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What is my Best Bet to Treat my Tetracycline Stained Teeth?

asked 10 months ago by BrennaM10 in Safety Harbor, FL
Latest answer by Lawrence Singer, DMD
Question viewed 605 times
Tags: stained, tetracycline

I have heard so many mixed reviews about veneers and lumineers that I'm not just confused. Could bonding even work? I'm afraid of lasting pain or sensitivity after a procedure and would just like a natural, lasting, painless smile. What would be the best option for me?

12 answers to What is my Best Bet to Treat my Tetracycline Stained Teeth?

Esthetic treatment for tetracycline teeth

Tetracycline teeth can be quite a disturbing factor due to the nature of internal stain. There are the ways to improve the aesthetic look of the smile with minimal discomfort. Porcelain veneers can cover the darkened areas of enamel. Usually lumineers are not the great option because they are very thin and dark enamel can show through. Local anesthesia, mild pain control medications can decrease any sensitivity and give the long-lasting smile. Bonding of large anterior areas on central teeth... more

Olga Kharevich, DMD, PhD
Miami Cosmetic Dentist

Tetracycline stained teeth - what are your options

In my opinion I would veneer your teeth, I have whitened many tetracylcine teeth with a procedure called KoR Whitening with terrific results but I think in your case placing veneers would be the better option. I feel that a veneer is the least invasive procedure. By reducing the surface of the tooth appropriately, the porcelain can be made thick enough to mask the discoloration and retain the natural shape and appearance of the tooth. I do not think Lumineers are a good... more

Leonard Tau, DMD
Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist

What to do for tetracycline-stained teeth

Porcelain veneers offer the best esthetics while providing the most conservative option to mask those tetracycline-stained teeth. Cosmetic bonding may not block out the underlying color, may not be as stain-resistant, and may not last as long as porcelain restorations. On the other extreme, porcelain crowns are not as conservative as veneers but do offer comparable esthetics since they are also made of porcelain. When done properly, porcelain veneers can last a... more

Lorin F. Berland, DDS
Dallas Cosmetic Dentist

Hiding Tetracycline Stains

Unlike foods and smoking which stain the surface of the teeth, tetracycline is absorbed into the tooth structure as it is forming anf growing. It is an internal discoloration. Tooth whitening will not succeed in masking this type of discoloration. Plastic composite bonding can be used to hide the stains, but over time the composites will stain, margins break down and the restoration loose it's aesthetics. I feel that a veneer is the least invasive procedure. ... more

Marc Zive, DMD
Springfield Cosmetic Dentist

Thin porcelain veneers are your best choice

I do understand your concerns and it's natural to be kind of confused with the differing opinions that you will hear. I hope I can help you understand the differences and help give you the best advice for the goals you listed - natural, lasting & painless. Porcelain veneers is your best option. Saying that, not all porcelain veneers are the same. If you chief concern is tetracycline stains and your teeth arrangement (orthodontic relationship) is... more

Greg Lutke, DDS
Plano Cosmetic Dentist

www.lutkedental.com

Veneers for Tetracycline Stained Teeth

I'd like to help you clear up your confusion: Go with Veneers. Your tetracycline staining will not be helped with teeth whitening. Bonding over tetracycline staining can be really hit and miss and often requires the removal of more tooth structure than veneers would to attain proper tooth contours and mask the staining. Unfortunately Lumineers are often used as the poor man's veneers. You won't find many top cosmetic dentists that use them. You... more

Stephen Sulzbach, DMD
Norristown Cosmetic Dentist

Options for tetracycline-stained teeth

As you know, the tetracycline-staining is intrinsic--meaning, it is a part of your tooth. The best option for you would be porcelain restorations, whether they are veneers, 3/4 crowns, or full crowns. Composite resin bonding to correct the tetracycline staining is usually not very pleasing esthetically. The porcelain restorations should not result in pain or sensitivity, although this is a risk with any restorative procedure. The porcelain restorations will however... more

Chad Colson, DMD
Myrtle Beach Cosmetic Dentist

Veneers are your better option

In your case, I would go with veneers, as they are the least invasive treatment. They can be made so that the tetracycline staining will not show. Lumineers, on the other hand are not a good choice, as they are too thin and the staining will show through.

Lawrence Singer, DMD
Washington Cosmetic Dentist

Keep it Conservative

Many patients in your shoes are confused as to how to best handle those ugly tetracycline stains. In years past, those patients that were not committed to veneers or crowns did nothing and just lived with it. If your teeth are not pitted or mottled, and you are happy with the shape, there is a good conservative alternative treatment. It is called KOR deep bleaching and yes it does work and with very little sensitivity. The drawback to this is that it will require 4-6... more

Gary Nack, DDS
Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist

Porcelain Veneers for Tetracycline Teeth

Teeth whitening would not work for you if your teeth are tetracycline stained. Teeth bleaching systems only remove what are called extrinsic stains (coffee, tea , red wine, etc.). Tetracycline cases are treated with porcelain veneers giving excellent results. Most cases can be done in two visits and your new smile will look stunning. Veneers can be made to give you the natural look that you are searching for. Good luck.

Scott Young, DDS
Houston Cosmetic Dentist

Tetracycline Stained Teeth are Hard to Treat

Tetracycline teeth are challenging to treat. You can always start conservatively and alter treatment as you go. 1-Try KOR WHITENING first. Look it up on the Internet and check out the web site. I would start there. Tetracycline teeth are very grey- the KOR WHITENING will take out the yellow-You may still have a whiter grey but then you can evaluate if you want whiter teeth. It WORKS. 2- Porcelain veneers are the next step but to mask... more

Wendy S. Spektor, DDS
Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist

Veneers are you only real option!

I treat a lot of patients with tetracycline stains and porcelain veneers are the only way to go. Bonding is an outdated option and Lumineers are garbage. Check out these before and after shots of tetracycline stains and the porcelain veneers. see photos

Joseph W. Worthington, DDS
Fairfield Cosmetic Dentist

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