Permanent teeth whitening at home

Home whitening can lighten natural teeth temporarily, but no home method permanently prevents new staining or changes the colour of restorations.

Peroxide whitening removes or lightens colour molecules within natural enamel and dentin. Coffee, tea, tobacco, food pigments, ageing, and natural dentin shade can change appearance again, while fillings, crowns, and veneers do not bleach.

Start with a dental examination and use a dentist-prescribed tray or directed product. Reduce staining substances after treatment, maintain brushing and interdental cleaning, and ask when maintenance is appropriate.

See a dentist before whitening if you have cavities, cracked teeth, gum recession, exposed roots, unexplained darkening, or significant sensitivity. A single dark tooth may need pulp or trauma assessment.

Can whitening last forever? No; natural teeth can stain again and restorations retain their existing shade. Why did whitening affect teeth differently? Tooth structure, old fillings, intrinsic discoloration, and uneven contact can produce different responses.