What Teeth Whitening Can and Can’t Do (2024)

One of the common misconceptions about professional teeth whitening is that it works on all teeth, regardless of the type or cause of the discoloration. Although teeth whitening is safe and effective for certain types of stains, it will not work in every situation.

Take a moment to learn from Dr. Gordon Bell, of The Center for Dental Excellence, what teeth whitening can and cannot treat.

What Teeth Whitening Can Treat

Discoloration from consuming certain foods or beverages

Regularly consuming coffee, tea, wine, tomato sauce, berries or balsamic vinegar can stain the surface of the teeth (i.e., enamel). These stains are known as extrinsic stains. Teeth whitening treatment uses special bleaching agents to break up extrinsic stains and give the teeth a lighter and brighter appearance.

Some discoloration caused by smoking

Yellowing of the teeth caused by the tar and nicotine in tobacco can usually be improved with teeth whitening treatment. However, if the teeth turn gray or brown from smoking, it is less likely they will be noticeably whitened with teeth whitening treatment.

What Teeth Whitening Can’t Treat

Teeth that have yellowed with age

As we age, the enamel becomes thinner due to wear and tear, revealing the underlying layer of tooth structure called dentin. Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.

Stains caused by taking antibiotics

If you have stains due to taking antibiotics as a child, teeth whitening will not improve the look of the stains. These types of stains are known as intrinsic stains, or stains that affect the deeper layers of the tooth (i.e., the dentin).

Stains caused by trauma to the tooth

Another common type of intrinsic stains that teeth whitening cannot treat are those caused by trauma to the tooth.

Crowns, veneers or other restorations

Teeth whitening will not change the color of crowns, veneers, bridges or other dental work. If you want to lighten your teeth and existing restorations, Dr. Bell will probably need to replace the dental work and match it to your teeth after they have been whitened.

Contact The Center for Dental Excellence

To learn more about how teeth whitening works and whether it could benefit your smile, contact The Center for Dental Excellence. Please call (888) 906-2343 or send us an email today.

What Teeth Whitening Can and Can’t Do (2024)

FAQs

What Teeth Whitening Can and Can’t Do? ›

Yellowing of the teeth caused by the tar and nicotine in tobacco can usually be improved with teeth whitening treatment. However, if the teeth turn gray or brown from smoking, it is less likely they will be noticeably whitened with teeth whitening treatment.

What type of teeth cannot be whitened? ›

If you have a lot of fillings, dental bonding or crowns, you may not be a candidate for dental whitening. This is because restorations will not respond to whitening, and a whitening treatment could result in a very uneven appearance.

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.

What makes you ineligible for teeth whitening? ›

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.

What teeth whitening is not bad for your teeth? ›

Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit. These whitening strips from Crest use the same powerful whitening agents as the company's original kits, but in a less-concentrated formula that is designed to be gentle on sensitive teeth.

What stains cannot be removed from teeth? ›

Intrinsic stains occur on the internal surface of the tooth and cannot be removed by self-care methods.

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.

Who should not have teeth whitening? ›

Your dentist will advise you whether whitening is right for you. It may be that teeth whitening isn't suitable, for example if you have gum disease or crowns.

Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.

How damaging is teeth whitening? ›

Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.” Dr.

Can decayed teeth be whitened? ›

In some cases, the whitening treatments can end up permanently damaging the tooth. Things are even worse if the tooth is already decayed. Whitening treatments are not effective on stains and discoloration caused by tooth decay and it can end up damaging the tooth even more.

How do I know if my teeth can't be whitened? ›

If your enamel is worn or you have internal tooth discoloration due to medications, trauma, or tooth formation issues, teeth whitening will not benefit you. There are better aesthetic solutions for these conditions that your dentist can discuss with you.

Why are my teeth still yellow after whitening? ›

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.

How long will my gums stay white after teeth whitening? ›

Soft tissue or gum irritation caused by teeth whitening gel is considered a chemical burn, very comparable to a sunburn. When a chemical burn occurs, the area becomes mildly sore, turns white, and will eventually flake off. The tissue will return to normalcy within twenty-four hours.

Why are my teeth turning brown after whitening? ›

If teeth are overexposed to the hydrogen peroxide agent in whitening gel, the outer layers of enamel may begin to wear away, exposing the dentin and soft inner tissues. This results in lasting sensitivity and discoloration, as dentin is a naturally darker color than enamel.

How long does it take to recover from teeth whitening? ›

Further, your gums may sting or appear slightly discolored for a few hours after the treatment. But, there is no need to get panic. This discomfort will disappear shortly, and you will get healed in 1-2 days following the Teeth Whitening Treatment in Pasadena.

Why do my teeth look grey after whitening? ›

Why Did Your Tooth Turn Gray After Whitening It? There are several things to consider: It may be that your tooth was damaged before you applied the whitening gel to it, and it became irritated afterward. The problem might stem from the whitening gel.

Who is a bad 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 is the bad side of teeth whitening? ›

The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.

Is dentist teeth whitening worth it? ›

As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

Can badly stained teeth be whitened? ›

Natural discoloration due to eating certain foods and drinks (blueberries and coffee, for example) is known as extrinsic staining because the stain is only on the surface level of your teeth. These stains are easily removed with teeth whitening procedures or over-the-counter products that whiten and strengthen enamel.

Are some teeth impossible to whiten? ›

If you have gray teeth or internal stains, dental whitening may not be an option. People who have had the antibiotic tetracycline or too much fluoride as a child may have gray stains that are impossible to remove with tooth whitening. People who have had root canal therapy may also have gray teeth.

Can all teeth be professionally whitened? ›

Professional teeth whitening, such as the strips or trays, only work on natural teeth. If you have crowns, fillings, composite bonding or veneers, these parts of teeth won't whiten along with your natural teeth and will need to be treated separately.

Why can't I get my teeth whitened? ›

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.

Can everyone teeth be whitened? ›

Tooth-whitening works best for people with yellow teeth and is less effective for people with brown teeth. If your teeth are gray or purple, tooth bleaching probably won't work at all. To be sure tooth-whitening is worth your time and money, talk to your dentist before you use an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit.

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