Post Teeth Whitening Expectations
Have you ever purchased a tooth-whitening product only to find out it did not make your teeth any whiter? It is possible the product is not as effective as others however the possibility exist that it did work, but your expectations were unrealistic.
Unrealistic personal expectations post teeth whitening along with disregard to follow direction are the main reasons for less than satisfactory tooth whitening results. Given that someone is following the directions, they will get results at some level. Almost anyone with healthy permanent teeth is a candidate of tooth whitening; however consulting with the dentist first is always encouraged. Understand that the maximum shade of white varies per person. Final results reflect the individual’s natural tooth color.
No two teeth are naturally colored the same. Some are fortunate to have naturally bright white teeth while others have a naturally off-white or even yellowish tone.
Teeth whitening will NOT alter the natural color of the tooth, it will however remove all stains and restore the tooth to its natural color when used properly.
The duration and frequency of applications required depend on how stubborn the stain is, how long the stain has been there, and the type of stain. The only way to fully remove all stains is either having it done in office or using custom fitted teeth whitening trays with a carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide based bleaching agent.
Whitening products are designed to release a chemical into tooth enamel and set off a reaction. This reaction allows the chemical to bleach the tooth during the process of oxygenation and diffusion. The oxygenation process causes breakdown of the stain and removal of the debris via diffusion. This process starts on the surface of the tooth and cycles deeper into the tooth tissue. Result of action reflects concentration and time. The longer the stain has been there, the deeper in the tissue the whitening has to diffuse.
A change in two or three shades can make a difference in just about any one’s smile. On average, people typically see a difference of two to seven shades. If you are unhappy with whitening results, did you follow the directions? Are you allowing the tooth to rehydrate before re-staining it? Darkening or relapse of the tooth shade is expected after whitening. Relapse of shade occurs almost immediately as the freshly whitened dehydrated tooth rehydrates. Repetitive prolonged exposure of the chemical is the only way to achieve optimal results.
Whitening is a chemistry proven to work. Just like anything else, if the directions are not followed, the product cannot be expected to produce results.
The most efficient and cost effective whitening method includes custom fitted whitening trays which are designed to keep the oxygen from escaping, increasing exposure time to the bleaching agent. Due to the chemistry it is impossible for this product not to work. These trays can be worn any time of the day as they are barely visible and do not impair speech!
Erin Stelbrink
Erin Stelbrink is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 11+ years of experience as a licensed hygienist and oral health care professional. She holds a passion for researching and acquiring awareness of the latest technologies and methods for providing valuable health care service and clinical treatment. Have more questions? Email Erin at [emailprotected]
FAQs
Are you allowing the tooth to rehydrate before re-staining it? Darkening or relapse of the tooth shade is expected after whitening. Relapse of shade occurs almost immediately as the freshly whitened dehydrated tooth rehydrates. Repetitive prolonged exposure of the chemical is the only way to achieve optimal results.
Why don't my teeth look whiter after whitening? ›
Bleaching gel strength – If you use bleaching gel to whiten your teeth, the contents may not be potent enough. Dentists use bleaching gel that contains carbamide peroxide. A dentist can determine the strength of the bleaching gel you need to remove embedded stains.
Why won't my teeth whiten after whitening? ›
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 is my teeth whitening not white enough? ›
Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.
Why don t my teeth respond to whitening? ›
Intrinsic stains happen within the inner portion of the tooth. They can happen from overuse of fluoride, certain medications, or dental damage. They can frequently lead to a greyish look of the tooth. These stains do not react to whitening treatments, no matter how much effort you give.
Why do my teeth still look yellow after 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.
Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening gel? ›
Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.
How to get the best results from teeth whitening? ›
During the entire process of whitening, we sometimes advise to change your diet and avoid tooth staining foodstuffs such as tea, coffee, red wine and curry. Avoid smoking if possible. Maintain good oral hygiene. Tooth surfaces close to your gums might take longer to whiten; however, you shouldn't worry too much.
Can teeth whitening fail? ›
Whitening Trays That Don't Cut the Mustard
When gel and saliva mix your whitening can get weaker, look splotchy, and even fail completely! Whitening kits you buy at the store aren't made for your particular mouth – they're one size fits all, and you know what that means: they don't really fit anyone!
How many shades whiter after teeth whitening? ›
A professional teeth whitening treatment is the most effective way to get your teeth shades whiter. The treatment can get your teeth between 8 to 15 shades whiter. This is the benefit that you can get in just one treatment.
Teeth should appear whiter in about 10-14 days if used as directed. Using a dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste can work to brighten your smile, but the results may be less noticeable and it can take some time – usually about two to six weeks – if used twice a day. However, this is the most affordable option.
How can I maximize my teeth whitening results? ›
For maximum results, you should brush your teeth after every meal, and floss every day. If you find it challenging to brush your teeth after every meal, try to make sure you do so twice a day. Use a whitening toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
