Application of a tooth-surface coating material to teeth with discolored crowns

Crown discoloration of permanent teeth is caused by trauma, periapical lesions of the deciduous teeth, pharmaceuticals, and systemic diseases. Crown discoloration has been treated with bleaching or crown restoration. However, these methods are not appropriate during the growth and development period of children. In this study, we used BeautiCoat (Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan), a tooth-surface coating material that contains high levels of controlled-release fluoride, that temporarily improves crown color. We evaluated the effect of the primer on tooth-surface characteristics in addition to the coating agent's shear bond strength, tooth-surface condition, and duration of attachment. Additionally, we surveyed patients' satisfaction with the color improvement. The results showed no adverse effects of the primer on the enamel surface. The coating material itself showed a high degree of shear bond strength. Based on observations of shedding and fracturing in clinical applications, we found that the coating material maintained long-term attachment if applied under conditions of strict moisture prevention and it avoided areas of occlusion. Treated children and their parents were highly satisfied with the color improvement. These results suggest that this coating material is appropriate for improving the color of discolored teeth during childhood.