Tetracycline-stained tooth structure is difficult to bleach using nightguard tray methods. The possible benefits of in-office light-accelerated bleaching systems based on the photo-Fenton reaction are of interest as possible adjunctive treatments. This study was a proof of concept for possible benefits of this approach, using dentine slabs from human tooth roots stained in a reproducible manner with the tetracycline antibiotic demeclocycline hydrochloride.

Color changes overtime in tetracycline stained roots from single rooted teeth treated using gel (Zoom! WhiteSpeed^®) alone, blue LED light alone, or gel plus light in combination were tracked using standardized digital photography. Controls received no treatment. Changes in color channel data were tracked overtime, for each treatment group (N = 20 per group).

Dentin was lighter after bleaching, with significant improvements in the dentin color for the blue channel (yellow shade) followed by the green channel and luminosity. The greatest changes occurred with gel activated by light (p < 0.0001), which was superior to effects seen with gel alone. Use of the light alone did not significantly alter shade.

This proof of concept study demonstrates that bleaching using the photo-Fenton chemistry is capable of lightening tetracycline-stained dentine. Further investigation of the use of this method for treating tetracycline-stained teeth in clinical settings appears warranted.

Because tetracycline staining may respond to bleaching treatments based on the photo-Fenton reaction, systems, such as Zoom! WhiteSpeed, may have benefits as adjuncts to home bleaching for patients with tetracycline-staining.

Bennett ZY, Walsh LJ. Effect of Photo- Fenton Bleaching on Tetracycline-stained Dentin in vitro. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(2):126-129.