Whiter smile

A whiter smile usually combines stain control, professional cleaning, and bleaching selected to the colour of your natural teeth.

Tooth colour comes from enamel translucency and dentine beneath it, while coffee, tea, tobacco, plaque, and calculus add surface stain. Whitening changes natural tooth colour but not most restorations. A dentist first checks for decay, erosion, cracks, gum recession, and mismatched fillings. Cleaning removes calculus and external stain; peroxide whitening acts within tooth structure.

A dentist first checks for decay, erosion, cracks, gum recession, and mismatched fillings. Cleaning removes calculus and external stain; peroxide whitening acts within tooth structure. Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, limit repeated staining drinks, and follow any tray or in-office instructions. Do not use abrasive powders or household chemicals on enamel.

Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, limit repeated staining drinks, and follow any tray or in-office instructions. Do not use abrasive powders or household chemicals on enamel. Arrange care for a dark single tooth, toothache, bleeding gums, or a colour change that does not match ordinary staining. These signs need diagnosis before cosmetic treatment.

Arrange care for a dark single tooth, toothache, bleeding gums, or a colour change that does not match ordinary staining. These signs need diagnosis before cosmetic treatment. Ask what finding would change the treatment plan.