For those who don’t know, tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. When the teeth are exposed to tetracycline during development as a child, we now know that tetracycline can bind to calcium and cause moderate to severe tooth discoloration in adulthood. The stains can be a variety of shades—gray, brown, or yellow—and unfortunately, this type of tooth discoloration is essentially permanent. Due to the nature of the stains, neither over-the-counter nor professional-grade teeth whitening systems provide complete and lasting treatment. So, what can be done to help achieve brighter, healthier-looking smiles?
When individuals with tetracycline stains come to Dr. Michael Kosdon with the desire for a whiter smile, he explains the limitations of bleaching and reveals how porcelain veneers can be a great way to create long-lasting, natural-looking improvements in tooth aesthetics. Porcelain veneers offer a conservative method for patients (with otherwise healthy teeth) to completely change the appearance of each tooth. For those with tetracycline stains, all teeth that are visible while smiling are usually treated with veneers to create a uniform appearance and consistent shade. This may be eight or ten teeth per arch, depending on the patient. In addition to concealing discoloration with thin shells of high-quality ceramic material, porcelain veneers can be designed to correct a variety of additional cosmetic concerns by lengthening, reshaping, and even straightening the appearance of each tooth to create an ideal smile.
Dr. Kosdon’s unique smile analysis and beauty evaluation process helps him to design porcelain veneers that meet his patients’ dental needs and cosmetic goals. Whether you have deep stains from tetracycline, worn teeth, gaps between teeth, and/or mild misalignment, Dr. Kosdon can develop a custom treatment plan that delivers optimal results.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers, we encourage you to contact our practice to schedule a personal consultation!