Why won't my teeth whiten? (photo)

Question

I am awaiting two veneers on my lateral incisors after finishing up with Clear Correct. I have been whitening for about a month now. First I had 15% peroxide gel with specialty trays. I did that 1x week for 1 hour. After I saw no difference, my dentist recommended 1.5 hours. I did that a 3x week. Still with no results I went back again and received 35%. Which I have done about 3x week, with no results. I want my veneers badly but my teeth have to be at the desired whiteness to put them on.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

1 time per WEEK?  3 times per WEEK?  1 hour only?  Don't expect ANY change with that.You need KoR, but short of that, wear trays while you sleep, 6-8 hours. For 2 weeks minimum. DAILY.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

In some cases, teeth will not whiten as much as the patient wants.  Teeth composition varies, and this effects how readily they bleach out with dental whitening systems.Consider how skin color and ability to tan differs between individuals.  Some people can tan easily, and others cannot.  Same goes oftentimes with dental whitening.Unfortunately, it is possible that your teeth won't bleach out to the desired color you want.  If this is the case, then you might better achieve your goals by placing veneers on the four front teeth instead of just the two.  Then they will all match, and you won't be trying to bleach your darkening natural teeth the rest of your life to match the whiter veneer color you choose.

Victor Khatchaturian, DDS · Answer

This is a tricky question, because whitening, while effective, is still unpredictable. The short version of my answer is to try in office whitening, like Zoom! of Boost (either). In-office whitening provides a more predictable response. The longer version of my answer is this...not all whitening gels are the same. It's great that you mentioned the different percentages of peroxide in your take home gels, but you may be surprised to know there are different kinds of peroxides (namely hydrogen peroxide AND carbamide peroxide) In my experience, hydrogen peroxide gives you a better result. If you try in further and don't get what you want then you can look into a brand called Kor whitening. Not all offices offer it, largely due to the high price, but it will absolutely get your teeth whiter. It is a system that uses in office AND at home whitening and is the strongest and most predictable whitening available anywhere. This is the little secret celebrities use because they can afford to.

Murray Bruckel, DDS (retired) · Answer

You need to spend more time bleaching. A minimum of 6 hrs a day, preferably while you sleep, for 2-3 weeks.  If your teeth become sensitive, cut back to every other day.

Why won't my teeth whiten? (photo)

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Answer: Why won't my teeth whiten?

Answer: Why won't my teeth whiten?

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Why won't my teeth whiten? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Why won't my teeth whiten?

Answer: Why won't my teeth whiten?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Teeth Whitening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.