How to Treat Tetracycline-stained Teeth

　　Tetracycline-stained teeth are usually caused by the ingestion of tetracycline antibiotics during childhood. Treatment options include daily care, bleaching therapy, porcelain veneer restoration, porcelain-fused-to-metal crown restoration, and root canal treatment, with effectiveness varying among individuals. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Daily Care: Maintaining good oral hygiene and developing the habit of brushing teeth in the morning and evening are beneficial for recovery from tetracycline staining. Additionally, avoid pigmented beverages such as strong tea and coffee to prevent further tooth discoloration.

　　2. Bleaching Therapy: Applying bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide after surface cleaning, using oxidation-reduction reactions to remove surface stains and restore natural tooth color. This method is suitable for mild to moderate tetracycline staining, causes minimal damage to teeth, but effectiveness may vary and discoloration could recur over time.

　　3. Porcelain Veneer Restoration: For mild to moderate tetracycline-stained teeth, restoration can be achieved by appropriately increasing the thickness of the porcelain or bonding layer and using different colored bonding agents. This method yields satisfactory results. However, for severe tetracycline staining or discolored non-vital teeth, porcelain veneers may be less effective due to their thinness and limited opacity.

　　4. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crown Restoration: When other restorative methods are unsuitable for tetracycline-stained teeth, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be used. This method combines the strength of cast metal crowns with the aesthetic benefits of porcelain crowns. However, it is not recommended for young permanent teeth that have not fully developed or for patients with bruxism.

　　5. Root Canal Treatment: For severe tetracycline staining with enamel hypoplasia requiring full crown or post-core crown restoration, root canal treatment is indicated. The root canal is prepared using mechanical and chemical methods, and the space is tightly sealed to prevent infection and promote healing of apical periodontitis, ultimately preserving the affected tooth and maintaining the integrity of the dental arch and function of the masticatory system.

　　The choice of treatment for tetracycline-stained teeth should be based on the severity of discoloration, individual patient needs, and professional dental advice. During treatment, patients should maintain good oral hygiene habits and attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure long-lasting therapeutic outcomes.