Why do my teeth not look white after whitening?

Author: Ignacio Kuphal  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

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 don't my teeth look whiter after whitening?

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.

Why are my teeth not white after bleaching?

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 is my teeth whitening not white enough?

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 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.

How To Prevent Sensitive Teeth After Whitening

How long until yellow teeth turn white?

How Long Does It Take Yellow Teeth To Turn White? If you opt for at-home products like dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice daily, results can be seen in two to six weeks. There are many types of whitening toothpaste, and their effects can vary.

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.

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.

How white should my teeth be after whitening?

How white will my teeth get after in-office teeth whitening? After the 30-60 minutes treatment, your teeth whitening may vary: from 10 to 15 shades whiter, to 2 to 5 shades lighter.

Why won't my teeth whiten no matter what I do?

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.

What teeth cannot be whitened?

Teeth that have yellowed with age

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

Why do my teeth look grey after whitening?

Why Did Your Tooth Turn Gray After Whitening It? There are several things to consider: It may be that your tooth was damaged before you applied the whitening gel to it, and it became irritated afterward. The problem might stem from the whitening gel.

Why don t my teeth respond to whitening?

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.

Why is my teeth whitening not working?

11 Reasons Why Teeth Whitening Does Not Work For You1.1 Types Of Stains Or Spots1.2 Product Type1.3 Bleaching Gel Strength1.4 Unclean Teeth1.5 Dental Restorations1.6 Broken Fillings & Cavities1.7 Lack Of Connection With The Whitening Agent.

Why do my teeth look clear after whitening?

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.

What do dehydrated teeth look like?

Dehydrated teeth appear white and chalky. You'll notice this more if you're a mouth breather or have a cold. It's why you may get a white spot on a tooth overnight.

What is the fastest way to whiten your teeth?

The fastest and best way to whiten teeth at home is by using professional whitening gel trays. These custom trays offer the best results at a lower cost than professional treatments, with minimal risk of sensitivity or gum damage. They provide long-lasting and sustainable whitening effects when used correctly.

How do celebrities teeth look so white?

The secret lies in a combination of professional treatments and at-home care. These could include professional teeth whitening treatments, porcelain veneers, over-the-counter whitening products, etc. At Bedford Dental Group, we offer teeth whitening services to help you achieve a celebrity-worthy smile.

What lip color makes teeth look whiter?

Generally speaking though, light colored lipsticks don't provide enough contrast to your teeth to make them appear whiter. Berry and plum colored lipsticks are a great choice, since they help brighten your pearly whites by providing a contrast to the light color of your teeth.

What color stains teeth the most?

Here Are the Drinks Most Likely to Mark Your Teeth:
  • Colored Sports. Drinks While many people don't think of sports drinks as staining, they do have the potential. ...
  • Red Wine. The dark purple color comes from having many chromogens. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Soda. ...
  • The Biggest Offender- Black Tea.

Why do my teeth look dull after whitening?

Right after whitening, your teeth might go through a phase where they're a bit dehydrated, making them look duller. Think of it as a temporary guest at your smile party, one that'll soon take its leave.

How can I rebuild my enamel and whiten my teeth?

Effective Ways to Make Your Teeth Stronger and Whiter
  1. Eat calcium-rich foods. ...
  2. Drink water instead of soda or juice. ...
  3. Brush with an enamel-strengthening toothpaste. ...
  4. Reduce foods and drinks that stain enamel. ...
  5. Eat a balanced diet. ...
  6. Get plenty of fluoride. ...
  7. Avoid DIY whitening remedies. ...
  8. Don't forget about the rest of your mouth.

What if I am not satisfied with teeth whitening?

Schedule a Follow-Up Consultation and Treatment

If your last whitening treatment didn't provide the desired results, a follow-up session may be all you need. In-office treatments like KöR® Teeth Whitening can be repeated after a few weeks, provided your teeth are healthy enough for a touch-up treatment.

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