Conservative esthetic management with in-office bleaching of dental fluorosis

Abstract

Tooth discoloration varies in etiology, appearance, localization, severity, and adherence to the tooth structure. It can be intrinsic, extrinsic, or a combination of both. Extrinsic stains are typically caused by tobacco use or by drinking coffee and tea, wine, and pigmented residue from food. This can be removed by regular dental cleaning and brushing the teeth with whitening toothpaste. Intrinsic teeth stains occur most commonly due to exposure of high levels of fluoride, tetracycline antibiotic administration and pulpitis, inherited developmental disorders, and trauma. This can be treated with professional bleaching or at-home chemical teeth-whitening products, porcelain, and composite veneering. Among these procedures, bleaching procedures are more conservative, simple to perform, and less expensive. This case report suggests that in-office bleaching is an effective and conservative method for esthetic correction of tooth discoloration in severe and mild dental fluorosis.