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Cosmetic Dentistry for San AntonioDr. Craig Carlson & Dr. Yana Monarres 400 North Loop 1604 East 210-499-4949
We Create Dream Smiles That Change Lives!
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Tetracycline Discolored TeethTetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is effective against many bacterial infections. It was discovered after World War II and become commonly used in the 1950s. When given to young children or even expectant mothers it caused the teeth to develop with a brown or gray, uneven color. Doctors prescribing tetracycline were not aware of this side effect for many years so numerous children were affected. The color is not just in the superficial enamel, but continues into the underlying tooth making bleaching difficult if not impossible for these teeth. Those children have grown up now, but the damage caused by tetracycline can be seen in the photos below.
Successful treatment of tetracycline stained teeth usually involves porcelain veneers since the discoloration is so deep and resistant to bleaching. Most of the people shown had tried bleaching and it did not work due to the deep discoloration.
The South Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry |
