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.
Genetics may also play a role in how effective teeth whitening treatments are. Some people have naturally brighter and whiter teeth than others, and no amount of whitening treatment can change that. Age-related stains may also be more difficult to remove, as the enamel of your teeth gets thinner with age.
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.
Everyone's teeth get a little duller with age because the outer enamel layer thins out over time. Beneath this white enamel layer is dentin, which is yellowish. Additionally, this yellow dentin grows thicker as you age, making your teeth look more yellow or duller every year.
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.
Damaged Enamel
If your teeth continue to turn yellow despite having them whitened, enamel degradation could be the culprit.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
The best and safest way to whiten your teeth is by using whitening toothpaste, getting professional tooth whitening treatments, or using custom whitening gel trays. These methods are effective and supervised by dental professionals to ensure safety and optimal results.
You may need to enhance your dental hygiene routine. Without a solid dental hygiene routine, you cannot maintain a bright white smile. Not only does inadequate brushing allow for plaque and staining food/beverage particles to remain on your teeth, but it also impacts the health of your teeth and gums.
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!
Brush and floss daily to remove plaque, a major cause of tooth discoloration. Brush your teeth with baking soda. It won't bleach your teeth, but it can remove surface stains. Using a paste of baking soda and salt twice a week can improve tooth whiteness over the long run.
Your Teeth Aren't Clean
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.
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.
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.
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.
But on average, it can start to remove surface stains within just 2 days. However, it may take as long as two to three weeks to notice small noticeable results. Severity of Stains. The time it takes to see results with baking soda depends on the severity and nature of the stains.
Drink More Water
Rinsing your mouth with fluoridated tap water after eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks can help prevent tooth decay and promote remineralization, because water helps to neutralize the acids and help deliver the minerals in your saliva back to your enamel.