How Can Genetics Lead to Discolored Teeth?

If your smile isn’t as bright as you wish it was, there can be a number of reasons. Sometimes it might be a consequence of drinking coffee and other stain-causing beverages. In other cases, it could be a side effect of bad habits like smoking. However, many people don’t realize that sometimes discolored teeth can be due to genetics. Your cosmetic dentist is here with a closer look at how your genes can affect the appearance of your smile.

How Genetics Affect Tooth Color

Your genes can directly influence the color of your teeth. For example, you may have relatively thick enamel, which helps the teeth look whiter; on the other hand, you could also have enamel that’s thinner than normal, resulting in more yellowish teeth. The overall thickness and transparency of your enamel is something that may run in your family. Consequently, if your parents have genetically yellow teeth, there’s a good chance you could have them as well.

Genetic Conditions That Can Make Teeth Look Discolored

There are specific kinds of hereditary conditions that may result in discolored teeth. One such condition is known as dentinogenesis imperfecta, which affects the development of the dentin layer that lies beneath the enamel. It often results in grayish teeth that are unusually brittle.

Another hereditary condition that affects the teeth is amelogenesis imperfecta. This is an abnormality with the enamel, making it softer and more prone to damage than normal. Amelogenesis imperfecta is often associated with yellow, brown, or grey teeth.

What Can You Do About Genetic Tooth Discoloration?

Your first thought for addressing a discolored smile may be to have your teeth professionally whitened. And indeed, it can be the right choice for many patients, particularly those with mild to moderate discoloration on the surface of the teeth. However, more severe discoloration may call for other solutions.

For severe types of dental discoloration, veneers and metal-free dental crowns can often help. These treatments cover the teeth, thus hiding any discoloration from view and helping the smile look brighter overall. On top of that, dental crowns can potentially be used to strengthen teeth that are weaker than normal due to genetic factors.

Even if your discolored teeth are a result of your genetics, that doesn’t mean you need to live with a smile that you’re unhappy with. Talk to your dentist to see what cosmetic dental treatments they offer that could help you achieve a brighter, more confident grin.

About the Practice

At Wayland Dental, our dental experts care about helping patients improve their oral health and achieve their smile goals with fully personalized treatments. We provide many different forms of cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, veneers, and CEREC same-day crowns made out of natural-looking materials. To schedule a consultation with us, visit our website or call (508) 651-0500.