What Causes Discoloration?
Teeth can darken or yellow over time from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco staining the enamel, as well as from natural aging as enamel thins and the darker layer beneath becomes more visible. Some discoloration is internal rather than surface-level, which affects which whitening approach will actually work — surface stains and internal discoloration respond differently to treatment.
Professional vs. Over-the-Counter
Over-the-counter whitening strips and toothpastes can offer mild, gradual improvement for surface stains, but professional whitening uses a stronger, more consistent formula and is customized to your teeth, generally producing more noticeable and even results. It's also done under supervision, which matters if you have sensitive teeth or existing dental work like crowns and fillings — those won't whiten the same way natural teeth do.
What to Expect
Professional whitening is typically done either in-office for faster results or with custom take-home trays for a more gradual approach. Some temporary sensitivity is common right after treatment and usually resolves within a day or two. Results vary by person and by the type of staining involved, so I'll talk through realistic expectations for your teeth specifically before starting.
Questions About This?
I'm always happy to talk through your specific situation in more detail — call the office or book a visit anytime.