Minimally invasive aesthetic treatment of discoloured teeth
Researchers have described conservative treatment options for managing tooth discoloration, illustrated through documented patient cases.
Senior Scientist and Professor Aida Mulic and Senior Scientist Frode Staxrud. Photo: NIOM/Sturla Bakken
“Minimally invasive approaches make it possible to address aesthetic concerns while preserving healthy tooth structure, which is important for long-term oral health,” says Aida Mulic, Professor and Senior Researcher at NIOM.
In a new project Aida Mulic and Senior Researcher Frode Staxrud from NIOM have described how minimally invasive treatment strategies can be used in clinical practice to manage tooth discoloration while avoiding unnecessary loss of dental hard tissue. The study was carried out in collaboration with dentist and researcher Kjersti Refsholt Stenhagen.
What is this about?
Tooth discoloration is a common aesthetic concern and may be caused by developmental disturbances, trauma, medication, or lifestyle-related factors. In many cases, patients are treated with restorative solutions such as veneers or crowns. This article presents a minimally invasive approach to the aesthetic treatment of discoloured teeth, illustrated through clinical patient cases. The intention is to show how conservative methods can be used as an alternative to more invasive treatments.
The article continues below the photo.
Kjersti Refsholt Stenhagen. Photo: The Norwegian Directorate of Health
What did the researchers find out?
The researchers documented patient cases where treatment started with the least invasive options available. These included external and internal bleaching, enamel micro abrasion, and limited use of composite resin restorations. Careful assessment of the cause and extent of discoloration was essential for selecting the appropriate method. The cases demonstrated that good aesthetic outcomes could often be achieved without extensive tooth preparation.
Key results
The study shows that minimally invasive aesthetic treatment can be an effective and predictable option for managing discoloured teeth.
By choosing treatment methods based on diagnosis and severity, clinicians can often avoid irreversible procedures. This approach preserves tooth structure, reduces biological cost, and maintains future treatment options if further intervention becomes necessary.
“Conservative treatment strategies should always be considered first when managing aesthetic challenges related to tooth discoloration,” says Frode Staxrud, researcher at NIOM.
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