Tetracycline effect on adult teeth
In adults, teeth stains are less prominent compared to stains in children. This is due to a lack of free calcium in the dental enamel. Mostly, the stains in adults are not caused by only tetracycline. Another form of antibiotic called minocycline causes stains when used continuously for a month. It should also be noted that stains formed in adulthood can be easily treated and whitened.
Whitening of stained teeth
Discoloration of teeth can occur in different forms or stages, and this also determines the type of treatment required to whiten the teeth. There are several ways to correct stained teeth. These treatments include:
- Bleaching: this is mostly used when the discoloration is not severe. It helps to improve the appearance of the teeth. This is considered the most affordable, effective, and safest form of treatment for teeth whitening. The overnight tray bleaching is achieved from the usage of a carbamide peroxide bleaching agent. Bleaching helps to remove the inherent color of the teeth. The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the condition of the teeth. For tetracycline stained teeth, it may take up to 2-12 months or longer to bleach. Before undergoing this process, a visit to a dentist is necessary, in order to know if the patient is sensitive or not.
- Dental veneers: these are thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. They are made from porcelain or composite resin. There are different types of veneers, they are:
- Porcelain veneers
- No prep veneers: lumineers and veneers
- Composite resin veneers