Teeth whitening is the most sought-after treatment in cosmetic dentistry. Patients not only realize the profound improvement that whiter teeth can make towards their appearance, but also how easy and painless it is to whiten their teeth. Whether you prefer at-home whitening or professional whitening from a dentist, you may find that your teeth whitening treatment has stopped working as well as it used to.
Here are some top reasons why your teeth whitening treatment is not successful:
Your Teeth Aren’t Clean
You may not see it, but your teeth may have a dirty biofilm or layer of plaque buildup that is preventing the whitening agents from targeting your tooth stains. Consider teeth whitening after your next routine dental cleaning.
You Have Too Many Dental Restorations
Did you know that dental crowns, fillings and veneers do not whiten like your natural teeth? This should be strongly considered when you are trying to match your existing teeth you’re your dental restorations long-term.
You Have Intrinsic Stains
There are two types of tooth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are the ones that develop from smoking or consuming dark-colored foods and drinks. These stains are best removed with teeth whitening treatment. However, if you have intrinsic staining, your whitening treatment may not respond at all. Intrinsic stains are those caused by the overuse of fluoride, certain medications or dental injury.
You Need a Professional-Grade Product
It is not uncommon for patients to be disappointed at the results of their over-the-counter teeth whitening products. While these strips, kits or toothpastes are often much cheaper than teeth whitening from your dentist, they don’t contain the professional-grade whitening agents that are much stronger on stains.
For best teeth whitening results, see your dentist. Carolina Commons Dentistry is proud to offer advanced teeth whitening services to help you regain a sparkling and confident smile. If your recent teeth whitening routine has stopped worked, please contact our talented cosmetic dentist in Indian Land.
FAQs
You Have Intrinsic Stains
Why won't my teeth bleach white? ›
If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.
Why aren't my teeth going white? ›
Several factors can cause teeth staining, like food and drink intake, smoking, and certain medications. Products like coffee, cola, berries, tomato sauce, and wine are common culprits that can stain your teeth.
Do some teeth not respond to whitening? ›
The fact is, not all teeth respond to whitening. Furthermore, it is important to understand what whitening products you use can really make all the difference. Let's consider certain things that might keep your teeth whitening treatment from working.
Are there teeth that can't be whitened? ›
Fillings, crowns, and other restorations.
Tooth-colored fillings and resin composite materials used in dental restorations (crowns, veneers, bonding, bridges) do not whiten.
Why are my teeth still yellow after bleaching? ›
Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.
Why hasn't my teeth whitening worked? ›
Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.
Can teeth be healthy but not white? ›
The outer layer of your teeth (the enamel) is a blue-white color, while the middle layer (the dentin) is a light-yellow tinge. So, if you have a dense layer of dentin and sufficient enamel, then your teeth should be a healthy, off-white, slightly yellowed shade!
Why are my teeth not white enough after whitening? ›
Darkening or relapse of the tooth shade is expected after whitening. Relapse of shade occurs almost immediately as the freshly whitened dehydrated tooth rehydrates. Repetitive prolonged exposure of the chemical is the only way to achieve optimal results.
How to get super white teeth? ›
For your benefit, we've provided you with seven different ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
- Eat Strawberries. ...
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
- Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
- Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Apply Coconut Oil. ...
- Brush Your Tongue. ...
- Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide.
Why are my teeth not white after bleaching? ›
So, why do teeth not stay white after whitening? Well, there are a few reasons: What You Eat and Drink: Things like coffee, tea, and stuff with dark colors can stain your teeth. Smoking and Chewing Tobacco: Yeah, these can make your teeth go yellow too.
Who is not a candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.
What disqualifies you from teeth whitening? ›
Teeth Whitening Disqualifications
Cavities, gum disease, fillings, crowns, and bridges may disqualify you from treatment. Other conditions and circ*mstances that may bar a patient from teeth whitening treatment include: Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Being under the age of 16.
Who should not whiten their teeth? ›
There isn't much safety data on teeth whitening for pregnant or breastfeeding women. And these groups are more likely to have inflamed gums and sensitivity after whitening due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Children under the age of 16 also shouldn't use teeth whiteners without the guidance of a dentist.
Why won't my teeth whiten with strips? ›
The Contact With the Teeth Is Not Good
Teeth whitening strips often loosen. They cannot hold full contact enough to whiten your teeth. This often leaves untreated areas. Teeth whitening strips often take time to work.
Why isn't peroxide whitening my teeth? ›
And here's the thing, hydrogen peroxide in the brown bottle doesn't even whiten your teeth. It might kill off some periodontal bacteria, but it also sets the natural flora in your mouth off kilter. Because hydrogen peroxide is an oxidant, it damages your cells, so why risk it?
Why do some peoples teeth not whiten? ›
The efficacy of teeth whitening also depends on whether you have cavities or plaque buildup. If your teeth have significant bacterial and plaque deposits during the whitening process, the results won't be as effective and bright as people with perfectly healthy teeth.
