Decalcification refers to a weakening of the tooth enamel.  Areas of decalcification usually appear very white, but can discolor quickly as the patient ages, turning yellow or even brown.  Areas of decalcification are also much more susceptable to decay.  Some patients are born with these lesions.  However, they can also result from poor oral hygiene and excess soda consumption.

In some cases these lesions can be removed with a polishing technique called enamoplasty.  Deeper lesions, like the ones pictured above, require composite restorations.  The teeth above were restored in just over an hour with local anesthetic.

Additional decalcification cases can be seen in our smile gallery.