Good cleaning in the dental office is a good start. In-office bleaching using heat/lamp or the new laser technique, especially when combined with matrix home bleaching can also help. If your teeth are very dark it may take several treatments in-office, plus up to three months at home. You may also want to consider replacing old fillings with tooth- coloured bonded restorations and/or porcelain laminate veneers. If the stains are bright orange, they may be caused by chromogenic bacteria and may need polishing and/or antibiotics to correct the condition. Another technique called mircoabrasion, which involves polishing the stains with a mild acid in combination with bleaching, may be useful, especially for white stains. The most important thing is for you to have a consultation with your dentist, who will help you make the correct decision and avoid problems.