Beautiful smile teeth whitening
Teeth whitening brightens natural tooth stains, while a lasting smile plan may also require cleaning, fillings, or restorations matched to your teeth.
The short answer
Whitening can lighten stains within natural enamel and dentine, but it does not change the color of fillings, crowns, veneers, or implants. Extrinsic stains sit on the tooth surface, while intrinsic discoloration is within enamel or dentine. A dental examination identifies cavities, cracks, gum disease, and restorations before cosmetic treatment.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Extrinsic stains sit on the tooth surface, while intrinsic discoloration is within enamel or dentine. A dental examination identifies cavities, cracks, gum disease, and restorations before cosmetic treatment.
What can you do next?
A dentist or hygienist can remove calculus and surface stain first, then select a peroxide-based tray or in-office method when appropriate. Follow the product schedule and report sensitivity rather than extending exposure yourself.
When should you seek dental care?
Delay whitening and seek assessment if teeth hurt, gums bleed, or there are untreated cavities, exposed roots, enamel defects, or dental restorations in the visible smile.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask which discoloration type you have, what will happen to existing restorations, and how sensitivity will be managed.
Frequently asked questions
Will whitening make every tooth the same color?
No. Natural teeth and restorations respond differently, so a dentist plans the shade around the whole smile.
Why can whitening cause sensitivity?
Peroxide can temporarily move through tooth structure and stimulate the pulp, especially when dentine is exposed.