Can Yellow Teeth Become White?

Teeth don’t have to be gleaming white to be healthy, but yellow teeth can sometimes be a sign of poor oral hygiene or other dental issues such as tooth erosion. Fortunately, they don’t always have to stay that way.

If you want to restore lost whiteness to your smile, the best person to talk to is your dentist. They can discuss the treatments they offer as well as let you know if you have an underlying dental problem that needs to be treated first.

Why do teeth turn yellow?

When you know what causes tooth stains and discolouration, you can take steps to avoid it and prevent your teeth from getting darker or help a whitening treatment to last longer.

Common reasons for yellow teeth include:

  • genetics and natural ageing
  • food and drink high in tannins or acid, such as wines, soft drinks and coffee
  • smoking
  • poor oral hygiene allowing plaque to build up
  • exposure to too much fluoride, especially in childhood
  • certain medical problems and medications, including some asthma and blood pressure medications and chemotherapy treatment

Ways to whiten teeth

Your dentist will recommend treatments based on the type of stains or tooth discolouration you have. These could include:

  • Teeth cleaning and polishing
  • Professional teeth whitening
  • Home teeth whitening
  • Dental veneers

Teeth cleaning and polishing

Your first step to a whiter smile should be an appointment with a dental hygienist. They can remove plaque and calculus from your teeth to remove some discolouration and lower your oral health risks, followed by professional cleaning and polishing to help brighten tooth surfaces.

Professional teeth whitening

If you desire more whitening, in-chair teeth whitening at a dental clinic uses a whitening gel applied to teeth and activated by a UV light or laser.

Professional whitening can lighten teeth by several shades and can sometimes be completed in a single visit, as dentists are qualified to use higher concentrations of whitening agents than are available for home use.

Home teeth whitening

There are many products available over the counter that claim to whiten teeth – including whitening toothpastes, strips and gels – but results can vary.

Dentists can provide home whitening kits with custom trays designed to fit perfectly over your teeth, ensuring more even coverage from whitening gel and lowering the risk of contact with the gums. As home treatments use a lower concentration of whitening gel, results can take several weeks with regular use.

Dental veneers

Not all types of tooth discolouration can be treated by teeth whitening, and these treatments eventually fade and need to be repeated to maintain a white smile. An alternative can be porcelain or composite veneers, which replace the front surface of teeth.

Veneers can last for many years, as long as they’re well cared for, but they will need to be replaced eventually. Depending on the condition of your teeth and what you want to achieve, a thin layer of tooth enamel may need to be removed before veneers can be placed.

Cosmetic dentist in Balmain

For more information about cosmetic treatments to whiten yellow teeth and cover up stains, book a consultation with our dentists at Dentistry by Design. Call 02 9810 5507 or book online to find out how you could change your smile.

Your Balmain Dentist

Book a consultation with our internationally-recognised professionals at Dentistry by Design to discuss your options today. Call us on 02 9810 5507 to book an appointment.
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Rebecca Silveira

Practice Manager

Rebecca has over 25 year’s experience in the dental industry. 

Rebecca started her career as a dental assistant/front office coordinator. Through the years, she progressed into treatment coordinating and then practice management. 

She has an eye for detail and is a perfectionist. Her management & people skills allow her to provide support to the Dentistry By Design team day in, day out. 

Rebecca is passionate about dentistry and loves being privileged enough to be part of an amazing team that changes people’s lives!

Catherine George

Oral Health Therapist

Catherine completed a Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) at Charles Sturt University in Wagga.

She is passionate about making her patients feel more comfortable in a dental setting.

Catherine is enthusiastic about Oral Health promotion and strongly believes in preventative dentistry.

She is dedicated to educating her patients on the best oral health care.

She loves seeing a smile on other people’s faces and would love to see you with a happy and healthy smile.

When she is not at work she enjoys the outdoors, playing soccer and beach volley.

Kate Beaumont

Oral Health Therapist

Kate completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2014.  As an Oral Health Therapist, dual-qualified to practice as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist, she has a strong interest in preventative dental care and believes that oral health is an integral part of overall health.

Kate enjoys working with children and adults alike, educating, motivating and assisting in maintaining teeth for life. Her interest in continuing professional education helps her remain consistent with modern dental practices and progressive treatment plans.

Kate enjoys working in a thriving team and works effectively along-side other highly qualified professionals. She has an interest in the growing industry of cosmetic procedures and excels in performing these treatments. Her approachable and reassuring nature creates a positive dental experience for all patients.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her family and friends, discovering new restaurants and travelling. She appreciates the simple pleasures of a coffee and a walk but also loves an extravagant day at the races with all her friends.

Nadia Azzi

Oral Health Therapist

Nadia completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2012. With a passion for preventative dentistry and treating children Nadia has a keen focus on providing pain free, thorough treatment for all patients. 

An experienced Oral Health Therapist who values patient care and is committed to ensuring patients receive the best care possible, Nadia is committed to staying up to date with the latest dental practices and treatments available. 

As part of the dental team, Nadia believes that the Oral Health Therapist’s role is of utmost importance in maintaining the oral health of patients of all ages. She has a passion for counselling patients with previous dental trauma and helping them through regular dental treatment as well as setting good foundations in oral health for younger patients and providing them with happy, fun dental experiences. 

Nadia has also served as director and dental mission coordinator for Maronites on Mission, a non-profit which helps the homeless in Australia and runs annual dental and medical mission trips to the Philippines and Lebanon. She enjoys charitable work immensely and is always looking for new ways to use her skills to help those in need. 

Outside of dentistry, Nadia enjoys spending time with and caring for her family, cooking and travelling.

Dr Rebecca Ellis

Specialist Periodontist
BDS(Distn), DCD(Perio)

Rebecca undertook her dental training at Otago University in New Zealand graduating top of her class with her BDS(Distinction) in 2011. 

Dr Teck Tang

Specialist Periodontist
BDSc Hons (WA) DClinDent (Perio) (Adel) FRACDS (perio) 

Dr Teck Tang graduated with his Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours at the University of Western Australia. He then completed his specialist training in Periodontics.

Dr Iain Gavan

Dentist
BChD (Leeds, UK), MFDS, PGDipDigitalOrtho(UK) 

Dr Iain Gavan has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years and provides the most up to date modern dental care in a calm and empathic manner. He enjoys building long term relationships with his patients.

Iain is dedicated to continuing professional development in a rapidly changing field. In 2020 he completed a diploma in digital orthodontics, increasing his expertise straightening teeth with clear aligners (such as Invisalign).  He also spent time at the world-renowned Kois Institute in Seattle (USA) in 2018, which teaches the most up to date and highly regarded evidence based dentistry. He completed the Master Implant Program in 2022 at the renowned Brener Institiute in Sydney, which is a leading training centre in implant placement and tooth replacement.

Originally from Lancashire in North West England, Iain qualified from Leeds University in the UK. He has spent time working in a Maxillofacial department in Manchester (UK), gaining experience in oral surgery, facial injury reconstruction, head and neck cancer and dental emergencies.

Iain moved to Australia in 2014 and became an Australian Citizen in 2018. He has worked at distinguished private practices in Forster (NSW), Melbourne and Ballarat. Iain has worked at a state of the art clinic, that specialises in using advanced technology to digitally design smiles and replace teeth using the Allon4 implant system, gaining valuable experience in complex full mouth rehabilitations and the development of new smiles.

He is a member of the Australian Dental Association, The Faculty of Dental Surgery (UK) and was a member of Royal College of Surgeons Glasgow. He also carried out dental charity work in Southern India, providing dental care to remote communities.

In 2021 he welcomed his first daughter and is enjoying parenthood. In his spare time Iain enjoys spending time with his photography, travelling, walking his dog Murphy and exploring Sydney.

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Dr Jemima Kalos

Dentist
Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I), Bachelor of Dentistry (Honours I), Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants) 

Dr Jemima Kalos is committed to excellence in Dentistry and the provision of outstanding dental care to her patients. Dr Kalos graduated with a Bachelor of Dentistry with First Class Honours after completing a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I) at the University of Sydney.

Dr. Kalos has also completed extensive continuing education in Dentistry in Australia and the USA including obtaining the highest mark and a distinction in the selective Post graduate Diploma in Oral Implants through the University of Sydney. She has also successfully completed her Primary examinations for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

Dr Kalos has been presented with numerous awards for clinical and academic excellence in Dentistry including the prestigious Rudolf Gunz University Medal, The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Prize, The Martin Halas Prize and The John Stephen Hill Memorial Prize. Her special interests include restorative and cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics and implants and provision of dental treatment to anxious patients.

She is past Treasurer of the Australian Prosthodontic Society (NSW) and also a member of the respected American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Outside of dentistry, Jemima has enjoys cooking, staying fit and spending time with her husband and three small children.

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