Teeth whitening doesn't work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.
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.
People with healthy teeth and gums are typically good candidates for teeth whitening. Gum disease, multiple restorations, and extensive decay disqualify individuals from this cosmetic procedure.
People with gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, or exposed roots should not get teeth whitening. Whitening agents can cause irritation and exacerbate existing dental issues. It's crucial to address these dental health problems first before considering any cosmetic treatments.
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.
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.
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.
Your teeth won't brighten significantly if you have grayish teeth due to antibiotics or brownish teeth due to overexposure to fluoride. People with brownish and grayish teeth may want to consider porcelain veneers to achieve their smile goals. Teeth whitening isn't effective on teeth with plaque and bacterial deposits.
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.
In the case of an allergy to peroxide, do not use whitening products, as peroxide is often the whitening agent. Dental restorations—which include (but are not limited to) crowns, veneers, and bridges—do not respond to whitening products. If you whiten with restorations, the results will be uneven.
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!
Having tooth decay does not automatically disqualify a patient from getting teeth whitening treatments. It simply means the dentist needs to address the cavities and decay before proceeding with whitening the patient's teeth.
Out-of-Pocket Payment: In most cases, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance, whether in-network or out-of-network. As a result, you should anticipate paying for the procedure out of pocket.
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.
In California, the cost of porcelain veneers ranges from $20,000 to $70,000. This price may be influenced by the high demand for cosmetic dentistry and the overall cost of living. In other US states like Colorado, Connecticut, and Delaware, the average cost is between $12,000 and $20,000.
Intrinsic stains occur on the internal surface of the tooth and cannot be removed by self-care methods.
Yet, if your teeth stains are underneath the enamel of your teeth, known as intrinsic (internal) discoloration, then the bleaching agent won't be able to remove them.
Teeth whitening can be safe for senior citizens, including those in their 70s, as long as their overall health is good and their dentist gives them the green signal to move forward. There are some considerations that you must factor in before undergoing a teeth whitening procedure at such an advanced stage.
Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent used to remove stains from teeth. But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results.
Whitening is not recommended for people who experience chronic sensitivity, periodontal disease, oral cancer, or excessively worn and damaged enamel. Teeth that appear translucent may worsen with each whitening application and should be discontinued upon notice.
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.
Damaged Enamel
If your teeth continue to turn yellow despite having them whitened, enamel degradation could be the culprit.
The natural color of teeth can vary due to various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. Some individuals naturally have teeth that are darker or have a yellowish tint. These teeth may have a denser enamel layer or more pigmented dentin, making them more resistant to whitening treatments.
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.
If your teeth and gums aren't in the best shape or if you've had a lot of previous dental work, both issues can affect your results with traditional teeth whitening treatments. You won't be able to whiten either porcelain crowns or most commonly used dental bonding materials.