Having white teeth

White teeth can result from removing surface stains or lightening natural tooth color, but whitening changes only natural enamel and dentin.

Extrinsic stains sit on enamel and may respond to professional cleaning or polishing. Intrinsic color lies within enamel or dentin and may respond to peroxide whitening, while fillings, crowns, bonding, and veneers retain their original shade.

Extrinsic stains sit on enamel and may respond to professional cleaning or polishing. Intrinsic color lies within enamel or dentin and may respond to peroxide whitening, while fillings, crowns, bonding, and veneers retain their original shade.

Start with an examination and cleaning, identify the type of discoloration, and choose dentist-supervised whitening, a custom tray, or another treatment when indicated. Reduce stain exposure and maintain daily brushing and interdental cleaning.

Start with an examination and cleaning, identify the type of discoloration, and choose dentist-supervised whitening, a custom tray, or another treatment when indicated. Reduce stain exposure and maintain daily brushing and interdental cleaning.

Ask for evaluation when one tooth darkens, discoloration follows trauma, enamel has white or brown patches, or whitening causes pain. A single dark tooth can signal a pulp problem rather than a cosmetic stain.

Ask for evaluation when one tooth darkens, discoloration follows trauma, enamel has white or brown patches, or whitening causes pain. A single dark tooth can signal a pulp problem rather than a cosmetic stain.

Ask whether the stain is external or internal, what shade change is realistic, which restorations will remain unchanged, and how sensitivity will be managed.

Ask whether the stain is external or internal, what shade change is realistic, which restorations will remain unchanged, and how sensitivity will be managed.

Ask how the findings change the treatment choices and what follow-up symptoms should prompt a return visit.