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.
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.
It could be due to the effect of the bleaching agent on gum tissue. The strips are messy, slip around and invariably slide onto gum tissue. Also one can't help but swallow some of the bleaching agent which is not healthy for the body. It is not because overuse would be harmful to teeth.
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.
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.
A common question we encounter is, "Why don't whitening strips cover all teeth?" The answer lies in the design and application of these strips. Whitening strips don't cover all teeth because they are primarily designed to whiten the front, most visible teeth, ensuring ease of application and comfort.
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.
A lot of the time, the edges of your teeth respond more quickly to bleaching than the inner areas since the bleach can penetrate the enamel more rapidly. The center of your tooth has more enamel than the outside, so it takes longer to show results.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:
Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.
Use the longer strip for your top teeth and the shorter strip for your bottom 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.
While some claim oil pulling can whiten teeth, scientific evidence is limited. It might help improve oral health but may not be the best whitening solution.
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.
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.
Whitening strips often contain peroxide-based chemicals to eliminate enamel stains, which may lead to temporary irritation and redness of the gums. This redness creates a visual contrast that can make the teeth seem more yellow.
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.
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.
While it may be tempting to brush immediately after using whitening strips for a fresh feeling in your mouth, it's best to wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. Remember that proper usage and timing are key factors in achieving a brighter smile safely and effectively!
A3: The time it takes for teeth to remineralize depends on various factors, including the extent of demineralization, oral hygiene practices, and diet. It can take a few weeks to several months to notice signs of remineralization.