A brighter smile can boost confidence, which is why many people try different whitening options over the years. Initially, you may notice a huge improvement in your teeth and be happy about that improvement. But, after a while, you may feel like your teeth do not respond as well as they once did to whitening products.
If you have searched for “teeth whitening near me”, but have failed to see the same results after getting multiple whitening treatments, you are not alone. This experience is commonly referred to as “whitening burnout,” and it is more common than most people realize.
At Clove Dental Riverpark, we help our patients to recognize why this is happening, and what can be done to safely restore previous whitening results.
What Is Whitening Burnout?
Whitening burnout occurs when there are minimal results, even after using specific whitening products or treatments several times.
In the beginning, there will be great results, as whitening removes surface stains, and it lightens the tissue of your teeth where they are discolored further below the surface of your teeth. But over time, the effect may slow down or plateau.
Many people who come into Clove Dental Riverpark after searching for “teeth whitening near me” will ask why their whitening results are nowhere near as dramatic as they once were. They want to see more stable, longer-lasting results. What most people do not know is how the process of whitening works, and this information can help you to better understand whitening burnout.
How Does Whitening Work?
To better understand the experience of whitening burnout, it is helpful to understand teeth whitening.
A majority of teeth whitening treatments (products and services) contain an active ingredient that can break down and/or clean stains and discoloration that may exist inside your teeth. Stains and discoloration on your teeth can come from:
- Coffee and tea.
- Cigarettes.
- Certain types of foods and beverages.
Why Teeth Stop Responding to Whitening
There are many reasons as to why results of teeth whitening treatments can slow or stop completely as time goes on.
Natural Limitations of Tooth Color
Everyone has a natural color of their teeth. Teeth can be whitened to an extent but no matter how many times you whiten them they will eventually stop getting whiter because of this natural limit.
Once you have reached this limit there will not be any more significant change in the color of your teeth from additional whitening treatments.
Enamel Changes as One Ages
The enamel on our teeth becomes worn down or thinner with age and also the dentin portion will become more visible underneath the enamel which is a different color than the enamel (Usually much darker). Because of this; when trying to find teeth whitening the results will not be the same as before. Each individual person will have fewer and fewer results the older and more worn their teeth become.
Stain Build-Up Returns Quickly
Even after whitening, daily habits continue to affect your teeth.
These items include but are not limited to-
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red Wine
- Sugar or Acidic Foods
Overuse of Whitening Products
Using whitening products too frequently may also lead to sensitivity of teeth and also to a decrease in the whitening effect.
Some people will try to do multiple whitening treatments within the same short amount of time and are looking for faster results instead of allowing adequate time between treatment sessions.
When patients come to us after searching “teeth whitening near me”, we find that spacing treatment out in between makes a huge difference in the outcome as well!
Type of Discoloration Matters
Not all stains respond the same way to whitening.
For example: Surface staining can be removed much easier than deep staining (i.e. chemical staining from medications or internal discoloration due to an accident).
Signs You May Be Experiencing Whitening Burnout
You may experience whitening burnout if-
- Your teeth appear the same no matter how many times you whiten them.
- You notice that the results disappear shortly after each session.
- You are suffering from more sensitivity than normal without whitening results.
If any of these statements align with your past experiences, it may be time to reevaluate your methods rather than continue doing things the same way.
How to Improve Whitening Results Again
If your teeth do not respond as well to whitening as they did earlier, a number of strategies can help achieve better results in a safe manner.
Obtain a Professional Evaluation
Before repeating the same treatment(s), it’s beneficial to understand what is causing your stains and what condition you are currently in.
Get a Customized Whitening Program
Not all whitening programs are the same. You can enhance your results by changing the strength and duration of the process, as well as the application technique.
Better Maintenance Habits
There are numerous ways to keep your teeth whiter for longer periods of time, including:
- Rinse your mouth after consuming anything that will stain your teeth (e.g., coffee, red wine).
- Use a straw when drinking certain beverages (e.g., coffee, iced tea).
- Practice good oral hygiene on a regular basis.
Alternative Cosmetic Options
In instances where teeth whitening is not sufficient in helping you achieve your desired result, other forms of cosmetic dentistry such as bonding or veneers may be recommended.
Patients seeking “teeth whitening near me” are often looking for the quickest way to whiten their teeth. However, creating a more individualized approach usually results in improved long-term results.
Final Thoughts
Teeth whitening burnout can be very frustrating, particularly if you feel that you are wasting time and effort to enhance your smile. Many people will believe that they have “failed” at whitening their teeth when in fact they have simply reached the maximum level for their treatment.
Knowing what causes results to slow allows you to make accurate informed decisions about the best approach for yourself.