Why are my teeth not white after bleaching?

Author: Prof. Heidi Frami MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Intrinsic Stains They can be caused by factors like trauma, excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development, or certain medications. Since teeth whitening treatments primarily target the outer layer of the teeth, they may have limited effectiveness in removing these deeper stains.

Why are my teeth still yellow after teeth 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 is my teeth whitening bleach not working?

In general, teeth whitening won't work if the stains go deeper than the chosen whitening method can penetrate. Several methods of teeth whitening that are available for home use only clean or bleach the surface of the teeth. Even some professional whitening methods won't reach the deepest stains.

How long does it take for teeth to whiten after bleaching?

We can usually complete an in-office treatment in one or two visits and produce results within a matter of hours. Over the counter and in home teeth-whitening kits tend to take at least a month of wearing mouthpieces every night before they start to have an effect.

How do you whiten teeth that won't whiten?

Here are six ways for you to naturally whiten your teeth without the use of any harmful chemicals:
  1. First things first, brush your teeth regularly: ...
  2. Oil pulling: ...
  3. Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste: ...
  4. Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels: ...
  5. Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables: ...
  6. Go to the dentist:

Teeth Whitening SIDE EFFECTS

Why are my teeth not getting whiter with whitening?

Here are some reasons why your teeth are not whitening like you had hoped for: 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.

What is the most powerful way to whiten teeth?

Dentists can treat you with 6% hydrogen peroxide (the bleaching agent that whitens teeth) – this is nearly 6,000 times stronger than any over-the-counter tooth whitening product. Because of this, tooth whitening by a dentist will give you the very best results.

Do I brush teeth after bleaching?

Typically, dentists recommend not brushing your teeth for the first 24 hours after the whitening procedure. There are several points to remember: Brushing your teeth too soon after whitening can damage sensitive teeth enamel.

How do girls get their teeth so white?

The most common approach dentists use for brightening teeth is professional teeth whitening. It entails bleaching teeth enamel to remove surface and intrinsic stains.

Why are my teeth not white after professional 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.

What teeth cannot be whitened?

Teeth that have yellowed with age

Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.

Why hasn't my teeth whitening worked?

Poor Oral Health and Habits. 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.

How to fix patchy teeth whitening?

To fix patchy teeth whitening, you can perform spot treatments with a pumice stone and hydrochloric acid. However, you'll want to check with your dentist before taking action. Patchy teeth whitening can be caused by several of these, with dehydration of your tooth enamel's surface being one of them.

Can yellow teeth ever be white again?

Absolutely, yellow teeth can become white again! You will be glad to know that there are two ways to achieve this: At-home remedies. Professional dental treatments.

How long does it take for teeth to rehydrate after whitening?

How long does it take for teeth to rehydrate after whitening? Teeth typically rehydrate within 24 to 48 hours after whitening, though some individuals may take longer depending on their oral health and hydration levels.

Why isn't whitening teeth permanent?

While whitening produces immediate changes, they aren't going to last forever. Your enamel remains porous, and the foods and drinks you consume deposit stains in your teeth.

What do professionals use to whiten teeth?

The solution typically includes either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent. Some providers use a curing light or laser to speed up the activation of the peroxide. Once applied, the solution is left on the teeth for 30 to 60 minutes. Your provider will rinse your teeth after 30 to 60 minutes.

Do crest white strips work?

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!

What shouldn't you do after teeth whitening?

To avoid this from happening, stay away from the following ten foods and beverages for at least the first 48 hours after treatment.
  • Teas and Coffee. ...
  • Red and White Wines. ...
  • Dark Fruits or Vegetables. ...
  • Sugary Treats. ...
  • Fizzy Soft Drinks. ...
  • Tomatoes and Tomato Sauces. ...
  • Citrus Fruits. ...
  • Fruit and Vegetable Juices.

How long does it take for tooth color to stabilize after bleaching?

When you remove your trays, you may notice that some areas appear whiter, and some appear…well… more yellow. This color discrepancy will slowly stabilize. It may take hours to days. After your final bleaching session, your teeth will slightly rebound, then stabilize after 1-2 weeks.

Should I use crest white strips after brushing?

Rinse thoroughly: After brushing, rinse your mouth with water to remove any lingering toothpaste residue. 5. Wait before applying Whitestrips: It's essential to wait 30 minutes after brushing before applying Whitestrips. Brushing can temporarily weaken your enamel, making it more sensitive.

How do I whiten my teeth ASAP?

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.

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.

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