What is the typical treatment duration for tetracycline stained teeth to achieve desired results?

Tetracycline-stained teeth are notoriously difficult to treat due to the intrinsic discoloration caused by the antibiotic. When using bleaching procedures to address these stains, a longer treatment duration is often required to achieve satisfactory results. The prolonged exposure to bleaching agents, typically over a period of 2 to 12 months, allows for gradual lightening of the stains while minimizing the risk of adverse effects on the tooth surfaces and pulp.

With tetracycline stains, it is essential to be patient, as the process takes time to break down the pigment and effectively lighten the discoloration. Shorter durations of treatment, such as those in the ranges of 1 to 6 weeks, may not allow enough time for the bleaching agents to penetrate deep enough into the tooth structure to have a significant impact on the intrinsic stains. Thus, a timeframe of 2 to 12 months is generally recommended to achieve the desired aesthetic outcomes while ensuring the safety and health of the teeth.