What is tooth whitening?
Chemical lightening of natural tooth structure; fillings and ceramic do not lighten in the same way.
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How is the natural tooth colour lightened?
Tooth whitening lightens natural tooth structure using chemical agents, usually peroxides. First, the cause of discolouration and the health of the teeth and gums are assessed. Fillings, crowns and veneers do not lighten in the process.
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Whitening acts within the tooth structure
Peroxides alter pigments in natural tooth structure. This is different from removing external deposits during professional cleaning.
The findings and starting shade matter
Teeth, gums and existing restorations are checked beforehand. Fillings and ceramic retain their colour. The achievable result varies from person to person.
Monitor rather than keep whitening
The method and application are planned together. Temporary sensitivity or gum irritation is possible; symptoms should be discussed with the practice.
At a glance
Who might it suit?
People with suitable, healthy teeth and gums, after the cause of discolouration has been examined.
What does it involve?
The method, application and protective measures are planned. The result and any sensitivity are assessed; a specific target shade cannot be guaranteed.
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Often confused
Whitening or professional cleaning?
Cleaning removes deposits and external stains. Whitening alters pigments in natural tooth structure. The two procedures have different roles.
Quick answers
Will crowns and veneers also become lighter?
No. Existing restorations do not change colour like natural tooth structure. Possible shade differences should therefore be discussed beforehand.
Will the teeth permanently stay the same shade?
No. Colour can change again over time. Whether and when further whitening is appropriate depends on tooth condition, the starting shade and habits.
Is whitening suitable for every tooth?
No. The cause of discolouration, tooth structure, possible decay and gums must be assessed first. A single dark tooth may need a different assessment from a general tooth shade.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
What explains my tooth colour, and what are realistic expectations for whitening?
For aesthetic concerns, examination of the starting situation forms the basis of planning at her practice.
Before whitening, the cause of discolouration and the condition of the teeth matter.
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Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Peroxides
- Active ingredients in many whitening gels; they enable chemical reactions with pigments in natural tooth structure.
- Extrinsic staining
- Discolouration on the outer tooth surface, for example from pigmented deposits.
- Restoration
- Dental work such as a filling, crown or veneer; conventional tooth whitening does not lighten its colour in the same way.
Know the difference
Removing external stains is cleaning. Chemically changing natural tooth colour is whitening.
Sources for further learning
Sources and context
Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.