Black Friday special for Zoom whitening

$999 Dental Implants

Black Friday special

Zoom whitening

$999 offer

Dental Implants

White Spot Removal in Pittsburgh

Start Your Smile Journey Today – Free Consultation & Flexible 0% Financing Options

 

Cropped shot of a young woman pointing to white spot on the tooth enamel with a pen. Oral hygiene, dental health care. Dentistry, demineralization of teeth, enamel hypoplasia, pathology, fluorosis

White spots on teeth can appear as chalky patches disrupting your smile’s uniformity and causing self-consciousness when speaking or smiling. These discolorations result from various causes including enamel hypoplasia, fluorosis, or early cavity formation. Modern cosmetic dentistry offers multiple effective solutions to eliminate white spots and restore your teeth’s natural, even appearance.

South Hills Dental Arts specializes in advanced white spot removal treatments that blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color. Our experienced cosmetic dentists use the latest techniques and technology to address white spots while preserving healthy tooth structure. Serving Pittsburgh for 35 years with four convenient locations, we help patients achieve confident, uniform smiles.

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Understanding White Spots on Teeth

 

White spots develop when tooth enamel loses minerals or forms improperly during development. These areas appear lighter than surrounding enamel due to altered light reflection from the affected surface. Understanding the underlying cause helps determine the most effective treatment approach for lasting results.

Enamel hypoplasia occurs when teeth develop with thinner or malformed enamel, creating permanent white or yellow spots. This condition results from childhood illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, or trauma during tooth development. Once formed, these spots remain unless treated cosmetically.

Dental fluorosis causes white spots from excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development. While fluoride strengthens teeth, too much during enamel formation creates discoloration ranging from faint white streaks to more noticeable patches. The severity depends on fluoride levels and exposure duration.

Early tooth decay appears as white spots where acids have begun demineralizing enamel. These initial cavities can sometimes be reversed with proper treatment before progressing to actual holes. Poor oral hygiene around braces often causes white spots from plaque accumulation and acid production.

Professional White Spot Treatment Options

Microabrasion Treatment

Microabrasion gently removes superficial white spots using a mild acidic compound with fine abrasive particles. This minimally invasive technique eliminates surface discolorations while preserving maximum tooth structure. The procedure requires no anesthesia and provides immediate results for appropriate cases.

Our microabrasion technology precisely controls removal depth, ensuring conservative treatment. The process involves applying the abrasive compound and using specialized instruments to remove affected enamel carefully. Following treatment, we polish teeth to a smooth, lustrous finish.

Icon Resin Infiltration

This revolutionary treatment fills white spot lesions with tooth-colored resin, effectively camouflaging discolorations. The minimally invasive procedure requires no drilling or anesthesia while providing immediate aesthetic improvement. Icon treatment works particularly well for post-orthodontic white spots.

The process involves applying a special etching gel opening the lesion’s pores, followed by drying and resin application. The resin penetrates and fills the demineralized area, matching surrounding enamel appearance. Light curing hardens the resin, creating durable, natural-looking results.

Teeth Whitening

Professional whitening can sometimes minimize white spot appearance by lightening surrounding enamel to match the spots better. While not eliminating spots entirely, strategic whitening reduces contrast between areas. Teeth become stained due to pigments called chromogens attaching to enamel, and whitening removes these discolorations.

Our customized whitening approach considers white spot locations and severity. In-office treatments provide rapid results with careful application avoiding over-whitening spotted areas. Take-home trays offer gradual whitening with precise control over treatment intensity.

Composite Bonding

Direct composite bonding covers white spots with tooth-colored material matched precisely to your enamel shade. This versatile treatment addresses spots too deep for microabrasion while avoiding extensive tooth preparation. The composite bonds directly to your tooth, creating seamless coverage.

Our artistic approach to bonding ensures natural-looking results indistinguishable from surrounding teeth. Multiple shade layers create depth and translucency mimicking natural enamel. The procedure typically completes in one visit without anesthesia for most patients.

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Advanced Cosmetic Solutions

For extensive or resistant white spots, more comprehensive cosmetic treatments provide complete coverage and lasting results. These options address not only discoloration but also improve overall tooth appearance and strength.

Porcelain Veneers

Ultra-thin porcelain shells permanently bonded to tooth fronts completely mask white spots while enhancing your smile’s overall appearance. Veneers provide the most predictable, long-lasting solution for multiple or severe white spots. Our same-day porcelain veneers eliminate traditional waiting periods.

Digital Smile Design technology allows you to preview your new smile before beginning treatment. Custom-crafted veneers match your facial features and personality while covering imperfections completely. With proper care, veneers maintain their beautiful appearance for 10-15 years or longer.

Dental Crowns

Teeth with extensive white spots combined with structural damage may require crown coverage. Modern all-ceramic crowns provide complete coverage while looking completely natural. Our CEREC® technology creates custom crowns in a single visit.

Crowns not only eliminate white spots but also strengthen weakened teeth and improve their shape. The porcelain material resists staining while mimicking natural tooth translucency. This comprehensive solution addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns simultaneously.

Preventing Future White Spots

Preventing new white spots requires understanding their causes and taking appropriate preventive measures. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene prevents demineralization leading to white spot formation. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to remove plaque before acid production begins.

During orthodontic treatment, meticulous cleaning around brackets prevents decalcification spots. Use specialized orthodontic brushes and fluoride rinses for added protection. Regular professional cleanings during braces treatment remove stubborn plaque accumulations.

Fluoride protects teeth through remineralization, restoring enamel damaged by acid attacks. However, monitor young children’s fluoride exposure to prevent fluorosis. Use appropriate amounts of toothpaste and supervise brushing until children can reliably spit out excess.

Dietary modifications reduce acid exposure contributing to white spot formation. Limit sugary and acidic beverages, rinse with water after consuming them, and avoid prolonged sipping throughout the day. Choose tooth-healthy snacks like cheese, vegetables, and nuts over sticky, sugary options.

Your Personalized White Spot Solution

Determining the best white spot treatment requires professional evaluation considering spot depth, location, and your aesthetic goals. During consultation, we examine your teeth using magnification and special lighting revealing spot characteristics. Digital photography documents current appearance for treatment planning and comparison.

We discuss all appropriate treatment options, including expected results, procedure details, and investment required. Many patients benefit from combination approaches addressing different spot types optimally. Our conservative philosophy preserves maximum natural tooth structure while achieving desired aesthetics.

Your comfort remains paramount throughout treatment. Most white spot removal procedures require minimal to no anesthesia. We explain each step, ensuring you feel informed and relaxed. Our gentle approach and attention to detail ensure pleasant treatment experiences.

Achieve a Uniform Smile at South Hills Dental Arts

White spots don’t have to diminish your smile confidence when effective removal treatments are readily available. South Hills Dental Arts combines extensive cosmetic dentistry experience with advanced technology to eliminate white spots and create beautiful, uniform smiles. Our personalized approach ensures treatment perfectly suited to your specific needs and goals.

 

Visit any of our four convenient Pittsburgh locations in Upper St. Clair, Ingram/Crafton, Sewickley, and McMurray for your white spot evaluation. We work with your insurance for covered procedures and offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry for cosmetic treatments. Restore your smile’s uniform appearance today. Call (412) 924-7432 or complete our contact form to schedule your cosmetic consultation.

Happy woman satisfied with professional private clinic of dentistry. Charming and adorable woman looking at mirror with opened mouth, smiling. Client holding tooth shaped mirror.

Discover The Difference

Changing Smiles, Changing Lives

Veneers

Dr. Yousef started with bite therapy and then went into study models, provisional staging, and then finals. The results? A beautiful new smile with veneers for this awesome patient!

6418ad09cdaacc02f78a84e4 K. Barbati Before - South Hills Dental
6418ad0d7ff131fda044ddad K. Barbati After - South Hills Dental

Implants

To restore this patient’s smile back to its true form, Dr. Yousef placed several implants. Dr. Yousef then completed mounted models as well as provisional crowns and final crowns.

6418ad3eb18eb835c712e115 B Krasman Before - South Hills Dental
6418ad41a8afc772d4ccf5c1 B. Krasman After - South Hills Dental

Crowns and Bridges

Dr. Johnson placed 6 upper anterior crowns, completely restoring this patient’s severely decayed and broken smile.

6418aca1fbd178f974e8962f cummings before - South Hills Dental
6418aca30ff9b6888d2a968a cummings after - South Hills Dental

Snap-In Dentures

This patient came to Dr. Johnson with an upper partial and a variety of ill fitting and failing crowns. A set of snap-in dentures on the patient’s upper arch restored their health to its peak form.

6418acdba8afc716cccceb5f bateman before - South Hills Dental
6418acde58c63e41e8d21ba0 bateman after - South Hills Dental

Snap-In Dentures

Broken and missing teeth kept this patient from smiling with confidence. Dr. Johnson was able to renew the natural form and function of their smile with a set of snap-in denutres on their upper arch.

6418e6ed694ef4aede4b8670 smith before - South Hills Dental
6418ac6b58c63e0a13d20d71 smith after - South Hills Dental

Snap-In Dentures

Before coming to our office, this patient struggled with failing teeth, recession, and bone loss. With a set of upper and lower snap-in dentures, Dr. Johnson was able to completley restore their smile.Before coming to our office, this patient struggled with failing teeth, recession, and bone loss. With a set of upper and lower snap-in dentures, Dr. Johnson was able to completley restore their smile.

6418ac17936194dc4943f335 mcguire before - South Hills Dental
6418ac1493619424b043f328 mcguire after - South Hills Dental

Frequently Asked Questions

SureSmile aligners are a great option for teens and adults with minor tooth crookedness, moderate tooth misalignment, and mild bite issues. When patients commit to SureSmile, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and gapped teeth all can be corrected with ease.

Determining whether you are a good candidate for SureSmile clear aligners depends on several factors, including the severity of your dental issues, your age, and your overall oral health.

SureSmile is designed to treat mild misalignment issues for teens or adults with no oral health issues. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at South Hills Dental Arts. We’ll help you understand the full scope of your oral health state and find out if SureSmile is the best next step for your smile.

We recommend you wear the SureSmile aligners at least 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat and brush your teeth. When not in use, store them in the provided case to prevent loss or damage. Clean your aligners daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to remove any food particles or bacteria. With proper care, your SureSmile aligners can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile.

64137f669eb74c4e7b4e7e52 SHDA monogram Monogram white gold - South Hills Dental
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