Stained Teeth
Not all staining is the same. Surface stain from tea, coffee and tobacco polishes off; internal discolouration in the tooth structure needs whitening or bonding. Knowing which you have avoids wasting money.
Ready to book your appointment?
Send us your details and we'll be in touch — usually within one working day.
Two very different problems.
Extrinsic stain sits on the enamel surface and responds instantly to Airflow polishing and a scale and polish. Intrinsic discolouration lies within the tooth and only whitening — or, for stubborn cases, bonding or veneers — will change it.
A single dark tooth is different again: that usually indicates a dead nerve and may need internal whitening after root canal treatment.
What kind of staining is it?
The signs vary, but most people notice one or more of these:
- 01Brown or grey shading along the gum line
- 02Yellowing across all teeth with age
- 03One tooth noticeably darker than the rest
- 04White or brown patches within the enamel
- 05Stain in the grooves of back teeth
- 06Discolouration around old fillings
Where it comes from.
The most common culprits:
Don't wait it out.
Speak to your our practice dentist if you're experiencing any of the following — book an appointment as soon as you can:
- —Cleaning no longer removes the discolouration.
- —One tooth is markedly darker than its neighbours.
- —Staining is affecting your confidence.
- —Old fillings look darker than the tooth around them.
In discomfort right now?
Staining isn't painful, but a single tooth that darkens after a knock may have a dying nerve and should be checked.
A plan, not a quick fix.
We start with a professional clean to remove surface stain, then discuss professional whitening, Icon white spot treatment, bonding or veneers depending on what remains.
