When should vital bleaching be performed in relation to veneer preparation for tetracycline stained teeth?

Vital bleaching should be performed before veneer preparations are made for tetracycline-stained teeth primarily because the bleaching process can lead to a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing result once the veneers are placed. Tetracycline stains are particularly challenging to manage since they often present as deeper, more intrinsic discolorations that are difficult to conceal with veneers alone.

By performing bleaching prior to preparing the teeth for veneers, the goal is to lighten the teeth as much as possible, thereby reducing the contrast between the stained teeth and the surrounding natural dentition once veneers are applied. This approach allows for better color matching and can enhance the overall appearance of the restorative work. Furthermore, it ensures that the final shade of the veneers can be selected based on the lighter, bleached color of the natural teeth, leading to a more harmonious and aesthetic result.

Bleaching after veneer preparation could not only interfere with the bonding process and the material properties of the veneers but could also lead to undesirable results if the teeth do not achieve the expected shade or if the veneers cover up any additional staining that might develop. Thus, timing the bleaching correctly before any irreversible preparations supports an optimal outcome for both the patient and practitioner.