You’ve just finished a teeth whitening near you with those promising whitening strips you bought from the pharmacy, expecting a brilliant, white smile. However, as you look at your teeth in the mirror, you unexpectedly realize that they now appear more yellow than before. It’s essential to comprehend the potential causes of this before you start to freak out or second-guess the choice you made. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this counterintuitive outcome.
What are Whitening Strips?
A typical over-the-counter dentistry product known as whitening strips is intended to assist in improving the appearance of teeth by lighting their colour. The material used to make these strips is often thin and flexible and is coated in a tooth-whitening gel containing a bleaching chemical, commonly hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
How They Work
The way that whitening strips function is by carefully applying a bleaching substance to the surface of the teeth. By dissolving and releasing oxygen molecules, the peroxide in the gel effectively removes stains and discolouration by penetrating the enamel and dentin of the teeth.
Effectiveness
- Depending on the individuals, strips for teeth whitening in Newmarket may or may not be effective. Deep-seated stains can be removed less successfully than surface stains.
- The level of whitening obtained depends on the bleaching agent’s concentration in the gel and how often you use the strips.
- Results can last for several months, but over time, factors like diet and oral hygiene may cause teeth to regain some of their original color gradually.
Reasons Why Teeth Appear Yellowish After Using Whitening Strips
Initial Sensitivity and Redness
Your teeth may appear yellower after using whitening strips for several reasons, one of which is the initial discomfort and redness they may create. In order to eliminate stains from the enamel, whitening strips often contain peroxide-based whitening chemicals. They may irritate the gums during this process, resulting in momentary redness and inflammation. This redness can create a visual contrast that makes your teeth look more yellow in comparison.
Tip: After using whitening strips, give your gums some time to heal. During this time, stay away from foods and beverages like coffee and red wine that can discolour your teeth.
Dehydration of the Teeth
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.
Tip: Drink water before, during, and after using whitening strips to stay hydrated. Your teeth’ temporary dehydration can be avoided in this way.
Uneven Whitening
Uneven whitening can be another factor contributing to the yellowish look. The consistency with which whitening strips cover your teeth could cause differences in the shade of your smile. Some patches may stand out as yellower in comparison to the brighter parts if they undergo less whitening treatment.
Tip: To reduce the possibility of uneven whitening, make sure you apply the whitening strips evenly to your teeth and carefully follow the directions.
Stain Removal and Tooth Sensitivity
While whitening strips are effective in removing surface stains, intrinsic stains—those that are embedded in the tooth’s structure—may not be completely removed. Intrinsic stains can often be more challenging to remove and may need professional assistance from a dentist in Newmarket. Your teeth may appear more yellow due to the contrast between the deeper intrinsic stains and the whiter surface.
Tip: To learn the cause of intrinsic stains and discuss possible treatments, consult with a dentist.
Colour Perception
Our sense of colour can have a significant impact on how white we think our teeth are. Your teeth could not actually be more yellow; instead, the way they look could be caused by alterations in lighting, the environment, or the colour of your teeth.
Tip: For a more accurate evaluation of your outcomes, take pictures of your teeth in constant lighting both before and after using whitening strips.
Safety Considerations
- When used as instructed, whitening strips are usually considered safe. However, some people might have gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. It is advised to cease using it and see a dentist near you if these problems arise.
- It’s essential to follow the instructions on whitening strips strictly and to stick to the recommended usage duration. Overusing them might cause dental discomfort or damage to the enamel.
Enhance Your Smile with Professional Whitening Treatment
At Keep 28 Dental Centre, we’re committed to giving you a smile that’s more radiant and self-assured. With the help of our professional whitening service, you will see noticeable improvements in the removal of stains and discolouration. You can rely on us to improve your smile securely and effectively due to our skilled team and cutting-edge dental technology. Eliminate your yellowing teeth and welcome a brighter, whiter smile.
Contact us today to schedule your whitening treatment and unlock the full potential of your pearly whites.
FAQs
Your teeth color may lose some of their light shade the week following the procedure. Sometimes, part of the color change is due to dehydration. This regresses with time. As your teeth rehydrate, the color rebounds back to a shade darker than the one observed immediately after treatment.
Why are whitening strips making my teeth more yellow? ›
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 are my teeth still not white after whitening strips? ›
The Contact With the Teeth Is Not Good
Your teeth will only whiten if the whitening agent has good contact with your teeth. Teeth whitening strips often loosen. They cannot hold full contact enough to whiten your teeth. This often leaves untreated areas.
Why are my teeth more stained after whitening? ›
Bleaching makes your enamel more porous, so you should avoid dark substances such as red wine and coffee for the first couple of days after your treatment. If you do end up drinking or eating anything that could stain your teeth, try to avoid letting it come into contact with the surface of your teeth.
How do you know if teeth whitening strips are working? ›
However, after a few days, many people who use Crest 3D White Whitestrips can already see a brighter difference in their smile. Friends or family may also begin to comment on the change! You can also see the result by looking at your back teeth.
Why are my teeth so transparent after whitening strips? ›
Therefore, if the enamel wears away, this makes the edges are translucent. Few people believe that when you put teeth whitening strips or trays in your mouth for a long time than required, it can lead to the erosion of your tooth enamel, and hence, your teeth appear translucent.
Is there a way to whiten really yellow teeth? ›
If you're keen to transform a yellow smile to brilliantly pearly white fast, your best option is to see your dental professional for an in-office whitening treatment. Your dental professional will use a whitener with a strong concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Why aren't crest whitestrips working? ›
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are commonly used to whiten teeth. These ingredients are generally safe as long as the peroxide doesn't contact the sensitive gum tissue. The issue with Whitestrips is that the whitening gel isn't adequately sealed away from the gum tissue the way a custom whitening tray does.
Why are my teeth not white enough after whitening? ›
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.
How many days does it take to whiten teeth with strips? ›
Depending on the specific Crest 3D White Whitestrips product chosen, strips should be applied daily for anywhere from 10 to 20 consecutive days. The packaging instructions for the particular version of the product being used should be followed. Some improvement may be seen after only 3 days.
Teeth whitening may cause mild tooth pain, sensitivity, and gingival irritation. But there are ways to find relief. Tooth sensitivity and gum pain after whitening should only last a few days. If your pain is severe and long lasting, let your dental provider know right away.
Why do my teeth look patchy after whitening strips? ›
First of all, don't worry! The white, patchy, streaky, or lined look of teeth after whitening is normal – it's called enamel demineralization.
Why are my teeth permanently stained yellow? ›
Yellow stains are usually due to eating and drinking dark-colored foods or beverages. It may also mean that you need to improve your oral hygiene. Brown teeth discoloration is a result of smoking or using chewing tobacco.
Why are my teeth still yellow after whitening strips? ›
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.
Why won't my teeth whiten with strips? ›
To whiten your teeth, the bleaching agent must have optimal contact with your teeth. With whitening strips, for instance, you are at times inept to accomplish full tooth contact and will have areas where the agent does not come into contact with the tooth surface.
Why do whitening strips not cover all 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.
How to rehydrate teeth after whitening? ›
Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.
Why do whitening strips stain my teeth? ›
So don't worry – it's only temporary dehydration causing the white marks. It's important to understand that enamel demineralization is a natural process and doesn't only happen during whitening.
How long are teeth pores open after whitening? ›
Once the pores close, which usually happens within 24-48 hours after the procedure, you can resume your normal habits.
Why do my teeth look more yellow some days? ›
Sometimes the color of tooth stains can pinpoint the culprit: Yellow stains are usually due to eating and drinking dark-colored foods or beverages. It may also mean that you need to improve your oral hygiene.
