Teeth whitening is a popular way to brighten smiles and rid teeth of unwanted stains, and it can be done either at home or by a dentist near you. It is not uncommon for teeth to appear uneven after teeth whitening in Winnipeg. In this article, our team at Garden City Dental Centre discusses the steps that you need to take if you notice a large difference in color across your smile after whitening your teeth.
What Causes Uneven Color After Teeth Whitening?
Here are a couple of reasons why your teeth may appear patchy after undergoing teeth whitening near you:
- A lot of the time, the edges of your teeth respond more quickly to bleaching than the inner areas since the bleach can penetrate the enamel more rapidly. The center of your tooth has more enamel than the outside, so it takes longer to show results.
- Some teeth may appear to be whiter than others because each tooth responds differently to bleaching. The composition and structure of teeth affect how they react to bleaching. For example, teeth that have less calcium will whiten much faster.
In the majority of cases, the color of your teeth will even out over time. This can take anywhere from three to ten days.
How to Prevent Uneven and Patchy Results
While some patchiness cannot be helped, there are some things you can do to maintain the brightness of your smile:
After you get your teeth whitened at a dental clinic in Winnipeg, you should take some extra precautions to prevent staining. Bleaching makes your enamel more porous, so you should avoid dark substances such as red wine and coffee for the first couple of days after your treatment. If you do end up drinking or eating anything that could stain your teeth, try to avoid letting it come into contact with the surface of your teeth. For example, you could drink iced coffee with a straw and rinse your mouth afterward.
If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, then opt for professional whitening trays provided by a dentist. These trays are custom-made for your smile and can ensure that you end up with smooth results. If you opt for an over-the-counter option, such as whitening gels or strips, they will not be able to cover the entirety of your tooth and can lead to patchy results.
Ensure that you follow your dentist’s instructions before, during, and after your teeth whitening procedure. Remember that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution for brighter teeth because lifestyle choices and diet can cause your teeth to stain again. If you want to maintain a bright, white smile permanently, then you will need to maintain your teeth with touch-up appointments every six months.
Interested in Teeth Whitening Near You?
If you would like to find out more about teeth whitening and determine if you are a good candidate for this cosmetic procedure, please contact our team of dental professionals at Garden City Dental Center. We are happy to provide you with professional teeth whitening to help you show off a radiant smile and answer any questions or concerns you may have concerning the treatment. Please contact us to book your appointment today!
FAQs
Post-Whitening Dehydration
Why do my teeth go patchy when I whiten them? ›
Here are a couple of reasons why your teeth may appear patchy after undergoing teeth whitening near you: A lot of the time, the edges of your teeth respond more quickly to bleaching than the inner areas since the bleach can penetrate the enamel more rapidly.
Why did whitening strips make my teeth splotchy? ›
Noticing white spots on the surface of your teeth after a whitening treatment is caused by hypo-calcification. Teeth whitening does not cause white spots on your teeth; however, tooth whitening treatments can make already present spots more visible.
How do you get rid of patchy teeth whitening? ›
Treatment options for white lines or spots that don't go away. White lines or spots that are not caused by dehydration do happen, and to get rid of them, you'll need to visit a cosmetic dentist. A consultation appointment is necessary but typical treatment options include dental bonding and dental veneers.
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.
Why aren t my teeth whitening evenly? ›
Choosing to forgo a custom-made teeth whitening tray provided by a dentist near you and choosing an over-the-counter product instead can result in disappointing results and spilled whitening solution. A customized tray will fit perfectly in your mouth, ensuring that you get even and stunning results.
Why didn't my teeth whitening work? ›
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.
How long does it take for teeth pores to close after whitening? ›
The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.
Why is only half my tooth whitening? ›
It is advisable to see your dentist, who will check what the issue may be. Usually, the first thing to try is continuing with the whitening. Usually, you just need an extra syringe or two of gel to achieve a good result. The other check the dentist will make at this stage is the fit of your whitening trays.
Do teeth go back to normal after whitening? ›
After the treatment, it is natural for teeth' color to regress somewhat over time. This is normal and should be gradual, but it can be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents, such as coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, colas, citrus drinks, fruits, etc.
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.
What teeth cannot be whitened? ›
If your teeth have any signs of decay or worn enamel, then you may also experience sensitivity if you undertake treatment. Additionally, you should note that if you have crowns or veneers, then these will not be whitened by the teeth whitening process.
Why aren't white strips working? ›
Teeth Are Not Clean
The chemicals break down the stain molecules that cause teeth to darken. Plaque buildup can block these whitening chemicals from reaching the stained teeth. Schedule a dental cleaning appointment first before using teeth whitening strips. This can prepare your teeth well for the whitening process.
Is it normal for teeth to whiten unevenly? ›
Uneven Whitening
The consistency with which whitening strips cover your teeth could cause differences in the shade of your smile. Some patches may stand out as yellower in comparison to the brighter parts if they undergo less whitening treatment.
How do you fix blotchy teeth? ›
If, however, you're bothered by the appearance of your teeth, there are interventions. Be forewarned, they're not always easy. The three favorable methods to correct fluorosis involve a bit of work and cost, but they can be successful. They are dental bonding, veneers, and deep whitening.
How to get teeth evenly white? ›
Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
- Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating 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.
