Hi. Why aren’t whitening strips working for tetracycline stains on my teeth? I have been using teeth whitening strips for 6 months, and they have done nothing for my teeth. I have tetracycline stains on my teeth, so I expected it would take a little longer, but the strips have made no difference. Does it matter which brand I use, or must I buy whitening from a dentist? I feel like I’ve wasted so much time and money without improvement. Thanks. Kyndal
Kyndal– Tetracycline stains are intrinsic to the teeth and are very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to remove. Over-the-counter whitening strips won’t budge the stains.
Even professional teeth whitening from a dentist will result in limited improvement—if any–for tetracycline stains. However, a skilled cosmetic dentist can use porcelain veneers to hide the stains without making your teeth look pasty or opaque. Veneers are custom-crafted porcelain shells that fit over the fronts of your teeth. Veneers restore the teeth that show when you smile, but they are unsuitable for back teeth.
A cosmetic dentist can manipulate the porcelain to hide tetracycline stains, making the veneers look completely natural. The dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth for a solution lasting eight to ten years—even longer.
Schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists to discuss your options for concealing the stains in your teeth.
Whiter teeth can make your smile look more youthful and enhance your facial appearance. But in some cases, teeth whitening attempts can do more harm than good.
1. Gum Disease and Cavities
If your gums bleed or are inflamed or irritated, teeth whitening will make matters worse. The bleaching agent will further irritate your gums and cause pain. Gum disease needs to be treated and controlled before bleaching your teeth. Also, bleaching gel will penetrate through cavities and increase sensitivity in your teeth.
2. Challenges of Charcoal for Whitening Teeth
Researchers at the Creighton University School of Dentistry
concluded that charcoal toothpaste is harsh on tooth enamel and can cause
premature wearing and tooth decay. Laboratory students observed that charcoal
toothpaste caused discoloration and made teeth look yellow or gray.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Hype
Hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth, but it can be harmful to
your oral health. Some people are tempted to purchase the most potent solution
available to brighten their teeth. Studies show that high concentrations of
hydrogen peroxide can burn your gums and oral tissue and break down tooth
enamel. And if you ingest high-powered peroxide, it releases dangerous levels
of oxygen in your bloodstream.
Long-term use of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (low strength) can kill beneficial microbes in your mouth and cause microorganisms, including candida albicans (yeast), to thrive.
What Are the Alternatives?
Dentist-supervised whitening is safe
If in-office whitening from your dentist isn’t within your
budget, consider the following alternatives:
Take-home whitening from your dentist is effective.
Keep your dental exam and cleaning appointments. Often, your dental hygienist can get tough surface stains off your teeth.
Limit things that cause tooth stains, including smoking and drinking coffee, soda, wine, and dark juices.
Ask your dentist how whitening treatment can be made affordable for you. Some dentists offer free whitening for patients who keep their exam and cleaning appointments.
There are plenty of advantages to whitening your teeth. When
it’s done safely, you really can’t go wrong. Just some of the benefits include:
Making your smile look younger
Improving your social life
Creating a good first impression
Helping you feel more confident
Cheap Paths to a Brighter Smile
Of course, you can get your teeth
whitened by your dentist, but are there less expensive ways that work?
Let’s review five common ways people brighten their smile, and what you can
expect.
1. Whitening toothpaste
There are many brands of whitening toothpaste. Some of them
remove surface stains on your teeth. Many of them are abrasive and can scratch
your tooth enamel. You’ll receive minimal results—if any—and if stains are
trapped deep in your teeth, you probably won’t notice a difference with
whitening toothpaste.
2. Whitening strips
Some strips will provide decent results depending on the
strength of the peroxide in them. The higher the percentage of peroxide, the
whiter your teeth will get. Remember not to overdo it. And keep the bleaching
gel away from your gums.
3. Over-the-counter bleaching kit
The success of over-the-counter kits depends on the contents
of the bleaching gel. Carbamide peroxide is the most effective bleaching agent.
Bleaching trays need to fit well to keep the gel in contact with your teeth so
it can penetrate them and break down stains. The gel in most kits is less than
half the strength of what dentists offer, so it will take more whitening
sessions to brighten your teeth.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda can help with minor stains, but it is also
abrasive to your tooth enamel. You shouldn’t use it for an extended period. And
if you have composite bonding on your teeth or other types of dental
restorations, you shouldn’t use it at all.
5. Free teeth whitening
Teeth whitening makes your smile look younger
Yep – free teeth whitening. Did you know that some dentists offer it if you keep up with your regularly scheduled appointments for cleaning and exams? You will receive custom bleaching trays and professional-strength gel. The results? A dynamic smile.
I got my braces off in late February. I’ve been waiting to see how the color of my teeth would turn out. They are a mix of beige and white. There are white spots in most of the places where the brackets were on my teeth. This is really embarrassing. I kept telling people that my braces would be off soon. So everyone is looking at my teeth and they are spotted! I am using free whitening strips that my sister got from her dentist but they are not helping. What should I do now? – Charleigh
Charleigh,
The issue you’re having with white spots on your teeth after braces is common, but should you try to treat the stains yourself? Consider a few facts.
What Causes
Stains on Teeth after Braces?
Stains on teeth after braces are often a result of a process
called decalcification.
Decalcification starts with dental plaque. If you don’t maintain diligent oral hygiene each day, bacteria will cling to your teeth and result in a buildup of sticky dental plaque.
As you eat food, the bacteria will feed off of the sugar in food and produce more bacteria.
An acidic reaction from the bacteria gradually dissolves your tooth enamel.
The decalcification of your tooth enamel leaves a white spot that, if left untreated, will weaken the enamel and create a cavity. The cavity will continue to spread until it is treated.
Reasons the Free
Teeth Whitening Gel Isn’t Working
Teeth whitening might not the be answer for white spots on teeth
If there is sufficient carbamide peroxide (bleaching agent) in whitening gel, your natural teeth will be whitened, but the spots from decalcification will remain.
Remember that the white spots on your teeth are the beginning stages of a cavity. Teeth whitening gel can penetrate the area and create sensitivity.
Bleaching your teeth might make the stains even more noticeable.
What’s the
Solution?
An examination is needed – It’s best to have your teeth
examined by a dentist. He or she will examine them, determine the cause of
the stains, and recommend treatment.
Cavities should be treated – The decalcification and any
cavities in your teeth will need to be treated before you receive
treatment to brighten your teeth.
Dental bonding can help – Although bleaching your teeth might be
not the solution for the white spots, dental bonding can help. A cosmetic
dentist can blend shades of dental composite to match the shade of your
natural teeth.
Stop trying to correct it yourself – We recommend that you
stop trying to whiten your own teeth. The results you can expect are
unpredictable, particularly because of the decalcification.
It’s best to get professional help in treating the stains.
This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.
Almost 2 years ago, I took advantage of a free teeth whitening promo offered by a new dentist. I had new patient cleaning and exam. They took impressions of my teeth, made custom trays for me, and gave me whitening gel. I haven’t returned to that dentist because the office environment was unprofessional. It’s a family dentist but I don’t feel comfortable taking my daughter there. Are the trays and gel good for life? I didn’t use it right away. I actually put the supplies in the cabinet below my bathroom sick and forgot about it. Is it still safe to use? And will it work? D.L.
D.L.,
The trays
you received with your free teeth whitening kit should be good for life if you
have kept them in their protective case and have not experienced any of the
following issues:
The alignment of
your teeth has changed
You’ve recently received
a considerable amount of dental work
The bleaching trays
are damaged
You can rinse
the bleaching trays, place them on your teeth, and check them for fit.
Is It Save to
Use the Free Teeth Whitening Gel?
Custom teeth whitening trays can last for many years
Most
whitening gel lasts about a year after it is made. If it is kept in the
refrigerator, the gel can still be good for use a little longer than a year.
Over time the gel oxidizes and loses its potency. The gel will begin to look
white or foggy if it is old. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it is dangerous
to use, but it probably won’t whiten your teeth.
Dentists offer quality teeth whitening, so the tubes you received probably have the manufacturer’s name on them as well as the gel type. You can search online for the guidelines for using the gel. If you can’t find any information, it’s probably best to throw away the gel.
Custom
bleaching trays cost more than gel. If you are keeping up with your dental
appointments for cleanings and exams, tell your current dentist that you
already have custom trays. He or she might be willing to offer you the gel at
no cost or for a reasonable fee.
My daughter is in gymnastics. 5
weeks ago she had a serious collision with a teammate that included a blow to
her mouth. She complained about her teeth hurting, but none of them are loose.
One of her teeth started turning gray. Our pediatric dentist said that we
shouldn’t worry about it because it’s a primary tooth. My daughter is in school
and very self-conscious about her gray tooth. Although the dentist isn’t
concerned, my daughter is. Can I use Crest whitening strips to lighten her
tooth a bit? Thanks. Fallon
Fallon – Most causes of stains in teeth are from the outside in. Over time smoking, eating, drinking coffee or dark beverages create stains on our teeth. The stains can become imbedded in teeth. Teeth whitening can remove them.
Before Using Whitening Strips on Your Child’s Teeth
Effectiveness of whitening strips – Whitening strips are about ¼ the strength of professional whitening from a dentist. Even deeply embedded stains from external sources are difficult to remove with whitening strips. In your daughter’s cause, the stain is coming from damage within the tooth. Whitening strips won’t help.
When there is internal damage – The color of your daughter’s tooth indicates internal damage. Skilled cosmetic dentists are able to provide internal whitening treatment. The process is complex and generally not recommended for children. If the damage was to a permanent tooth, the discoloration would be a lingering issue and internal bleaching might be an option.
Whitening can create problems – You didn’t mention that the tooth is causing your daughter any pain or discomfort, which is good. Bleaching, particularly when it’s not supervised by a dentist, should only be applied to healthy teeth. The gel can irritate tooth nerves and cause sensitivity to heat or cold. It’s best to let the tooth remain as it is. In a year or two, it will be replaced with a permanent tooth.
Don’t Ignore the Symptoms
If your daughter begins to feel
discomfort in the tooth, schedule an appointment with her pediatric dentist. The
tooth might require a pulpotomy, which is similar to root canal treatment for
adults. Whenever possible, primary teeth should be preserved as a placeholder
for permanent teeth and to guide them into the correct position.
A whiter brighter smile is one of the top ways people want to improve their teeth. Many people look for do-it-yourself whitening kits or even free teeth whitening.
But there are questions about how the bleaching gel will affect existing dental work. What results can you expect with free teeth whitening if you have dental implants?
What Can You Expect?
Dental implant crowns are usually made from porcelain or another material that is colorfast and doesn’t respond to attempts to whiten them. Crowns are stain resistant, but they can’t be penetrated by bleaching gel.
Sometimes, a dental lab can change the color of crowns, but the original color is baked in, so even if it can be changed, it the color would be darker, not lighter.
Depending on the position of your natural teeth in relation to the implant crowns, whitening your teeth may not be a problem. If your implants are toward the back of your mouth, people probably won’t notice that your natural teeth are much whiter.
It is possible to get your teeth as white as you want them and later replace the implant crowns to match them. But if the crowns are being replaced for cosmetic reasons only, your insurance company probably won’t offer any benefits toward the replacement, unless your implant crowns are old.
Before You Start the Whitening Process
Bottom line: You can whiten your teeth if you have dental implants, but only your natural teeth will whiten. You should consider the position of your natural teeth in relation to the implant crowns. The dental implant crowns will not whiten, and replacing them for a color match can be costly.
If you have received a free teeth whitening kit, check the contents of the bleaching gel. The most common whitening agent is carbamide peroxide. If your bleaching gel contains a different whitening agent, research it for safety. Also check online to see what other users say about the gel in your bleaching kit.
Your dentist can provide safe, predictable results. Speak with him or her about how teeth whitening can be made affordable for you.
I understand that Invisalign trays are pretty much like my sister’s free teeth whitening trays. Her dentist gives her new whitening trays every few years and she keeps them in her bathroom drawer. My sister’s teeth are perfectly straight, but mine are scattered. Can I use her free teeth whitening trays to move my teeth to a straight position? Our teeth are basically the same shape, but mine are not evenly spaced. If I use her whitening trays, will they work like Invisalign or other clear braces? Thanks. Giovanna
Giovanna,
Not at all!
Teeth whitening trays are not designed to straighten teeth
Many dentists offer free teeth whitening to their patients, but both the trays and the gel are for the patient’s use. Your sister’s free teeth whitening trays are not a substitute for orthodontic treatment. There are several reasons why.
Will Free Teeth Whitening Trays Straighten Your Teeth?
Design – Teeth whitening trays are designed to keep bleaching gel in contact with your teeth and away from your gums. That’s it. They have no other purpose. They are not designed to move your teeth. But if you wear someone else’s trays, your teeth could be damaged.
Material – Even if they are custom made, the material of whitening trays is not rigid enough to correctly move anyone’s teeth.
Customization – Teeth whitening trays only come in a single set. Invisalign trays are a series of custom aligners that gently move your teeth to the correct position over time. The aligners and treatment plan are customized for each patient. The attempt to move your teeth to the correct position with a single set of trays can damage your tooth roots.
Orthodontic trays are developed based on the structure of your teeth and mouth, so it is unsafe to wear someone else’s aligners, even if they are specifically made for orthodontic treatment.
Want Your Teeth Safely Aligned?
The only solution to correctly align teeth is to receive orthodontic treatment from your dentist or orthodontist. A treatment plan and braces will be customized based on the condition and position of your teeth—not someone else’s.
If you want your teeth aligned, speak with your dentist or an orthodontist about your smile goals. He or she will explain affordable options and how financing or payment plans can help you meet your goals.
Don’t take orthodontic treatment into your own hands by using free teeth whitening trays or any other means that is unsupervised by a dentist. It will cause serious damage to your smile and make the current condition of your teeth worse.
I’ve been looking at some alternatives for free teeth whitening, but I really want it to be natural. My teeth aren’t that bad, but I would love them to be a few shades brighter. One of the things I keep reading about is the use of lemons and oranges. Supposedly, if you use the essential oils or rub the peels on your teeth regularly, they work as a whitening agent. I figure it can’t hurt, so I might as well try it. Any idea if there is science behind this or how it works? Also, is it safe for long-term use or will the acid harm my teeth?
Thanks. TJ
TJ
Although lemons are listed on some natural health sites as a way to whiten your teeth, it’s a really bad idea that can permanently damage your teeth. Let’s explain.
Teeth Can Be Discolored for Many Reasons
Tooth discoloration can be intrinsic or extrinsic. An intrinsic discoloration comes from within the tooth. For example, certain medications can make a tooth change color from the inside out. If a tooth dies, it may become gray. If your enamel becomes thin, perhaps due to age, brushing too hard, acid wear, or taking certain medications, the color of the dentin below may show through. Genetic factors can also have an effect. You may get extrinsic staining from certain habits, including drinking cola, coffee, tea, wine, and juice. Smoking is also a big culprit.
External Stains Don’t Usually Collect on Clean Teeth
Our teeth naturally build up plaque. This is actually a biofilm that forms when bacteria adheres to your teeth. If you’ve ever wadded in a river and felt a slippery rock, it was due to a type of biofilm. The biofilm on your teeth includes the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, which brushing twice daily is recommended. It is also important to get regular professional cleanings. When your teeth clean and smooth, the coloring in the foods you eat or drinks you consume are less likely to cling to your teeth. When your teeth build up biofilm, stains adhere. Your primary defense against staining is to keep your teeth clean. It might require limiting certain foods or drinks that are bad for your teeth.
What about Citrus Fruits for Teeth Whitening?
Citrus fruits can brighten your teeth because the acid in them kills bacteria. Apple cider vinegar is also routinely touted as a cure for discolored teeth, but it contains acetic acid.
Acids are Bad News for Your Enamel
Eventually, the acid will weaken your tooth enamel wear it down over time. As you lose enamel, the discoloration will likely worsen and your teeth can become sensitive and more prone to decay. Worse yet, once the enamel is gone, it will not regrow. Your dentist can help with some of the issues that occur, but the enamel will be permanently affected.
Use Professional Whitening Systems
Free teeth whitening should be dentist supervised
There are many natural “cures” for stained teeth, but they are often dangerous. Before you try do-it-yourself methods, talk to your dentist about what he or she recommends, or use a professional system that has been tested and is safe.
Before I use it, I’m wondering if my free teeth whitening gel will work on the spots left from braces. I received the gel from a friend who got a bunch of gel tubes from her dentist. I wore braces for 2 years because I had severe overjet. Even though I tried hard to keep my teeth clean while I wore the braces, after my orthodontist took the braces off , I had noticeable white spots on my teeth. She explained decalcification to me. I talked to my dentist about the white spots, so she did an in-office bleaching treatment. I had three sessions in the first appointment and it made my teeth super white, but the white spots from the braces were more noticeable. We waited a month and my dentist did a second treatment and the results didn’t change. Her response is that we need to give it more time. That’s why I want to try the new gel I received to see if I get better results. Is it okay to give it a try? Thanks. Kelli
Kelli – The problem you are experiencing isn’t unique to any particular brand of bleaching gel. It can occur with any type of teeth whitening gel—including the free teeth whitening gel you received.
Why Decalcification Occurs
As your orthodontist probably explained to you, decalcification occurs because of lack of minerals in the teeth. People who wear braces are especially prone to having decalcification on their teeth. A buildup of plaque around the brackets can rob the teeth of minerals, and the issue displays itself as white spots on your teeth. Some patients benefit from prescription fluoride toothpaste and an electric toothbrush.
Is Teeth Whitening Gel Effective on Decalcification?
Consider the facts:
Teeth whitening products in general make white spots from decalcification more noticeable.
The white spots should not be left on your teeth, because decalcification can lead to tooth decay.
It might be beneficial to have your teeth remineralized.
Don’t try to resolve the issue yourself.
We suggest that you get a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist who has extensive training in teeth whitening and tooth restoration. He or she knows what tools, techniques, or materials are needed to get the best results for your teeth.
Dental bonding or a combination of techniques may be needed to even the color of your smile.
Schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists to examine your teeth and explain your options.
