FAQs
You may be able to benefit from professionally applied clinical bleaching solutions containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
What to do if teeth whitening doesn't work? ›
What Are Your Options When Teeth Whitening Does Not Work? When teeth whitening does not work on stains or spots, an advanced cosmetic dentist can improve them with microabrasion, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers. The treatment a cosmetic dentist recommends depends on the type and severity of the stains or spots.
Why won't my teeth whiten no matter what? ›
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.
Are there teeth that can't be whitened? ›
Yet, if your teeth stains are underneath the enamel of your teeth, known as intrinsic (internal) discoloration, then the bleaching agent won't be able to remove them.
What is the most powerful way to whiten teeth? ›
Professional teeth whitening is usually the most effective option, but it is also more expensive than at-home teeth whitening kits. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are typically safe and effective, but they may take longer to produce results than professional teeth whitening treatments.
When can teeth not be whitened? ›
Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product. Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth-whitening procedure.
Is it ever too late to whiten your teeth? ›
No matter how old you are, or how stained your teeth are, there's always something that can be done to whiten your teeth. We offer three teeth whitening treatments, the most popular of which is the Enlighten combination of in-clinic and at-home treatment which can whiten up to 16 shades lighter in up to three weeks.
Why are my teeth yellow even though I whitened them? ›
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.
Can you whiten teeth with poor enamel? ›
In addition to people with a thinner tooth enamel, pregnant or nursing mothers, patients under age 16 and Monrovia patients with certain oral health conditions, including gum disease, cavities or infections should not undergo professional teeth whitening.
Do some teeth not respond to whitening? ›
The fact is, not all teeth respond to whitening. Furthermore, it is important to understand what whitening products you use can really make all the difference. Let's consider certain things that might keep your teeth whitening treatment from working.
For more stubborn stains, you may need at-home or professional whitening to remove brown stains. For plaque or tartar, you'll likely need to schedule a dental cleaning to remove the brown stains. And if you have tooth decay and cavities, these will need to be treated by your dentist.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
Tooth and gum sensitivity and pain
Store-bought products may contain abrasive substances like hydrogen peroxide, which can be effective if used minimally, but in large doses can cause erosion of teeth's enamel and shrinkage of the gums.
Who is a bad candidate for teeth whitening? ›
People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide.
How can I whiten my teeth ASAP? ›
10 Ways to Whiten Teeth in a Day and Keep Healthy Gums
- Brush with Baking Soda. ...
- Use Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
- Activated Charcoal. ...
- Powdered milk and toothpaste. ...
- Coconut Oil Pulling with Baking soda. ...
- Essential Oils Whitening Toothpaste. ...
- Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste. ...
- Baking Soda and Strawberry Paste.
How can I get 100% white teeth? ›
There are several methods to make teeth whiter, including:
- Brushing regularly.
- Using whitening products at home.
- Avoiding things that stain teeth.
- Getting professional teeth whitening.
- Opting for veneers.
How to whiten teeth over 60? ›
Bleaching Trays
Compared to commercial products, whitening trays from your dentist are stronger and much safer for seniors in particular. As you age, your gums and teeth can become more sensitive. Your dentist can first evaluate your oral health to determine if you are eligible to receive teeth whitening.
Why hasn't my teeth whitening worked? ›
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 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 no results after teeth whitening? ›
Intrinsic Stains
Since teeth whitening treatments primarily target the outer layer of the teeth, they may have limited effectiveness in removing these deeper stains. In such cases, alternative cosmetic dentistry options like dental bonding or veneers may be recommended to improve the appearance of the teeth.
Does teeth whitening not work on some people? ›
If you have gray teeth or internal stains, dental whitening may not be an option. People who have had the antibiotic tetracycline or too much fluoride as a child may have gray stains that are impossible to remove with tooth whitening. People who have had root canal therapy may also have gray teeth.