The etch-bleach-seal technique for managing stained enamel defects in young permanent incisors

Hypomineralized enamel defects frequently are manifest as a mottled-white appearance and can be associated with variable degrees of discrete yellow-brown intrinsic staining. Numerous treatment approaches have been proposed, ranging from bleaching to enamel reduction to restorative techniques. Bleaching of hypomineralized enamel lesions, using 1 to 2 applications (10 to 15 minutes each) of 5% sodium hypochlorite, has been applied clinically. Treatment using this approach has proven successful in removing yellow-brown discolorations from lesions in young permanent teeth. Young permanent incisors with yellow-brown intrinsic discolorations can often be treated by a simple and conservative bleaching protocol using sodium hypochlorite.