What Is Enamel Microabrasion and Is It Good For Your Teeth?
There are so many options when it comes to dental work. Most people are familiar with the basics such as teeth whitening and Invisalign, but have you ever heard of enamel microabrasion?
The term itself might seem a bit intimidating, but really all it is a very gentle teeth whitening procedure. You might find yourself worrying if this type of cosmetic dental work is too aggressive for your teeth, so we’re here to answer your questions.
Downtown Dentist SF is a general and cosmetic dental practice at the heart of downtown San Francisco. We work with patients to find the best solution for their enamel problems!
What is Enamel Microabrasion?
The exact definition of enamel microabrasion is
“cosmetic dentistry used to improve the appearance of the teeth. Like tooth whitening it is used to remove discolorations of the tooth surface but microabrasion is a mechanical, rather than chemical, procedure.”
What that means is that this is simply a cosmetic procedure that helps brighten your teeth. Whether your discoloration comes from poor dental routine or drinking too much coffee, this service will help to alleviate this problem. If your teeth are slightly discolored or have white spots, you may be a great candidate for this cosmetic dental routine.
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Is it Good for Your Teeth?
According to a study conducted by the World Journal of Clinical Cases, microabrasion is a conservative method that is long-lasting and effective. It only works on the surface of your enamel, thus negating from the harsh effects of using chemicals (i.e. teeth whitening/bleaching).
Instead, microabrasion uses a mechanical rotating tool to scrape off the outer layer of your discolored enamel, giving you a whiter smile with lasting effects. So in short-- yes. Not only is microabrasion good for your teeth, it is actually a less invasive or harsh practice than other teeth whitening methods.
Pros and Cons
The difference between the more common method of whitening versus abrasion lies within the procedure itself. Teeth whitening, as we mentioned, is a bleaching technique while microabrasion is a more conservative method. It only works on the outer layer of your enamel, thus making the impact less invasive and more cosmetic. Because of the minimal impact and time of this service, it’s usually priced similar to whitening procedures.
The cons of microabrasion are that it may not be 100% effective for deeper enamel defects. It varies by patient but typically, the more severe your discoloration, the less we recommend microabrasion. Any extraneous work of your teeth can also weaken your enamel. However, keep in mind this can even happen by brushing your teeth too aggressively.
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About Downtown Dentist San Francisco
Downtown Dentist SF offers a multitude of services to our patients. We not only address your aesthetic teeth concerns, but we offer solutions for common issues such as overbites, dental implants, and bridges.
You can call us at 415.982.2250 or leave us a message here if you have more questions about enamel microabrasion!
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450 Sutter Street
Suite 1220
San Francisco, CA 94108