One Tooth Darker Than the Others? Here’s What to Do

A new study from the University of Gothenburg has revealed something many dentists have long suspected: when it comes to smiles, people value evenness of colour more than dazzling whiteness.

Researchers found that most people were happy with the general colour of their teeth — but when a single tooth (or even part of one) looked darker or more discoloured than the rest, it had a noticeable impact on how satisfied they felt about their smile.

It’s an interesting shift in how we think about cosmetic dentistry. For years, the focus has been on achieving the whitest shade possible — but this research shows that what people really want is harmony.

And the good news? There are many simple, gentle dental treatments that can help create that balance again.

What the study found

The Gothenburg study looked at how people perceive their own tooth colour and how much unevenness — or “deviant colour” — affected their confidence.

• 77% of participants were happy with their overall tooth colour.

• But people who noticed a discoloured area or patch on one tooth were significantly less satisfied with their smile.

• Over half (52%) of those with uneven colouring said they would be interested in treatment to correct it.

Interestingly, while both men and women valued even colour, women were more likely to have tried whitening (22% versus 13% of men).

What stood out most from the study was the emotional link. Those who were happiest with their smile tended to place more importance on the colour and evenness of their teeth — both their own and others’. It’s proof that feeling confident about your teeth goes far beyond aesthetics; it’s about how we express ourselves every day.

As one of the study’s authors, Dr. Laura Ståhl, put it:

“Oral health isn’t just about having a healthy mouth. It’s about being able to smile, laugh, and show self-confidence in every expression.”

Why one tooth can look different from the rest

There are several reasons why a single tooth might look darker, yellower, or more stained than its neighbours.

• Previous trauma: An old bump or injury can cause a tooth’s internal tissue to darken.

• Fluorosis or hypomineralisation: Developmental conditions that create white or brown patches on enamel.

• Root canal treatment: Teeth that have had root canals sometimes lose their natural translucency and look duller.

• Decay or old fillings: Staining around restorations can make the tooth appear uneven.

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, coffee, or wine can exaggerate existing differences.

Whatever the cause, uneven colour rarely improves on its own — but it can be corrected in safe, minimally invasive ways.

How dentists can treat uneven tooth colour

Every case is unique, but the right treatment depends on what’s causing the discolouration and how deep it goes. At Nova Smiles, we take a tailored approach — aiming for results that look natural, not artificial.

Here are some of the most effective options:

1. Targeted professional whitening

If a tooth has darkened due to internal staining or age-related changes, whitening may help to lift its colour and even it out with surrounding teeth. Dentists can use techniques that focus on individual teeth or apply whitening gel internally (after a root canal) for more precise results.

This is always done in a controlled way, using the correct concentration of hydrogen peroxide to avoid sensitivity or enamel damage.

2. Composite bonding

When surface discolouration is stubborn or caused by enamel irregularities, bonding is often the go-to treatment. A thin layer of tooth-coloured resin is applied to the affected area and shaped to blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

It’s quick, gentle, and reversible — perfect for small aesthetic tweaks that make a big difference.

3. Microabrasion or polishing

For superficial white or brown patches, microabrasion can smooth out the enamel surface. This technique removes a tiny layer of discoloured enamel, revealing a more even shade underneath.

It’s simple, pain-free, and can sometimes make enough difference without needing further treatment.

4. Veneers or crowns

In cases where a tooth is severely discoloured or damaged, veneers or crowns may be the best long-term solution. These restorations cover the front (or entire) surface of the tooth, giving a perfectly balanced and natural finish.

Why professional care matters

One of the study’s key takeaways was that many people with discoloured teeth either hadn’t sought treatment or tried over-the-counter products with limited success.

As Dr. Nina Sabel, one of the study’s senior researchers, noted:

“Different colour deviations have different causes, requiring different types of treatment. Dental professionals are knowledgeable about the risks and can prevent injury to gums, for example.”

In other words, not all discolouration is created equal — and it’s always worth getting a proper assessment before trying to fix it yourself.

A smile that looks like you — just more balanced

The takeaway from this new research is refreshing: most people don’t want an unnaturally white smile. They just want their smile to look even, healthy, and confident.

If you’ve noticed a darker or discoloured tooth that’s been bothering you, it’s usually an easy thing to fix with the right approach. Treatments like whitening, bonding, or veneers can restore balance and give you a more harmonious smile — often in just one or two appointments.

Because at the end of the day, confidence doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from feeling like you can smile freely and love what you see in the mirror.