Costs of Treating Severe Fluorosis

Teeth affected by fluorosis can affect the confidence of individuals especially in severe cases. Therefore, the earlier patients seek treatment the problem can be treated. There are several methods of treatment with costs estimated at about 3,000 RMB to 4,000 RMB.

Consuming too much fluoride while the teeth are being formed can lead to fluorosis. Fluorosis causes white or brown discoloration or spots on the enamel, or tooth surface. The effects can range from minor color changes to surface of the teeth.

How is severe fluorosis treated?

In severe cases of fluorosis the teeth are stained yellow or brown and the surface of the teeth can become pitted. Using methods such as bleaching like cold-light whitening will not give any results and in contrast may worsen the situation of the teeth. Therefore, the only option would be the use of veneers or dental crowns to cover the tooth.

Costs of Veneers

Using veneers to treat the severe cases of fluorosis there is the choice of composite veneers or porcelain veneers. Composite veneers cost approximately over 1,000 RMB per veneer. Porcelain veneers come in at a estimated costs of 3,000 RMB to 4,000 RMB per tooth.

Costs of Dental Crowns

If patients decide to use dental crowns as a restoration method it’s usually advised that all porcelain crowns are used which in comparison with other materials is much more natural looking. All porcelain dental crowns costs can start at 3,000 RMB to 4,000 RMB per dental crown.

The price between veneers and dental crowns are not too big, however for accurate quotations and how many veneers or dental crowns are needed can only be decided after a examination. For teeth that are not too seriously damaged then veneers are sufficient, but should patients choose dental crowns and enamel is removed then they can’t consider veneers after. Therefore, it’s best to go for a consultation with a professional dental clinic so you know what to expect.

Fluorosis can be Removed with Scale & Polish?

A lot of patients seem to think that a scale and polish can solve stains on teeth. A scale and polish is only a part of dental hygiene and cannot be viewed as a form of treatment or solution.  

Fluorosis is where the teeth are laced with white markings and slightly discolored. In more serious cases of fluorosis staining can range from yellow to dark brown. Aesthetically speaking for those who have fluorosis this is usually the biggest confidence let down. So can a scale and polish improve fluorosis?

Scale & Polish Can Fix Fluorosis?

There is often the misconception that any staining brushing can’t remove a scale and polish can sort it. However, this is not the case below are the reasons why.

A professional scale and polish can only remove stains and pigmentation on the surface of the teeth, stains usually caused by wine, tea or eating dark colored foods. Also dental calculus and plaque build-up which cause discoloration can be removed. In such cases a scale and polish coupled with dental sandblasting can restore the teeth to their natural color.  

It must be emphasized fluorosis is not an external stain but develops due to high levels of fluoride ingestion when teeth are developing. Therefore, a scale and polish are unable to remove fluorosis as it’s not a surface stain.  

Whitening Treatment for Fluorosis

If fluorosis is only slightly yellow on the teeth then you inquire about using bleaching methods to improve the shade, for example cold-light whitening.

If the teeth affected by fluorosis are damaged then cold-light whitening is not considered an option. This is when veneers are recommended which a choice between composite resin veneers, porcelain veneers or using crowns to cover the teeth.