What is the direct answer?
Professional whitening lightens stains on enamel after a dental examination checks whether treatment suits your teeth.
Whitening can brighten natural enamel, but it does not change the colour of fillings, crowns, veneers, or other restorations. A dentist first checks for decay, gum inflammation, exposed dentine, and existing dental work before choosing an in-clinic or take-home method.
What does this question mean?
Start with an examination and shade assessment, followed by cleaning if plaque or calculus is present. Treatment may use a peroxide gel under controlled conditions or custom trays with measured gel, with instructions to stop if marked sensitivity or gum irritation develops.
What can you do next?
Seek care before whitening if you have tooth pain, untreated decay, gum bleeding, ulcers, cracks, or strong sensitivity. Arrange a review if pain, persistent sensitivity, or a chemical-looking gum burn remains after treatment.
When should you seek dental care?
Ask which stains are causing the colour change, whether your restorations will match afterward, and which peroxide method and exposure time are proposed. Also ask how sensitivity will be managed and when the final shade should be assessed.
What should you ask the dentist?
Natural teeth respond to peroxide whitening; porcelain and composite restorations do not whiten.
Frequently asked questions
No. Peroxide is most useful for many surface and internal tooth stains, but some medication-related, developmental, or restoration-related colour changes need another approach.
Why do my teeth feel sensitive after whitening?

