Why do whitening strips not cover all my teeth?

Author: Mrs. Lia Wolff V  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

Most whitening strips are not big enough to cover every tooth. They may stop just before your molars. Sometimes, people don't apply them correctly, leaving some areas untouched by the whitening agents. When that happens, some teeth can end up looking whiter than others.

Do whitening strips need to cover the whole tooth?

No matter how careful you are when applying these strips, there will always be teeth that are not fully covered. The portions of the teeth that are not covered will not be as white as other areas. So do not rush through the application process.

Why do whitening strips only whiten part of my teeth?

If your teeth whitening has gone patchy, the reason might be dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is a condition that arises from excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development. Fluoride is naturally found in various sources, including water, toothpaste, and specific dental treatments.

Why are my whitening strips not whitening evenly?

Using teeth whitening strips can whiten your enamel. But if you have many dental restorations, you may experience uneven whitening. Some of your dental stains may also cause this unevenness. You can go to your dentist to update your restorations while you use your teeth whitening strips.

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.

Guy with yellow teeth tests out whitening strips for 20 days (Crest 3D Whitestrips)

How to fix patchy teeth whitening strips?

Use a remineralizing toothpaste or gel

One common treatment is tooth remineralization. This involves the application of remineralizing agents, such as fluoride varnishes or gels, to the affected teeth.

Why wont the top of my teeth whiten?

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 don't whitening strips cover all my teeth?

Most whitening strips are not big enough to cover every tooth. They may stop just before your molars. Sometimes, people don't apply them correctly, leaving some areas untouched by the whitening agents. When that happens, some teeth can end up looking whiter than others.

What is the lawsuit against Crest White Strips?

Procter & Gamble Co. was hit with an infringement lawsuit in federal court in California by Cao Group Inc., which says the consumer supplies giant's Crest 3D Whitestrip products violate its peroxide gel patents. Cao, which launched its Sheer White!

Why do only certain parts of my teeth whiten?

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.

Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips or no?

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.

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.

Does enamel grow back?

Does tooth enamel grow back? No, if your enamel is completely gone, you can't bring it back. But your dentist can place a dental crown over your tooth to protect it from further damage.

What happens if you leave whitening strips on longer than 30 minutes?

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.

Should your teeth be wet or dry when applying whitening strips?

The general rule of thumb is that your teeth should be dry when applying whitening strips. Moisture can interfere with the adhesion of the strips to your teeth, reducing their effectiveness. Before applying the strips, it's crucial to ensure your teeth are clean and completely dry.

What not to do when using whitening strips?

Do not touch your gums with the whitening strips. The whitening agent in whitening strips can be harmful to your gums. Particularly, this agent can damage the soft tissue in your gums, which can lead to a wide array of oral health issues down the road. Apply whitening strips evenly.

Do you rinse your mouth after taking off Crest White Strips?

After removing the whitening strips, it's crucial to rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any residual gel. Take a moment to examine your teeth in the mirror, appreciating the initial results. It's common to notice an immediate improvement in the shade of your teeth, which can be quite satisfying.

What do dentists say about Crest whitening strips?

Are Crest Whitestrips safe? Crest 3D Glamorous Whitestrips is approved by the American Dental Association, and are considered safe when used occasionally and in moderation. If used incorrectly or too frequently, this product may cause damage to your gums and teeth.

What happens if you overuse Crest whitening strips?

In the short term, you might experience heightened tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Over time, excessive use can lead to enamel erosion, which not only compromises the strength of your teeth but can also lead to more severe dental issues.

Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening strips?

In order to eliminate stains from the enamel, whitening strips often contain peroxide-based whitening chemicals. They may irritate the gums during this process, resulting in momentary redness and inflammation. This redness can create a visual contrast that makes your teeth look more yellow in comparison.

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.

Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening?

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!

Why aren't teeth whitening strips working?

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.

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.

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