and brown discoloration caused by trauma or orthodontic treatment

These stains are often superficial and, therefore, removable via microabrasion. Suitable candidates for microabrasion should have basically good oral health and sufficient tooth enamel to withstand treatment. For the right candidates, the procedure is quick, painless, and extremely cost-effective. Although the results are permanent, the treated teeth remain vulnerable to new stains; therefore, candidates must be willing to avoid staining agents in the future.

For further information about microabrasion at our Redwood City cosmetic dentistry practice, or to schedule a consultation to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, please contact Dr. Jean Barthman today.