What does “Tetracycline-related tooth discolouration” mean?
Tetracycline discoloration refers to internal discoloration that occurs due to exposure to tetracycline drugs during the period of tooth formation. We determine the cause by checking your medical history and dental condition.
Differences from surface coloring
There may be color changes inside the teeth that cannot be fully removed by simply brushing the surface. The pattern and distribution of color varies, and the color in the photo alone does not confirm discoloration caused by drugs.
The timing of taking, type of drug, and stage of tooth development are important. Not all antibiotics have the same effect, so do not stop taking your current prescription medications because of tooth discoloration.
Can it be improved with whitening?
You may consider whitening, but the degree of response and length of time required may vary. Dark internal discoloration requires a different treatment plan than general discoloration, so we do not promise the same results after just a few treatments.
If whitening alone isn't enough for your goals or you also need shape enhancement, you can compare restorative methods. At this time, the thickness covering the color and the extent of natural tooth reduction are taken into consideration.
Order of treatment selection
First assess the cause and oral health, then discuss the desired color change, tissue that can be preserved, and treatment limitations. Masking discoloration and brightening the natural tooth color are different approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tetracycline discoloration the same as surface staining?
It is described as internal discoloration associated with drug exposure during the period of tooth formation. The cause and treatment response may be different from surface staining from food, etc.
Is whitening impossible for tetracycline discoloration?
The whitening response varies depending on the degree and color pattern, and sufficient improvement may be difficult. Check the possibilities and limitations of whitening and compare them with other methods.
Is it necessary to have a thick restoration to hide the color?
The background tooth color, target color, and material’s shielding power and translucency are also considered. It is a good idea to have the relationship between color masking goals and the extent of tooth preservation explained to you.
3 things to check before consultation with tetracycline discoloration
Please review the questions to ask before deciding on treatment and the treatment standards of TU Dental Clinic.
- A choice suited to your condition
Does the clinic distinguish between surface staining and internal discoloration and evaluate color patterns?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic compares treatment methods by distinguishing between cases where you only want to change the color of the tooth and cases where the shape and damage must also be examined.
Standards for comparing teeth whitening and veneers - Preservation of natural teeth
Does the clinic compare the potential for change and tooth preservation between whitening and restorative treatments?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic explains the application method and scope of change for whitening and restorative treatments. Together we compare the treatment range required for the desired color change.
Standards for comparing teeth whitening and veneers - Sufficient understanding
Does the clinic explain the balance between covering up the background color and natural translucency?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic explains the difference between whitening, which brightens color, and restorative treatment, which complements shape and color. Compare first whether the method suits the desired change rather than the product name.
Standards for comparing teeth whitening and veneers
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- ADA · Whiteningada.org (opens in a new tab)
- ADA · Teeth whiteningmouthhealthy.org (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Dental Association · Teeth stainingteeth.org.au (opens in a new tab)
- Cleveland Clinic · Tooth discolorationmy.clevelandclinic.org (opens in a new tab)
- Canadian Dental Association · Teeth bleachingcda-adc.ca (opens in a new tab)
