Tetracycline, an antibiotic commonly prescribed in the past to fight infections, is a medication known to leave deep staining on the teeth — particularly in younger patients and children. Although this antibiotic is usually only recommended for adults and children over the age of 8, many individuals who were prescribed tetracycline as a child now contend with permanent discoloration as a result of previous medication use. Tetracycline stains can cause your teeth to look yellow, brown, purple, or even gray. Unfortunately, this type of deep staining typically resides in the inner portion of the tooth past the enamel, known as the dentin, and does not respond easily to teeth whitening and bleaching treatments (bleaching often takes up to a year of overnight treatment and intermittent in-chair treatment).
The good news is that tetracycline stains can still be addressed and easily concealed using non-surgical, in-office solutions. Using both composite and porcelain veneers, which refers to a prosthetic restorative shell bonded to the front of a tooth, your cosmetic dentist can mask any discoloration and restore a bright, uniform smile. Once bonded to the tooth during a quick in-office treatment, the respective veneer is shaded to match the color of the rest of your smile. This effectively hides any permanent staining, as well as masks a range of other minor cosmetic imperfections, including:
- Gaps and spacing issues
- Cracks and chips
- Asymmetry
- Short or worn teeth
Best of all, treatment with porcelain veneers does not require any recovery time and can be completed in no more than two office appointments, excluding planning and pre-prosthetic whitening appointments. Our team would be happy to speak with you about your concerns and the potential benefits of both composite and porcelain veneers.
Dr Clarence Tam and our entire team offer cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry solutions to help conceal discoloration and problematic stains interfering with your smile confidence. Don’t hesitate to contact Tam Dental Group today for a personalized treatment plan to achieve your goals.