Micro-abrasion

Microabrasion involves skimming the outer 50-60 microns of enamel using a simple rubber cup with acidified pumice paste. It removes unpleasant stains, discolourations and surface defects especially the blemishes often seen on front teeth due to decalcification after the removal of orthodontic brackets.

Although a tiny amount of surface enamel is removed during the treatment, it has been shown that bacteria are less able to adhere to the resulting surface. This surface will also be strengthened by ionic interchange with the fluoride in your toothpaste.

Fluoride staining (Fluorosis)

Fluoride strengthens the enamel and actively prevents decay. However, ingestion of an excessive amount while the teeth are developing will lead to yellowing, mottling, white and brown staining and, in extreme cases, hypoplasia or malformation of the teeth.

This type of staining can often be easily removed using microabrasion. In this case we have only performed the technique on the front four teeth.

Blemishes

There are many causes of discrete stains or mottling in teeth. Most occur when the teeth are developing and the commonest causes are fluorosis, trauma and infection.

This lady takes a lot of care with her appearance and had tolerated the white blemishes on her teeth only because she did not want to have the teeth veneered or crowned. In this case we have only performed the technique on the front two teeth.

Staining

Teeth become progressively stained and discoloured throughout life. Microabrasion is the alternative when bleaching is unsuccessful.

There is some basic discoloration but poor brushing habits as a teenager have left a legacy of decalcification around the necks of the teeth. This white decalcification later turns brown or cavitates leading to darker stains. In this case we have only performed the technique on the front three teeth as the upper right lateral incisor is a crown.