Can teeth whitening from your Dolton dental office remove tetracycline stains?

Teeth whitening, also called bleaching, is a popular procedure for quick and economical smile enhancement. Today, virtually every dentist offers some system of bleaching. At Pleasant Dental^® in Dolton, IL, we offer several options, because each has distinct advantages. We even have solutions for permanent tetracycline stains.

Types of tooth discoloration

Most discoloration on teeth comes from what you consume, such as wine, coffee, tea, or dark fruits. Anything that can stain white clothing can also gradually darken your teeth. Over time, staining agents penetrate the enamel so that cleaning will not remove them. Bleaching gels also penetrate the enamel, effectively combating this type of discoloration.

Intrinsic discoloration is more challenging for typical whiteners. These stains develop with the tooth, so they are embedded more deeply, and often considered permanent. The most common type of intrinsic discoloration is tetracycline, a popular oral antibiotic. Until 1980, it was frequently used to treat young children. That is no longer common practice, due to discoloration. Unfortunately, most children who were given tetracycline were left with permanent brown or gray stains.

Solutions for tetracycline stains

When teeth whitening first gained popularity, tetracycline stains were considered untreatable. This left patients with the choice of living with stains, or getting veneers to cover them. Dental veneers are a fantastic solution for patients who want cover esthetic flaws or change the size and shape of their teeth. However, if you love everything about your smile except for the color, you may prefer a more conservative, simple solution.

The KöR Deep Bleaching system, by Evolve Dental Technologies Inc., is a multi-step process, designed to eliminate even the toughest stains. It begins with an in-office bleaching procedure, followed by at-home treatments for the next two weeks. What makes Deep Bleaching so effective is its ability to increase the permeability of enamel to bleaching agents. It can remove larger stain particles, even those that are deeply embedded. Unlike other whitening systems, it is also designed to be permanent, with periodic prescribed maintenance treatments.

If you have been told that teeth whitening will not help your tetracycline stained teeth, call Pleasant Dental^® at (708) 576-1900. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dietrich to find out if Deep Bleaching is right for you.

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