Not all discoloration responds to whitening. Knowing which kind you have saves money and disappointment.
Surface stain vs. internal color
Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco leave surface stain that whitening gel lifts well. Color changes from age, trauma, or old tetracycline are internal and often respond better to veneers or bonding.
Choosing a whitening method
Professional take-home trays give the most control: custom-fitted trays hold the gel against the teeth and away from the gums, so you get even results with less sensitivity than store-bought strips.
Whitening toothpastes polish away new surface stain but cannot change the underlying shade.
Making it last
Rinse with water after staining drinks, use a straw for iced coffee and tea, and keep your cleaning schedule. Most patients touch up with a single tray night once or twice a year.
