Frequently Asked Questions

That depends on your diet, oral hygiene habits, and the cause of the original discolouration. Results fade gradually over time, but regular professional cleaning and periodic touch-up treatments can help maintain the outcome.

Professional whitening uses a higher-concentration gel applied under clinical supervision, which produces a more consistent result than most at-home products. Your dentist will also confirm whether whitening is appropriate for your specific situation before starting.

Teeth can discolour for a range of reasons, including staining from food and drinks, natural changes in enamel over time, certain medications, and previous dental restorations. The cause can affect how well the teeth respond to whitening, so your dentist will assess this before treatment begins.

Porcelain veneers are made in a laboratory and bonded in a separate appointment, while composite veneers are applied directly by your dentist in a single visit. Porcelain is generally more resistant to staining over the long term. Your dentist will help you understand which option suits your situation best.

Composite fillings can absorb colour from food and drinks over the years, making them appear darker than the surrounding enamel. The surface can also develop wear over time that accelerates pigment build-up. When a filling becomes noticeably different in colour, it tends to draw attention rather than blend naturally with the tooth.

Yes. A porcelain veneer covers the front surface of the tooth including the damaged edge, restoring the appearance and providing a degree of protection for the remaining structure. For chips involving more significant damage deeper into the tooth, a crown may be more appropriate. Your dentist will assess which option is right for your situation.

With consistent care, composite fillings can last many years, though they are more susceptible to staining and surface wear than porcelain restorations. Regular professional monitoring allows your dentist to identify when polishing or replacement is needed.

Composite resin comes in a wide range of shades, and your dentist will select the closest match to the surrounding enamel before the appointment begins. In many cases, a well-placed composite restoration blends naturally with the tooth and is difficult to tell apart from the surrounding enamel.

Composite resin can absorb pigment from coffee, tea, red wine, and other strongly coloured foods and drinks over time. The surface of older composite can also develop microscopic wear that accelerates staining. When the discolouration becomes visible against the surrounding tooth, replacing the restoration is usually the most straightforward solution.

A porcelain crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. It is typically recommended when a tooth has been significantly damaged or fractured to the point where a filling alone cannot provide adequate support. Your dentist will assess whether a crown is the right option for your situation.

With regular professional monitoring and good oral hygiene, crowns on front teeth can last many years. Avoiding biting directly into very hard foods and wearing a protective splint if grinding is a concern will help protect them over time.

Whitening only affects natural tooth structure, not porcelain. By completing the whitening first, your dentist can then match the new crown shade to the lightened natural teeth, producing a more consistent result across the whole smile.