How to Remove Tetracycline Stains

Tetracycline stains are blue-gray stains on teeth caused by taking the antibiotic tetracycline in the tooth-forming years. Tetracycline stains are permanent and sometimes discolor the entire tooth. The intensity of the stain depends upon the length of time the tetracycline was used and the stage of the tooth's growth at the time. Tetracycline stains can be treated, but the results take time. They require prolonged treatment and patience. There are treatment methods from which to choose. Consult with a cosmetic dentist to find the right method for your teeth. Tetracycline stains cannot be removed without a dentist.

Things You'll Need

• Tooth whitening toothpaste
• Cosmetic dentist

Show More

Instructions

Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

• 1

  Hiring a cosmetic dentist is the first step to getting whiter teeth.

  Consult a cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist is a general dentist who has a special focus on aesthetic situations. The focus is primarily on whitening, restorations, veneers and methods that duplicate natural-looking teeth.

• 2

  Ask about the dentist's credientials.

  Look for a dentist who "has received accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)," suggests the online Doc Shop.

• 3

  Finding the right cosmetic dentist is important to your tetracycline stain treatment.

  Ask to see before and after photos of the cosmetic dentist's previous patients who have been treated for tetracycline stains. This will help you get an idea of the results others have received and their treatment method.

Laser Teeth Whitening Treatment

• 4

  Find a cosmetic dentist that has had laser teeth whitening training.

  Consider newer approaches to whitening teeth, such as laser teeth whitening, as an option to discuss with your cosmetic dentist. This option will allow for the color change of the teeth without the need of any restorations.

• 5

  With laser teeth whitening, stains are treated faster.

  Consult with your cosmetic dentist about this technique. It is less costly than the crown technique, but is more efficient than whitening trays or strips for tetracycline stains. This method is achieved in the office and is done by the dental staff for you.

• 6

  Attend several appointments to achieve the results needed for the tetracycline stains.

Crowns as a Treatment

• 7

  If you have severe tetracycline staining, discuss the option of crowns with your dentist.

  Consider crowns as a treatment if you have severe staining that could be persistent enough to not react to laser teeth whitening. Today's crowns can block out the stain. There are porcelain restoration options available. Discuss this with your cosmetic dentist.

• 8

  Seek information about financing options for cosmetic dentistry if you feel financing assistance may be needed to assist you with your tetracycline stain treatment. Consult with the cosmetic dentist about financing options or privately funded dental insurances that are available. Finding a cosmetic dentist in your area will also help keep the travel expenses low.

• 9

  Choose a crown if your cosmetic dentist has tried other options to no avail or the stains have progressed to the point of needing a crown. The crown will be created from a mold of the original tooth and then applied.