[Micro-abrasion of the enamel: an alternative to the removal of demineralization and superficial decalcification].
Tooth discoloration's may cause serious damage to the aesthetic appearance of the patients. These discoloration's can be treated in several ways but up to lately tooth structure had to be removed in an irreversible manner in order to provide sufficient bulk for the new restorative material. Nowadays thanks to the work of T. Croll and others a method has been established in a scientific way whereby tooth discoloration's confined to the outermost layer of enamel can be removed, through the application of an compound called PREMA which will simultaneous erode and abrade the enamel surface. If carefully selected the discoloration can be removed with only a limited loss of tooth structure. The authors describe the historical background of the method. Furthermore patient's selection, specific instruments and materials are described in detail. The clinical procedure is explained step by step, followed by a complete report of the effects of the procedure on the different tooth structures. Finally the long term results are discussed and the possibility to enhance the result by combining this method with home bleaching.