What Teeth Whitening Can Address
Whitening is generally considered for teeth that have become stained or discoloured over time — for example through ageing, or from drinks such as coffee, tea or red wine, or from smoking. It lightens your existing tooth colour; it doesn't change teeth to a colour they've never been.
Whitening and Restorations
Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, fillings and other restorations don't lighten in the same way, so if you have restorations on or near the teeth you'd like whitened, this is something your dentist would need to take into account during assessment — otherwise you may end up with a mismatch in colour between your natural teeth and any restorations.
How Whitening Differs from Veneers and Composite Bonding
Whitening changes colour only, without adding or removing any material from the tooth. Veneers and composite bonding can also change colour, but they do so by covering or adding to the tooth, and can additionally change its shape — something whitening cannot do. See Porcelain Veneers and Composite Bonding for those options.
Assessment and Planning
Before whitening, your dentist would generally check that your teeth and gums are healthy, since whitening isn't recommended where there are untreated dental problems. This is also the point at which any restorations affecting the plan would be discussed.
What to Expect in General Terms
Whitening is generally carried out either with a take-home kit — custom-fitted trays and a bleaching gel used over a period of time — or with an in-practice treatment. Which approach, if either, might apply to your situation is a planning question, not something stated as standard here.
Considerations and Limitations
Whitening is not permanent, and the effect can fade over time depending on your diet and habits. It doesn't guarantee a specific final shade — results vary between individuals. Whitening is generally not offered to people under 18, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or where teeth or gums are not healthy; whether it applies to you is a matter for assessment.
Looking After Whitened Teeth
Limiting staining foods and drinks, and keeping up with regular oral hygiene and check-ups, generally helps maintain the effect for longer. Specific advice would be given as part of your own treatment.
Related Treatments
For changes to tooth shape as well as colour, see Porcelain Veneers or Composite Bonding. To plan whitening alongside other changes, see Smile Design.
General information only — every treatment decision follows an individual clinical assessment.