What Types of Stains Can’t Teeth Whitening Cover?

If you feel your smile has darkened with time, teeth whitening at our Greenacres cosmetic dentistry practice is a simple and effective treatment to restore its shine. However, certain stains can’t be removed with a professional treatment, requiring alternative options like veneers to hide the discoloration. 

We created this guide to help you understand what types of stains can and cannot be removed with a whitening treatment. 

Can Teeth Whitening Remove All Types of Stains? 

No, even professional whitening can’t remove all types of discoloration. Teeth whitening can remove most mild to moderate teeth stains, known as extrinsic teeth stains. However, they may be unable to remove more severe stains known as intrinsic. Some examples are the following: 

• Age-related Yellowing: As we age, enamel naturally thins. This exposes the dentin, or the tooth’s more sensitive underlying structure. Teeth whitening products cannot lighten dentin because it is naturally yellowish. 

• Antibiotic-Related Stains: Certain antibiotics, like tetracycline, can permanently discolor developing teeth when taken during childhood. These deep, intrinsic stains form within the dentin itself, meaning that surface-level whitening treatments won’t have any effect. 

• Stains Caused by Dental Trauma: Injuries to a tooth, especially in childhood, can disrupt blood flow or damage the nerve, leading to dark discoloration from within. Because this staining originates in the inner layers of the tooth, whitening products can’t reach or improve it. 

In these cases, we’ll explore alternatives like dental veneers to make your smile brighter! 

Understand Greenacres Cosmetic Dentistry Whitening Treatments 

Although teeth whitening is safe and effective for certain stains, it will not work in every situation. If you’re unsure whether or not we can remove your stains, Miguel Ferrer DDS can evaluate your teeth and recommend the best solution. Contact us today for a personalized assessment, and let’s explore alternative options!