The right treatment for stained or discoloured teeth depends on what's causing the colour change. From hygienist polishing for surface stain through whitening for general yellowing to veneers for deeper internal staining.
Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco gradually stain the outside of the enamel. Usually removed by a hygienist visit with airflow polishing - dramatic improvement in a single appointment.
The enamel naturally thins with age, exposing the more yellow dentine beneath. Best treated with professional teeth whitening, which lifts the colour from inside the enamel.
A tooth that has had root canal treatment or significant trauma can darken over time. Treated with internal bleaching, a porcelain veneer or a crown to mask the colour.
Some adults have grey or banded discolouration from tetracycline antibiotics taken in childhood. Whitening doesn't fully address this - veneers are usually the right answer.
White or brown spots from too much fluoride during tooth development. Treated with composite bonding to mask the spots, or veneers for more severe cases.
Old composite fillings can pick up stain over years, and old metal-fused crowns can darken at the gum line. Both are replaced with modern tooth-coloured equivalents.
Removes surface stain in a single appointment.
Lifts general yellowing over 1 to 2 weeks at home.
Masks specific stains, fluorosis spots or single dark teeth.
Gold-standard for tetracycline or severe internal staining.
Swaps stained restorations for modern tooth-coloured equivalents.
Let's take the first step towards your healthiest, most confident smile. Join our Hornchurch, Essex dental practice today.
Book nowProfessional take-home whitening at Hacton Dental Care is from £385 including custom trays, the gel, instructions and a review appointment.
Hygienist polishing removes surface stain (which can be dramatic) but does not change the underlying tooth shade - whitening is needed for that.
Most patients move 4 to 8 shades whiter with professional whitening, with the final result depending on your starting shade and the cause of the discolouration.
A single dark tooth often follows root canal treatment or trauma, and is treated with internal bleaching, a veneer or a crown depending on the severity.
Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, so any existing crowns or veneers won't change shade and may need replacing if you want a fully matched smile.
Professional whitening at the correct concentrations does not damage enamel, although temporary sensitivity is common during treatment and resolves once treatment ends.
Hacton Dental Care is in Hornchurch and a ten minute drive from Upminster, Romford, Elm Park and Rainham, with free on-site parking.
Closed daily 1.00pm – 2.00pm for lunch.
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