How can our Christchurch dental services help you?

Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments in Christchurch – and it’s easy to see why. A brighter, whiter smile not only enhances appearance, but also boosts confidence and helps patients feel more at ease in social and professional settings. If you compare the feel-good factor with the dollars spent, teeth whitening delivers a fantastic return on investment. However, in Duxton Dental’s Riccarton clinic, our cosmetic dentists have shared how some patients initially feel their teeth are too discoloured to achieve great results. So, without further ado, let’s talk about whether there really is such a thing as teeth that are too yellow for whitening. Are my teeth too yellow for whitening? The short answer: no – but there are a few important things to understand first. The colour of your teeth, the cause of their discolouration, and the treatment method you choose all play a role in how effective teeth whitening can be. When it comes to your smile, seeking expert dental care from a qualified dentist in Christchurch is key to achieving safe, natural-looking results. What causes yellow teeth? There are two types of tooth discolouration: extrinsic staining, which affects the outer surface of the teeth (the enamel), and intrinsic staining, which occurs deeper within the tooth structure (the dentin). Yellowing can be caused by one or both, and the best treatment options vary depending on the cause. It’s crucial to identify the type of staining before any dental treatment is started to get the best teeth whitening outcome. Extrinsic stains and treatment The word extrinsic means coming from the outside or not related to something. Extrinsic stains are the most common cause of yellow teeth and are typically caused by things consumed: Diet : regular consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and foods rich in pigment (like curry or berries) stain enamel. Smoking or tobacco use : nicotine and tar are notorious for causing yellow and brown staining. Poor dental hygiene : infrequent brushing and flossing allow plaque and tartar to build up, dulling the teeth.