Why do teeth become discoloured?
External staining
Tea, coffee, cola, red wine, cigarettes and some spices can leave stains on the tooth surface. Some of these stains can be removed by scaling and polishing; deeper ones usually respond well to whitening.
Internal discolouration
With age, the enamel becomes thinner and the yellower dentine underneath becomes more visible. Some medicines taken while the teeth are developing, excessive fluoride intake or nerve damage after trauma can also cause internal discolouration. This kind of discolouration may respond less well to whitening; in some cases other aesthetic treatments may be needed.
Whitening during clear aligner treatment
Some people having clear aligner treatment wonder whether they can whiten their teeth during treatment. These are the points to consider:
- Attachments: The small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to the teeth do not whiten; when they are removed, a colour difference may be visible underneath.
- Sensitivity: Teeth may be more sensitive while they are moving, and whitening can increase this sensitivity.
- Planning: For these reasons, whitening is often planned for after the attachments are removed. In some suitable cases, it can be done towards the end of treatment under the orthodontist's supervision.
Putting whitening gel into your aligners on your own is not recommended; the amount of gel and the duration should be set by the dentist.
Whitening after treatment with brackets
When brackets are removed, a slight colour difference may be visible between the area under the bracket and the surrounding tooth. Once the tooth surfaces have been cleaned and polished, whitening can be planned, waiting a few weeks if needed. For more detail, see our article on teeth whitening after braces.
Whitening with a retainer
Removable retainers used after orthodontic treatment can sometimes also be used for at-home whitening. However, the design of a retainer is not always suitable for whitening, so ask your dentist first.
Tips to reduce staining
- Drink only water while wearing aligners.
- Rinse your mouth with water after coloured drinks.
- Clean your aligners and teeth thoroughly every day.
- Stopping smoking reduces both staining and gum problems.
- Have a dental check-up every six months, with a scale and polish if needed.