Why Are My Teeth Yellow or Stained?
Tooth discolouration is one of the most common cosmetic dental concerns. It can have several causes:
Extrinsic Stains (Surface)
- Tea, coffee, red wine, and coloured foods
- Tobacco (smoking or chewing)
- Poor oral hygiene
Intrinsic Stains (Deep within enamel)
- Ageing (enamel thins, revealing yellow dentine underneath)
- Tetracycline antibiotic use during childhood
- Excessive fluoride (fluorosis)
- Trauma to the tooth
Professional whitening is most effective for extrinsic staining and mild intrinsic discolouration.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs At-Home Kits
| Feature | Professional (In-Office) | At-Home Strips/Kits |
|---|---|---|
| Whitening agent strength | High (25–40% carbamide peroxide) | Low (3–10%) |
| Results visible | Immediately, in 1 hour | 2–4 weeks |
| Shade improvement | 6–10 shades | 2–4 shades |
| Safety | Supervised by dentist | Risk of gum irritation |
| Longevity | 1–2 years with care | 3–6 months |
| Cost | Higher upfront, better value | Lower upfront |
What Happens During Professional Teeth Whitening?
Step 1: Pre-Treatment Assessment
Dr. Tanmoy Das evaluates your teeth and gums to confirm you are a suitable candidate for whitening. Untreated cavities and gum disease must be addressed first.
Step 2: Shade Recording
Your current tooth shade is recorded on the Vita shade guide — this allows us to measure your exact improvement after treatment.
Step 3: Gum Protection
A protective barrier (dam) is applied to your gums to prevent the whitening gel from contacting soft tissue.
Step 4: Whitening Gel Application
Professional-strength whitening gel is applied to the tooth surfaces. Depending on the system used, a curing light may be applied to accelerate activation.
Step 5: Rinse & Reveal
After the required time, the gel is rinsed off to reveal a visibly brighter smile — often 6–8 shades lighter in a single session.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Yes — when performed by a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is completely safe. The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity, which typically resolves within 24–48 hours.
We use professional-grade products that are formulated to minimise sensitivity while delivering maximum whitening efficacy.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Results typically last 12–24 months depending on:
- Diet (tea, coffee, red wine accelerate restaining)
- Tobacco use
- Oral hygiene habits
Top-up treatments every 12–18 months help maintain your results.
Tips to Maintain Your White Smile
- 1Avoid staining foods and drinks for 48 hours post-treatment (the "white diet")
- 2Use a whitening toothpaste (gently abrasive) for maintenance
- 3Rinse with water after consuming staining beverages
- 4Get professional scaling and polishing every 6 months
- 5Avoid smoking — tobacco is the fastest way to re-stain whitened teeth
Who Is NOT a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
- Children under 16 years
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Patients with extreme tooth sensitivity
- Teeth with veneers, crowns, or large composite fillings (whitening does not change artificial materials)
- Severely intrinsically stained teeth (may need veneers instead)
Book Your Smile Consultation in Malda
A brighter smile is just one appointment away. Dr. Tanmoy Das and his team at our Malda clinic offer professional teeth whitening as part of a comprehensive smile makeover programme.
Call or WhatsApp: +91-9831194050
KJ Sanyal Road, Mokdumpur, Malda – 732101
Ready for Expert Dental Care in Malda?
Book a consultation with Dr. Tanmoy Das today. Easy EMI available on all treatments.
