Darkly stained teeth have always been difficult to treat cosmetically. Tetracycline-stained dentition and the single, non vital tooth are among the most difficult teeth to treat esthetically with minimally invasive procedures such as composite resin veneers or porcelain laminates.
Over the years, ceramic technicians have used pink to warm up cold, unesthetic grayish discoloration. Cosmedent, Inc., has developed a new pink opaque that treats the darkly stained dentition reliably and with natural results. Using pink opaque before applying the composite restorative material neutralizes gray tetracycline stains and results in a warmer, more natural color. Using other opaques, such as white, A1, or A2, and then overlaying with the composite will usually result in a decrease in value. Even when the color is correct, the result will still have a gray cast.
Technique
When using pink opaque as part of the Renamel Restorative System (Cosmedent, Inc.), follow these steps.
 Figure 1-Prepared tooth
showing dark band of color. |
 Figure 2-Application of pink opaque with No. 1 Cosmedent brush. |
 Figure 3-Blending opaque to the tooth structure. |
Figure 4-Opaque after polymerization. |
Figure 5-Light application of more opaque to block and blend the dark areas that remained after polymerization. |
Figure 6-Continued application and blending. |
Figure 7-Application of pink opaque completed on the upper left central incisor. All Undesirable color has been neutralized with out overopaquing. |
Figure 8-The four completed incisor veneers immediately postoperatively |
Using pink opaque before applying the composite restorative material neutralizes gray tetracycline stains and results in a warmer more natural color. |
- Prepare, etch, wash, and apply the bonding adhesive.
- Apply a thin layer of Creative Color(Cosmedent, Inc.) clear liquid resin to the entire veneer surface, gently air-thin, and polymerize. The creation of a smooth surface makes it easier to apply the opaque.
- Apply pink opaque in a thin layer polymerize.
- If dark areas shine through, gently add opaque to these areas to block it out. Apply just enough to do the job, and avoid overopaquing.
- Apply a thin layer of Renamel MicroHybrid. The color should be pre selected to match the existing teeth or the new shade of the teeth.
- After the Renamel MicroHybrid is placed and polymerized, slight opaquing may be required. Use the color of opaque that corresponds to the Renamel MicroHybrid chosen.
- Overlay with Renamel body and incisal microfill. Finish and polish.
Case Application
The case shown in Figures 1 through 8 graphically illustrates the application of pink opaque before composite application. The neutralization of the dark stripes can be easily observed.
Other Applications
The same procedure can be used for pre opaquing after preparation and before placing porcelain veneers on tetracycline stained teeth, a gray non vital tooth, or teeth with metal posts and cores. Pink opaque is also effective in repairing the dark gingival discoloration often seen with porcelain and metal restorations.