The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog
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The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog

You only have one set of adult teeth, and they need to last until you are 80, 90, or beyond. The actions you take towards your teeth today will either benefit you or harm you in the future. Of course, good dental care starts with seeing a dentist regularly. You should go in for cleanings and checkups, and any other time you think something might be amiss with your teeth. Education is important when it comes to any aspect of your health, so start reading the articles on this website to educate yourself about dentists and dental care. We promise that when you're 80 and you still have your teeth, you won't regret the time spent.

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The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog

3 Ways To Get Rid Of Tetracycline Stains

Sofia Curtis

If you have ever taken a tetracycline antibiotic, you may have stained teeth. The severity of the stains varies from person to person. Stained teeth caused by exposure to this antibiotic may appear gray, black, brown, or a bluish purple. Unfortunately, traditional teeth whitening options are not effective in completely eliminating tetracycline staining. Many of them will not render any noticeable reports. The following points will help you to understand some options a dentist might recommend to correct permanent stains on teeth.

Veneers

Veneers are made of porcelain, and they can help to correct a variety of issues. They are favorable for correcting stains because the veneers cover the entire surface of teeth. Veneers are an ideal solution when individuals have several teeth that are stained. The veneers create a seamless match because all of the veneers will get constructed to match.

This procedure is also ideal when other teeth issues such as chipped teeth or gaps between teeth exist. Some individuals may opt to choose veneers if they have minorly misaligned teeth that are stained. This provides a one-fix solution for whiter teeth and eliminates the need for orthodontic intervention. 

Dental Bonding

This option makes sense for individuals who have one or a few teeth that have tetracycline staining. Dentists can take an individual approach using composite resin. Patients will have a tooth hue that matches their natural teeth that are not permanently discolored.

The bonding material that is adhered to the surfaces of teeth is thin and serves as a cover-up for the stains and has an opaque color. It may be the ideal solution for individuals who prefer not to have the "Hollywood" extra bright and white teeth appearance. 

Crowns

Dentists may not elect to use this option for tetracycline staining. This is because some stained teeth have good structural integrity. Adhering crowns usually involves removing a portion of the enamel to ensure that the crowns stay attached. Crowns are ideal if there are other issues with stained teeth such as tooth decay.

Teeth stains can be a source of embarrassment for individuals who have them. This can lead to emotional and social problems. It can also cause negative perceptions to be formed by individuals who are not familiar with the condition. This is why a dentist is a good resource to use to determine the best option for correcting teeth stains. Some of these corrective dentistry procedures are non-invasive and can be completed without the necessity of many office visits.

If you have further questions, reach out to a local dentist.


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