Overview
What Causes
Discolouration?
Tooth discolouration can be surface-level (extrinsic) or come from within the tooth itself (intrinsic). Both types are treatable — the approach simply differs depending on the cause.
Extrinsic staining is caused by what your teeth are exposed to — dietary pigments such as tea, red wine, and coffee, as well as tobacco and certain medications including oral iron supplements. These leave colour on the outer enamel over time. For teeth with heavier extrinsic staining, a professional clean combined with whitening can often restore significant brightness.
Intrinsic discolouration runs deeper. It may stem from embedded dietary staining within the enamel, or arise from tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood, fluorosis, age-related enamel thinning, or developmental factors such as illness, trauma, or genetics. Depending on severity, intrinsic staining can respond well to whitening — though some cases are better suited to porcelain veneers, crowns, or composite bonding to achieve the result you are looking for.
For illustration purposes only. Individual treatment planning and outcomes may vary.
Treatment Options
The Right Solution
for Your Shade.
There is no single answer to discolouration — the right treatment depends on the type of staining, the health of your enamel, and the result you are looking for. We begin every case with a thorough assessment before recommending any treatment.
The good news: whether your teeth have surface stains or deeper discolouration, we have options that can make a meaningful difference.
Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening uses clinically proven bleaching agents to lift surface stains and lighten the natural shade of your enamel — safely, effectively, and without compromising tooth structure.
Learn MoreMicroabrasion & Icon Infiltration
For white spot lesions, a combination of Tooth Mousse remineralisation, enamel microabrasion, and Icon Infiltration can reduce or eliminate most lesions altogether — without drilling or removing enamel structure.
Veneers & Bonding
For darker spots unresponsive to whitening, and white spots unresponsive to microabrasion or Icon, porcelain veneers or composite bonding are often the next step — delivering a seamless, lasting result.
Crowns
For severe or tetracycline-related staining that whitening cannot resolve, a porcelain crown can be an excellent choice. We often apply an opaquer internally to produce the most aesthetic and lifelike result.
Learn MoreOur Approach
Why Choose
Element Dental?
Accurate Diagnosis First
Not all discolouration is the same, and not every product works on every stain type. We identify the cause before recommending a solution — so you don't invest in the wrong treatment.
A Full Range of Options
From professional whitening through to composite bonding and porcelain veneers, we offer every level of treatment under one roof — so your care stays consistent and coordinated.
Natural-Looking Results
Our goal is a smile that looks like yours — only brighter. We take a conservative approach to shade selection so results are beautiful without ever looking artificial.
Ready to Brighten
Your Smile?
Book a smile assessment and we will identify exactly what is causing your discolouration — and the best way to treat it.
Call Us →General & Cosmetic Dentistry & Implant Centre
– Erina Dentist