Enamel Microabrasion: What It Is & How It Works (2024 Update)

BY Dr. McDowell  |  February 2nd, 2021
Dr. McDowell
Dr. McDowell has always been focused on using the latest technology to improve the patient experience. From radiation-free imaging to laser dentistry, he has always been ahead of the curve and is dedicated to improving the practice of dentistry one ..

Enamel Microabrasion is one of those big professional medical terms that just doesn’t sound all that appealing. Especially if you’re not familiar with a lot of the different professional dental restoration services, then it’s probably even scarier.

But, despite what you might think, enamel microabrasion is actually a really healthy and helpful tool for whitening teeth and improving smiles. Today we’re going to break down enamel microabrasion so that you can understand what it is, how it works, and whether or not you should consider using it for yourself.

enamel microabrasion Deep cleaning teeth with two dentists and a patient in the chair.

What is Enamel Microabrasion

There are lots of different ways that you can choose to get your teeth whitened. From Invisalign to special kinds of toothpaste, the teeth whitening market has continued to grow for several years. Nonetheless, a lot of the different teeth whitening options are expensive and sometimes completely ineffective. That’s where enamel microabrasion comes in. The technical definition of enamel microabrasion is as follows:

“cosmetic dentistry used to improve the appearance of the teeth. Like tooth whitening, it is used to remove discolorations of the tooth surface, but microabrasion is a mechanical, rather than chemical, procedure.”

So, microabrasion is simply a cosmetic dentistry procedure that helps to whiten your teeth. Whether your teeth have yellowed due to poor dental routines or drinking too much coffee, this microabrasion technique might be what’s right for you.

How it Works

The process of microabrasion is fairly simple and isn’t quite as invasive as it sounds. The simple operation is a four-step process. First, the teeth need to be isolated from the rest of the mouth to not catch the gums or damage any other parts of your soft tissue. Next, the microabrasion tool removals discolored enamel while being carefully guided by the dental professional. After the discoloration is removed, the teeth are polished with an acid abrasion slurry. Finally, the teeth are cleaned and rinsed.

Your smile will be noticeably whiter, and you’ll be able to keep it that way by taking care of your teeth in the future. After all, the best way to ensure that your teeth stay white is by using proper dental hygiene and being careful about what you eat.

Not everyone can handle watching a video of someone working on teeth, but if you’re interested in a video of what microabrasion is and how it works, here’s a great resource:

Is It Good For Your Teeth?

In short, yes. Enamel microabrasion is good for your teeth in that it doesn’t use the harsh chemicals that a lot of the other whitening solutions often use. With a microabrasion technique, you’ll receive a brighter smile that lasts over a significant amount of time. Microabrasion does, however, cause some harm to your teeth. While it’s one of the least invasive procedures that you can have done to your teeth, it still is a procedure. Ideally, you won’t need to undergo an enamel microabrasion treatment because you’ve been successful and consistent in your attempt to protect your teeth from plaque and other buildups. Studies have shown that enamel microabrasion doesn’t hurt your teeth in any way.

Downsides of Enamel Microabrasion

Result of enamel microabrasion teeth whitening. Smiling young woman, closeup

One of the biggest downsides to enamel microabrasion is that it doesn’t always perfectly whiten your teeth. In some cases, the yellowing on teeth goes significantly deeper than just the surface area where enamel microabrasion reaches. In those cases, you may need something more intrusive to whiten your teeth further and get rid of enamel stains. If your teeth are more discolored, then it’s often recommended that you don’t choose microabrasion. On the other hand, if your enamel is only slightly discolored and you only need a minor whitening procedure, then you’ll likely find a lot of luck in using microabrasion on your teeth.

couple walking into wayzata dental office; enamel microabrasion

Contact Wayzata Dental To Schedule An Appointment

If you’re looking to learn more about microabrasion, we offer it at Wayzata Dental. We would be happy to talk with you about the benefits of using enamel microabrasion for the betterment of your smile. You can also visit our enamel microabrasion page to learn more about how we use it for our customers.

At Wayzata Dental, we believe that it’s essential that you’re confident in your smile. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident every time you smile. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not you’re teeth will look white. Contact us today to learn more about how you can improve your smile and become more confident in yourself today!

Dr. McDowell
Dr. McDowell has always been focused on using the latest technology to improve the patient experience. From radiation-free imaging to laser dentistry, he has always been ahead of the curve and is dedicated to improving the practice of dentistry one ..