What to Do When Teeth Whitening Doesn’t Work

Professional teeth whitening, whether performed in the dentist’s office or using take-home trays, will effectively remove most types of tooth stains. Unfortunately, if your enamel has severe brown, grey, or chalky white discolorations stemming from within the tooth, you will need to discuss a more comprehensive treatment option. Today, we’re examining why conventional whitening doesn’t work for some people and which teeth whitening alternatives can help you enjoy a brighter smile for the short term or the long term.

The Limits of Traditional Teeth Whitening

In-office and take-home whitening treatments share an active ingredient: hydrogen peroxide. Although the concentration of peroxide differs from product to product, this ingredient removes stains by releasing oxygen into the surface of your tooth enamel. Oxygen molecules break down long-strand chromagens (color molecules) reducing their appearance and making your enamel look brighter. Different enamel absorbs oxygen differently, so the same concentration of peroxide will whiten some people’s smiles more dramatically than others. In addition, oxygen does not penetrate further than the surface of the enamel and cannot remove stains that originate within the tooth, like those caused by tetracycline, some endodontic procedures, and fluorosis.

Alternatives to Teeth Whitening

The teeth whitening alternative you choose will depend on several factors, including whether you want a short-term or long-term solutions and how much you want to spend on improving your smile:

• Porcelain Veneers. Using thin sleeves of beautiful dental porcelain, your cosmetic dentist can cover the entire front surface of your tooth, effectively masking severe stains and other cosmetic flaws. Porcelain veneers are designed to keep your smile looking fabulous for ten years or more, but they have a significantly higher upfront cost than teeth whitening methods.
• Cosmetic Bonding. Using composite resin, the durable, tooth-colored material used to fill in cavities, your cosmetic dentist can mask dark stains, correct chipped teeth, and fill in gapped teeth. Cosmetic bonding is very affordable and can be performed in a single appointment (whereas porcelain veneers require at least two appointments). Over time, cosmetic bonding will begin to discolor and chip and often needs to be replaced after a few years.

About Dr. Mark Miller

At Snow Park Dental, Dr. Miller provides the preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care you need to help you enjoy optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. Contact us today at (505) 596-4479 to schedule a consultation or appointment at our Albuquerque dentist’s office. We proudly serve families from Rio Rancho, Corrales, Edgewood, Tijeras, Los Lunas, and surrounding communities.

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