Cosmetic Dentistry · Led by Dr. Rosie Nguyen · Last reviewed May 2026
Discoloured Teeth Diagnosed
Then Fixed the Right Way.
Not all discolouration is the same. Picasso Dental diagnoses whether your staining is surface, intrinsic, or both, then recommends the treatment that will actually work: Zoom whitening, internal bleaching for dark root-canal teeth, Emax veneers, or zirconia crowns for severely stained teeth. Six branches across Vietnam, all available for international patients.
Diagnosis First
Diagnosing Your Discolouration First
The right treatment depends on whether the stain is on the surface or inside the tooth. Recommending whitening for intrinsic staining is a waste of money. Recommending veneers when whitening would work is unnecessary expense.
Extrinsic Staining
Surface stain from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, or plaque. Responds well to professional cleaning and Zoom whitening. The most treatable type of discolouration.
Intrinsic Staining
Discolouration within the tooth structure. Caused by tetracycline antibiotics during development, fluorosis, dead or root-canal-treated teeth, trauma, or ageing. Whitening has limited to no effect. Veneers or crowns are the reliable solution.
Single Dark Tooth
A tooth that is darker than its neighbours often has a dead nerve or previous root canal. Internal bleaching places whitening agent inside the tooth to lighten from within. Success rate is 70 to 90 percent. Veneer or crown is the alternative if bleaching is insufficient.
Combined Causes
Many patients have surface staining layered over underlying intrinsic discolouration. We photograph, assess shade, and X-ray where needed before recommending any treatment path.
Treatment Options
Treatment Options by Discolouration Type
| Discolouration Type | Treatment | Visits |
|---|---|---|
| Surface staining, general yellowing | Zoom in-office whitening | 1 |
| Single dark tooth (post root canal) | Internal bleaching | 2–3 |
| Tetracycline, fluorosis, deep staining | Emax Press veneers | 2 |
| Severely discoloured, structurally involved | Zirconia crown | 2 |
For itemised pricing across whitening, internal bleaching, veneers and crowns, see the cosmetic dentistry cost guide. Get an exact quote.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will teeth whitening fix my discolouration?
Whitening is effective for extrinsic staining from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, and for mild to moderate age-related yellowing. It has limited effect on tetracycline staining and no effect on a single dark tooth caused by a dead or root-canal-treated nerve. If whitening is unlikely to give you the result you want, we will tell you before you pay for it.
Can a single dark tooth be whitened?
If the tooth is dark because the nerve died or because it was root canal treated, external whitening will not work. Internal bleaching places a whitening agent inside the tooth to lighten from within across two to three appointments. Success rate is 70 to 90 percent. Emax veneer or crown is the alternative if bleaching does not achieve sufficient lightening.
Can veneers fix tetracycline or fluorosis staining?
Yes. Emax Press veneers are effective for most intrinsic discolouration including tetracycline banding and fluorosis. The ceramic blocks the underlying stain. Very dark teeth sometimes require zirconia crowns (more opaque, full coverage) rather than veneers to fully mask the underlying colour.
How long does Zoom whitening last?
The initial brightening typically lasts 12 to 18 months before noticeable re-staining, depending on diet and habits. Touch-up trays used at home every few months extend results significantly. No whitening result is permanent.
Should I whiten before getting veneers?
Yes, if any natural teeth will remain visible alongside the veneers. Veneer porcelain is shade-matched to the final whitened colour. We whiten first, wait two weeks for the shade to stabilise, then match the veneer shade to that result.
Can I get discolouration treatment as an international patient?
Yes. Zoom whitening completes in a single 90-minute appointment. Internal bleaching requires two to three visits across 5 to 7 days. Veneer and crown cases require a 7 to 10 day stay. See our international patient guide for trip planning.
Start Here
Fix Your Discolouration With the Right Treatment, Not the Easiest One.
Book a consultation. We will assess whether your staining is extrinsic or intrinsic, recommend the treatment that will actually work, and quote you in writing before anything begins.