Brighter teeth
Professional cleaning removes surface deposits, while whitening changes the colour of natural tooth structure with a peroxide product.
What is the direct answer?
Professional cleaning removes surface deposits, while whitening changes the colour of natural tooth structure with a peroxide product.
What does this question mean?
Brighter teeth can come from removing plaque and stain, bleaching natural enamel and dentine, or restoring a tooth whose colour comes from disease.
What can you do next?
Begin with an examination for cavities, cracks, gum inflammation, exposed roots, and restorations before choosing a whitening method.
When should you seek dental care?
See a dentist promptly for pain, a dark single tooth, gum burns, ulcers, swelling, or sensitivity that persists after whitening.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask which discoloration is surface stain, intrinsic tooth colour, decay, trauma, or an existing filling, and which option addresses that cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can whitening fix a dark filling?
No. A filling usually keeps its existing colour, so it may need replacement after the natural teeth are matched.
Why is one tooth darker?
Decay, a crack, previous trauma, pulp changes, or a restoration can darken one tooth and needs diagnosis.