There are many fascinating traits that are handed down from generation to generation. Things like photic sneeze reflex (sneezing when exposed to bright light), having an extra (cervical) rib, and even a gene called OR6A2 that causes some people to find cilantro to taste like soap! But another surprising condition that you may not have realized could be genetic is the color of your teeth. Here’s how the shade of your smile can be hereditary, and how cosmetic dentistry can help you change it!
Genetics and Your Smile
Although there are many factors like your lifestyle and diet that can influence the color of your teeth, in some cases this could simply ‘run in the family’. That’s because the translucency as well as the thickness of your tooth enamel (the first and outermost, visible layer) is hereditary. This means that even if you keep your teeth impeccably clean and stain-free, they can still look dull, dingy, and discolored if the yellow-tinted dentin (the second layer) is visible through the enamel.
There are also conditions that affect the enamel, such as amelogenesis imperfecta, which causes it to appear gray, yellow, or brown, and dentogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition that affects the development of the dentin and can also discolor your smile.
Treatment Options for Genetic Discoloration
Unfortunately, if you’ve got genetic discoloration, you may have already realized that products like whitening toothpaste and strips don’t do much to help. The great news is that with cosmetic dentistry, there are options that can. Porcelain veneers, for example, cover the entire tooth and can be customized to the exact shade of white you desire. They also have the added benefit of stain resistance, and can even change the shape, size, and close minor gaps in your smile if you want them to. Another treatment, dental bonding, can cover some discoloration as well. Your cosmetic dentist can discuss your options at your consultation and find a solution that addresses the root cause of your tooth color.
Remember, although the color of your teeth may be hereditary, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to fix it. If you’d like to change the shade of your smile, schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry today, and crack the code for a more gorgeous grin!
About Our Practice
At LIC Dental Associates, we know that the appearance of your smile is often just as important to your wellbeing as its health. That’s why we’re proud to offer cosmetic dentistry treatments right here in Long Island City. While it’s true that we can’t rewrite your genetic code, we can help deliver the whiter, brighter smile you’ve always wanted. To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry, visit our website or call 718-530-6539.