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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of the common misconceptions about professional teeth whitening is that it works on all teeth, regardless of the type or cause of the discoloration. Although teeth whitening is safe and effective for certain types of stains, it will not work in every situation.
If your teeth still appear yellow after whitening, it might be due to enamel erosion. The enamel is the outer layer of your teeth, and when it wears down, the underlying dentin, which is yellow, becomes more visible. Erosion can happen due to acidic foods, aggressive brushing, or conditions like acid reflux.
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.
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.
Whether you're using commercial whitening strips or an at-home kit from your dentist, most dental professionals recommend touching up every 3-4 months or after every time you have your teeth cleaned. Typically, you only have to wear the kit 3-4 times to “boost” your smile back to its whiter color.
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!
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.
As these agents work to eliminate stains, they also extract moisture from the enamel, causing a temporary loss of water content. This dehydration leaves behind a porous and less mineralized surface, causing white spots on teeth after whitening.
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.
Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.
The best way to naturally whiten teeth is by using baking soda, oil pulling, and maintaining good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and scraping the tongue. Avoiding staining foods and drinks, quitting smoking, and regular dental checkups also help maintain a bright smile.
If your teeth have any signs of decay or worn enamel, then you may also experience sensitivity if you undertake treatment. Additionally, you should note that if you have crowns or veneers, then these will not be whitened by the teeth whitening process.
Damaged Enamel
If your teeth continue to turn yellow despite having them whitened, enamel degradation could be the culprit.
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.
You Have Too Many Dental Restorations
Dental repairs, such as crowns or veneers, don't respond to tooth whitening products. If you have any of these rebuildings, particularly in your front teeth, they will not bleach with whitening products. They were placed to match your tooth color. Bleaching will not damage them.
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.
Another reason that teeth whitening might not work as expected is simply age. As we age, our tooth enamel wears down, and our teeth will appear more yellow in color. This is simply because the dentin becomes more visible, and teeth whitening is unlikely to change this.