Teeth
Colour

Not always. Most colour changes are cosmetic and result from diet, ageing, or lifestyle habits. However, sudden darkening of a single tooth can indicate nerve damage from past trauma, and grey or brown patches may suggest enamel defects formed during development. If the change is isolated to one tooth, appeared suddenly, or is accompanied by sensitivity, a clinical assessment is recommended to rule out an underlying issue.

No. Professional whitening is effective on extrinsic (surface) staining and age-related yellowing of natural enamel. It does not change the colour of existing crowns, fillings, or veneers, and has limited effect on intrinsic discolouration caused by tetracycline antibiotics, fluorosis, or structural enamel defects. An in-person evaluation determines whether whitening alone will achieve the result you are after, or whether a restorative option like veneers would be more predictable.

Results from professional teeth whitening on the Gold Coast typically last one to three years. Longevity depends on dietary habits, oral hygiene, and whether take-home top-up kits are used. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sauces accelerate re-staining. Periodic touch-ups can maintain brightness between appointments.

Porcelain and zirconia veneers are highly stain-resistant. However, the natural tooth at the margins can still pick up surface discolouration over time. Composite veneers are more prone to gradual staining than ceramics. Maintaining good oral hygiene, limiting highly pigmented foods, and attending regular check-ups help preserve the result for as long as possible.

The cost of professional teeth whitening varies depending on whether you choose in-chair treatment, a take-home kit, or a combination of both. At ArtSmiles we discuss pricing during your consultation so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible payment plans to make cosmetic treatment accessible.

Professional teeth whitening lightens natural enamel using a peroxide-based agent. It is non-invasive and works well for surface staining and mild to moderate yellowing. Veneers — composite or porcelain — are thin coverings bonded to the tooth surface. They are used when whitening cannot reach the desired shade, when colour is uneven or patchy, or when restorations need to be colour-matched. Your dentist at ArtSmiles Southport will recommend the approach that suits your type of discolouration.

Existing restorations cannot be whitened. If a crown, filling, or veneer no longer matches your surrounding teeth — whether because your natural teeth have lightened or the restoration has aged — the restoration needs to be replaced and colour-matched to your current shade. We assess all restorations as part of any colour consultation to plan a consistent result across your full smile.

Professional whitening can be adapted for sensitive teeth by adjusting the peroxide concentration and application time. Desensitising agents are applied before and after treatment to minimise discomfort. Over-the-counter products offer less control over concentration, which is why a supervised approach tends to produce more comfortable and predictable results.

When designed and placed correctly, veneers are indistinguishable from natural teeth. Porcelain veneers closely replicate the translucency and light reflection of natural enamel. At ArtSmiles, shade selection, translucency, and proportion are planned with reference to your facial features and natural smile line so the result looks balanced and intentional.