Professional Teeth Whitening For Stained Teeth and Discoloration

What Are Common Types of Tooth Stains and Discoloration We Treat?

Yellowing enamel - This is the most common cause of discolouration and is often related to diet, specific foods and drinks, ex-smokers and the colour of our teeth changes as we get older. Yellowing enamel is fairly easy to whiten at home in about 4-6 weeks. This type of treatment following the initial consultation can be carried out by a Dentist, Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist.

Fluorosis - This is characterised by yellow, orange or brown stains on specific teeth, the enamel of the tooth might also look pitted and this could be caused by excessive fluoride (usually in drinking water) during the formation of teeth, known as fluorosis. The discoloration can be treated initially at home in approximately 2 - 4 months depending on the severity.

White Spots - Bright white spots are most noticeable on front teeth and can be associated with chronic infections, high temperatures and medications as a baby or young child, premature birth or low birth weight baby, all affecting how the enamel of the tooth forms. The white spots can be successfully treated following the protocols we have in place at home approximately 2 - 4 months depending on the severity.

Discolouration From Tetracycline - Tetracycline is a commonly prescribed antibiotic often used for treatment of acne and other skin conditions but causes discolouration. Patients with this type of staining range from mild to severe discolourations which can vary in colour from grey, blue, yellow and brown. 

The colour and pattern of discolouration depends on the type of medication, dosage and duration, relating to when the teeth were forming.

A desirable result can be achieved for patients with Tetracycline staining by completing the treatment at home for anything up to 6 months depending on the severity.

Single Dark Tooth - A tooth can become discoloured due to trauma to a tooth, such as falling off a bike as a child or sporting injuries. Initially, it is important to determine if the tooth is alive (vital) or dead (non-vital) before treatment can be recommended.

If the tooth is alive, home whitening in stages is carried out, first with a tray and gel that will concentrate the gel on the discoloured tooth, once this tooth matches the other teeth, a new tray is used to whiten all the teeth.

What Treatments Do We Carry Out For Tooth Staining and Discoloration? 

Internal Bleaching

Front teeth that have been root filled and can become discoloured over time. Internal bleaching can be carried out by placing a higher strength carbamide peroxide gel inside the tooth. The gel needs to be replaced every 2 weeks until the colour of the tooth matches. This procedure is carried out by our Endodontist Dr Jude Ferreira.

MIH

Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (often shortened to MIH) treatment is about managing and protecting teeth that have not developed properly and are weaker than normal. It usually affects first permanent molars and sometimes front teeth, making them sensitive, discoloured, and more likely to break or get decay.

The treatment includes using special fluoride varnishes to strengthen the enamel, placing protective sealants or white fillings, and giving advice on brushing with the right toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Microabrasion

Teeth with white spots or severe discoloration such as fluorosis, often require further treatment once the whitening treatment is completed.

Microabrasion can be carried out to fade and smooth the last of the white spots or defects. A purple glittery paste is applied and polished onto the tooth surface, this procedure is repeated several times in one visit, multiple visits may be required to achieve the desired result.

Icon White Spot Treatment

Resin infiltration is a minimally invasive restorative procedure which helps fade/mask white-spot lesions found on teeth. These lesions manifest as white spots and typically arise due to enamel defects, trauma, or infection in primary teeth. They result from reduced calcium and ion access to deeper enamel layers, culminating in white spots on the tooth’s surface.

The enamel is treated with an alcohol gel to prepare the surface of the tooth, then a resin is infiltrated into the enamel to mask/seal over the white spot. The treatment is safe and minimally invasive.

The treatment is normally combined with home whitening first to help improve the over base shade first.

How Much Does Tooth Staining Treatment Cost?

We consider every patient to be unique and are able to offer personalised quotes for every customer. Simply enquire below to see how much your teeth whitening treatment will cost.