Tetracycline Stained

Procedures >> Bleaching >> Tetracycline Stained
 
Tetracycline Staining is one of the most difficult discolorizations to treat.   Long term bleaching (4-6 months), can be effective for light and moderate staining.   For severe staining either cosmetic bonding or porcelain laminates are the best treatment.  Newer "luminary porcelains" can be used to create vital looking teeth without the more common opaque look. 

Traditionally, the only way of blocking out the underlying color was to place an opaquer first to hide the tetracycline color, then build more translucent layers over the opaquer.  This could be done with bonding, laminates or crowns.  With bonding or porcelain laminates usually the opaque layer would show through, creating an artificial appearance.  Crowns are successful, but require a large amount of tooth removal.   Luminary porcelain has the effect of reflecting light when excited with the appropriate wavelength light.  It actually looks like a flashlight is inside the tooth.  It is not opaque.  If used correctly, a natural, vital, non-opaque look can be achieved with a relatively thin porcelain laminate.

This patient had moderate tetracycline staining of his teeth.  He previously had porcelain laminates placed on his upper (maxillary) eight teeth.  These laminates still appeared quite gray and "stubby".  They create a look of old, worn teeth.  In the post-op photos you will notice not only whiter teeth, but also a younger appearance due to an increase in the length of his teeth.. .  The new maxillary laminates create a more natural and esthetic form.   Bleaching was not an option for him.  he wanted his teeth to be "Hollywood White"  While he is pleased with the result, to me they look too white.  This case was done with an opaque layer of opal porcelain, not with luminary porcelain.