If you've tried over-the-counter products but still aren't getting the desired results, consider professional whitening procedures or alternative solutions such as veneers or crowns. We're confident that with the right approach, you'll be able to get your teeth looking as white and bright as ever!
What Are Your Options When Teeth Whitening Does Not Work? When teeth whitening does not work on stains or spots, an advanced cosmetic dentist can improve them with microabrasion, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers. The treatment a cosmetic dentist recommends depends on the type and severity of the stains or spots.
Teeth whitening treatments work best on healthy teeth and gums. If you have underlying dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or enamel erosion, it can affect the effectiveness and safety of whitening treatments.
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.
Reasons for Stubborn Tooth Discoloration
Intrinsic stains: Intrinsic stains are stains that occur inside the tooth, often due to genetics, medication use, or trauma. These stains are harder to remove with traditional teeth whitening treatments.
Damaged Enamel
If your teeth continue to turn yellow despite having them whitened, enamel degradation could be the culprit.
Genetics – Genetics can cause some teeth to have a darker color naturally and to be more resistant to whitening. Dental Restorations – Restorative dental work, like crowns, areas with dental bonding, and fillings, won't respond to teeth whitening treatments in the same way as natural enamel.
If used over time and without the aid of a professional cosmetic dentist, this treatment could cause tooth sensitivity and at times pain. The worst part for these patients is that by affecting the enamel and causing teeth to become more sensitive overall, the teeth are then primed to become even more stained over time!
The Link Between vitamin D Deficiency and Yellow Teeth
Increased Susceptibility to Cavities: Weak enamel due to insufficient calcium absorption increases the risk of cavities. Decayed areas can appear yellow or brown, contributing to an overall discolored smile.
Regular ingestion of berries, coffee, red wine, and cola can all cause teeth staining. Sometimes, even prescription medications and fluoride can cause staining. Even if you brush your teeth daily, your teeth will likely stain over time if you regularly consume dark-colored substances.
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.
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.
Brush off the stains with Baking Soda
It is an inexpensive and easy home remedy for teeth whitening. To use this home remedy: Add a few drops of water to baking soda until you form a paste. Apply the mixture to the toothbrush bristles and brush as usual for about two minutes.
Age Considerations
As we age, our teeth naturally become darker due to wear and tear. While teeth whitening can be effective at almost any age, younger teeth typically respond better to whitening treatments.
As well as offering long-lasting results, treatment options are both minimally invasive and practical. With products such as White Dental Beauty's 6% Hydrogen Peroxide whitening gel now available, teeth can be whitened from as little as 30 minutes a day.
If you're just swishing (or rubbing) it around for a couple of minutes, it isn't going to penetrate your teeth and make them whiter. The teeth whitening gel that your dentist uses may have concentrations of hydrogen peroxide between 10-40%, depending on the brand, ingredients, and what your specific teeth need.
Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine. These substances get into the enamel of your teeth and can cause long-term discoloration. Smoking: Smoking is one of the top causes of yellow or brown teeth, and stains from smoking can be stubborn.
The rachitic tooth. The phenotype of the rachitic tooth results from developmental and mineralization defects both direct and indirect in nature. Inactivating mutations in genes including PHEX, DMP1, FAM20C, and ENPP1 increase FGF23 due to local alterations in bone matrix mineralization or signaling effects on cells.
Teeth that have yellowed with age
Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.
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.
While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth!
Teeth whitening doesn't work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.
Seniors can absolutely whiten their teeth. We can help determine whether you're a good candidate for whitening, and which method is best for you based on your dental health, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals.
Avoidable tooth discoloration causes include: Dark-colored foods and beverages. Things like coffee, tea, berries, red wine and soy sauce can stain your teeth over time. Smoking and other tobacco use.