Grin and bare it: how yellow teeth can still go white

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.



The surface stains of extrinsic tooth discolouration are effectively treated with professional teeth whitening. Duxton Dental use a highly efficient method involving the application of Opalescence Boost (containing hydrogen peroxide) directly to the teeth. It also includes potassium nitrate and fluoride, which reduces tooth sensitivity and strengthens the enamel. These active ingredients penetrate the enamel and lift away stubborn surface stains, revealing a whiter, brighter smile. The entire procedure is performed in our Christchurch dental clinic and usually takes around an hour, offering immediate results.

Duxton Dental also provide Opalescence Go™, cutom-fit trays which you can use as an at-home whitening kit either as a dental treatment or for ongoing maintenance. However, this DIY teeth whitening option should only be used under the guidance of your dentist to ensure safe, even results. Professional teeth whitening treatments offered at a trusted Christchurch dental clinic are far more powerful and targeted than over-the-counter options. In most cases, patients achieve noticeable, natural-looking results – even if their teeth were quite yellow to begin with.

Remember, if you're unsure what's behind your discolouration, a visit to our dental clinic in Christchurch will identify the cause and suggest the most effective treatment options – never assume!

Intrinsic stains and treatment

Intrinsic stains is discolouration that originates from within the structure of the tooth and affect the dentin. Unlike the surface stains of extrinsic discoloration, intrinsic are embedded and are more challenging to remove. Causes of intrinsic stains include:

• Aging: over time, enamel thins and dentin naturally yellows, making teeth look darker.

• Medications: certain drugs, antibiotics and medical treatments can cause intrinsic discolouration.

• Genetics: some people naturally have thicker or more translucent enamel, affecting how white their teeth appear.

• Trauma: an oral injury can damage blood vessels and nerves within the tooth and cause pigmentation in the dentinal tubules (a little like a tooth bruise that can be permanent).



• Tooth decay: untreated plaque and poor oral hygiene damages the enamel can expose dentin and even lead to pulp necrosis which causes the tooth to darken.

Intrinsic discolouration cannot be fully addressed with whitening treatments alone. When teeth have these deep or resistant stains, a cosmetic dentist may recommend combining teeth whitening with other cosmetic dentistry services to provide a more consistent and long-lasting improvement. These treatments are often used in collaboration with or as an alternative to teeth whitening:

Veneers: thin, custom-made porcelain or composite shells that are bonded to the front of teeth. Veneers completely mask deep stains, reshape uneven teeth, and create a uniform, brilliant smile. They offer patients a dramatic but natural looking transformation.

Composite bonding: the application of a tooth-coloured resin to the surface of the teeth. It's ideal for treating discolouration, chips, or gaps, and is a more affordable and less invasive option than veneers. Composite bonding can be colour-matched to your desired tooth shade, making it an excellent companion to teeth whitening.

Dental crowns: for severely discoloured or damaged teeth, crowns can be the best solution. A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, restoring both its function and appearance. Modern crowns are made from natural-looking materials that blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.

Your whiter smile begins here with Duxton Dental

If you’ve been putting off teeth whitening because you’re worried your teeth are too yellow – don’t be! At our modern, welcoming Christchurch dental clinic, we offer professional whitening treatments tailored to meet your individual needs. As a trusted dentist in Christchurch Riccarton, we begin every whitening journey with a thorough oral health assessment. This ensures whitening is both safe and effective – and we can achieve the results we promise. Whether you’re dealing with long lasting stubborn stains or simply want to brighten your smile before your wedding or a big event, we’re here to help.

Our experienced team of Riccarton dentists provides a full range of dental services in Christchurch, including cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, Invisalign NZ, alongside ongoing dental health care. We work closely with each patient to find a solution that suits their lifestyle, goals, and budget – all delivered with the highest standard of care. Book your free teeth whitening consultation today, call 03 348 5488.