Post Teeth Whitening Expectations
Have you ever purchased a tooth-whitening product only to find out it did not make your teeth any whiter? It is possible the product is not as effective as others however the possibility exist that it did work, but your expectations were unrealistic.
Unrealistic personal expectations post teeth whitening along with disregard to follow direction are the main reasons for less than satisfactory tooth whitening results. Given that someone is following the directions, they will get results at some level. Almost anyone with healthy permanent teeth is a candidate of tooth whitening; however consulting with the dentist first is always encouraged. Understand that the maximum shade of white varies per person. Final results reflect the individual’s natural tooth color.
No two teeth are naturally colored the same. Some are fortunate to have naturally bright white teeth while others have a naturally off-white or even yellowish tone.
Teeth whitening will NOT alter the natural color of the tooth, it will however remove all stains and restore the tooth to its natural color when used properly.
The duration and frequency of applications required depend on how stubborn the stain is, how long the stain has been there, and the type of stain. The only way to fully remove all stains is either having it done in office or using custom fitted teeth whitening trays with a carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide based bleaching agent.
Whitening products are designed to release a chemical into tooth enamel and set off a reaction. This reaction allows the chemical to bleach the tooth during the process of oxygenation and diffusion. The oxygenation process causes breakdown of the stain and removal of the debris via diffusion. This process starts on the surface of the tooth and cycles deeper into the tooth tissue. Result of action reflects concentration and time. The longer the stain has been there, the deeper in the tissue the whitening has to diffuse.
A change in two or three shades can make a difference in just about any one’s smile. On average, people typically see a difference of two to seven shades. If you are unhappy with whitening results, did you follow the directions? Are you allowing the tooth to rehydrate before re-staining it? 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.
Whitening is a chemistry proven to work. Just like anything else, if the directions are not followed, the product cannot be expected to produce results.
The most efficient and cost effective whitening method includes custom fitted whitening trays which are designed to keep the oxygen from escaping, increasing exposure time to the bleaching agent. Due to the chemistry it is impossible for this product not to work. These trays can be worn any time of the day as they are barely visible and do not impair speech!
Erin Stelbrink
Erin Stelbrink is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 11+ years of experience as a licensed hygienist and oral health care professional. She holds a passion for researching and acquiring awareness of the latest technologies and methods for providing valuable health care service and clinical treatment. Have more questions? Email Erin at [emailprotected]
FAQs
Are you allowing the tooth to rehydrate before re-staining it? 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 don't my teeth look whiter after whitening? ›
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.
Why are my teeth not responding to whitening? ›
These teeth may have a denser enamel layer or more pigmented dentin, making them more resistant to whitening treatments. Teeth with a thicker enamel layer tend to respond better to whitening methods because the enamel acts as a barrier, allowing the whitening agents to penetrate more effectively.
Why hasn't my teeth whitening worked? ›
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 do my teeth still look 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.
Why won't my teeth whiten no matter what I do? ›
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.
Why do my teeth look dull 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.
Does teeth whitening not work for some people? ›
Tooth Whitening doesn't work for everyone, but unfortunately, some people don't care and will continually whiten their teeth to the point of enamel damage.
Why aren't my teeth going white? ›
Everyone's teeth get a little duller with age because the outer enamel layer thins out over time. Beneath this white enamel layer is dentin, which is yellowish. Additionally, this yellow dentin grows thicker as you age, making your teeth look more yellow or duller every year.
Do all teeth respond to whitening? ›
If your teeth are yellow, they may respond best to bleaching, while brown or grey teeth may not. If your teeth are striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, they may not react or whiten evenly even when bleached.
You Have Too Many Dental Restorations
Dental repairs, such as crowns or veneers, don't respond to tooth whitening products. If you have any of these rebuildings, particularly in your front teeth, they will not bleach with whitening products.
How can I make my teeth whitening more effective? ›
Get a Thorough Dental Cleaning Beforehand
A deep clean that removes excess plaque and surface stains will create a more direct route for our teeth whitening solution, so you get better results faster.
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.
Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home.
Why are my teeth more stained after whitening? ›
[6] There may be a loss of organic components from bleached enamel and dentin surfaces. Changes in the microstructure of teeth may be partly due to the loss or denaturing of protein,[7] and these alterations may facilitate the recurrence of extrinsic staining.
Do teeth continue to whiten after teeth whitening? ›
Some people respond very well and teeth can get up to 3-4 shades lighter after just 5-7days of bleaching or up to 5 shades whiter with one ZOOM in office treatment. Others may not notice as much change. Your teeth will continue to lighten for a couple of days even after you stop a whitening session.
How long does it take for teeth to get white after whitening? ›
Teeth should appear whiter in about 10-14 days if used as directed. Using a dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste can work to brighten your smile, but the results may be less noticeable and it can take some time – usually about two to six weeks – if used twice a day. However, this is the most affordable option.
How do I know if my teeth can't be whitened? ›
Tooth discoloration caused by medication, health conditions, or lost enamel may not respond well (or at all) to whitening treatments. On the other hand, stains from lifestyle and diet tend to respond well, but very heavy staining may require intensive whitening or other treatments to get the results you want.
How can I maximize my teeth whitening results? ›
For maximum results, you should brush your teeth after every meal, and floss every day. If you find it challenging to brush your teeth after every meal, try to make sure you do so twice a day. Use a whitening toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
