Do whitening strips only whiten the front?

Author: Dr. Jose Koepp III  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

Whitening Strips Only Cover the Front Teeth While that might be enough for some, those of us with big toothy smiles might require more coverage. When you see a dentist for teeth whitening, they will treat all your teeth the same.

Does teeth whitening only whiten front teeth?

Teeth whitening will whiten your teeth. However, it whitens your teeth uniformly. If you whiten all of them, the white spots will get whiter along with the remainder of your teeth and they will still be different colors. The good news is there is a way you can whiten all your teeth except the two in the front.

Do whitening strips whiten back teeth?

Whitening strips don't cover all teeth because they are primarily designed to whiten the front, most visible teeth, ensuring ease of application and comfort. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of teeth whitening strips, examining their composition, application methods, and effectiveness.

Why are my teeth not whitening with whitening strips?

Too much plaque and tartar

Plaque is a sticky substance created by the bacteria in your mouth. Brushing and flossing removes plaque from your teeth. If you don't brush your teeth before applying the whitening strips, the sticky plaque may block the stain-fighting chemicals from reaching your teeth.

Why is only the bottom of my teeth whitening?

The most common cause of uneven color after teeth whitening is the uneven application of products used. This can happen with the bleaching gel at your professional dentist and the peroxide solution in your at-home teeth whitening kits. In some cases, this can be a fault of the product.

How Teeth Whitening At The Dentist Works...And Is It Worth It? Orthodontist Reacts!

Do whitening strips work on bottom teeth?

Whitening strips use an active ingredient that's usually hydrogen peroxide or some sort of bleach. These ingredients are effective at removing surface stains from teeth. Patients will apply sticky strips coated with the active ingredient to their upper and lower teeth for a predetermined amount of time.

What teeth won't whiten?

Here are some top reasons why your teeth whitening treatment is not successful:
  • Your Teeth Aren't Clean. ...
  • You Have Too Many Dental Restorations. ...
  • You Have Intrinsic Stains. ...
  • You Need a Professional-Grade Product.

Do whitening strips only whiten the front of your teeth?

Whitening Strips Only Cover the Front Teeth

While that might be enough for some, those of us with big toothy smiles might require more coverage. When you see a dentist for teeth whitening, they will treat all your teeth the same.

Why are my teeth still yellow after whitening strips?

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 to tell if whitening strips are working?

However, after a few days, many people who use Crest 3D White Whitestrips can already see a brighter difference in their smile. Friends or family may also begin to comment on the change! You can also see the result by looking at your back teeth.

Should I brush after whitening strips?

Brushing too soon could potentially damage this delicate layer and lead to tooth sensitivity or even enamel erosion over time. To strike a balance between these perspectives, dentists often recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after using whitening strips.

How long do your teeth stay white after using crest white strips?

With that said, Crest 3D Whitestrips will whiten teeth for at least six to 12 months, so we recommend using Whitestrips twice per year to maintain a whiter smile. If you feel you are not seeing desired results, we suggest trying Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects or consulting a dentist.

Do whitening strips work better on dirty teeth?

Clean Surface for Better Adhesion: Brushing your teeth before applying whitening strips ensures that your teeth are clean, providing a better surface for the strips to adhere to. This can enhance the effectiveness of the whitening treatment.

What are the disadvantages of teeth whitening?

What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.

Can really yellow teeth be whitened?

There are two ways that yellow teeth can be whitened: mechanical whitening methods and chemical whitening methods. Mechanical whitening methods include brushing with whitening toothpastes that include whitening agents that work as abrasives to polish away surface stains.

How can I realistically whiten my teeth?

The following strategies may help whiten teeth:
  1. Making dietary changes. Eliminating foods that mark the teeth can prevent further staining. ...
  2. Trying oil pulling. ...
  3. Brushing with baking soda. ...
  4. Using hydrogen peroxide. ...
  5. Whitening with fruit. ...
  6. Chewing high fiber foods.

What happens if I leave a teeth whitening strip on for too long?

You might be tempted to leave whitening strips on your teeth for a little longer, but this will increase the risk and severity of side effects like sensitivity and gum irritation. In some cases, overuse of whitening strips has even led to chemical burns on the gums.

Why are my teeth so transparent after whitening strips?

The same goes for improper or excessive teeth whitening treatments. While these methods aim to brighten your smile, they can thin your enamel, leading to a translucent appearance.

Why aren't my teeth getting whiter with whitening strips?

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.

Do I use crest 3D white strips every day?

The strips are applied to upper and lower teeth, once a day, for up to 30 minutes. Depending on the specific Crest 3D White Whitestrips product chosen, strips should be applied daily for anywhere from 10 to 20 consecutive days.

Is oil pulling better than whitening strips?

While some claim oil pulling can whiten teeth, scientific evidence is limited. It might help improve oral health but may not be the best whitening solution.

What whitens teeth really fast?

The best way to whiten your teeth fast is through professional teeth whitening treatments at your dentist's office. These treatments use high concentrations of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth quickly and effectively.

Do banana peels whiten teeth?

Banana peels don't do anything to whiten your teeth. Many articles recommend rubbing the peel against your teeth for a few minutes. While this could scrub off some surface stains, it's no more effective than brushing your teeth. Banana peels have no special whitening properties.

What color makes your teeth look the whitest?

Make your teeth look whiter – Darker shades like royal/navy blue, purple, and even black can make the color of your teeth appear whiter. Even so, be aware that colors like dark green and brown can look like food.

Previous article
Is overhead press enough for big shoulders?
Next article
How to melt stubborn belly fat?