Crest whitening strips before and after
Whitening strips use a peroxide gel to lighten some external and internal tooth discoloration, but results vary by stain, enamel, and existing dental work.
What is the direct answer?
Whitening strips use a peroxide gel to lighten some external and internal tooth discoloration, but results vary by stain, enamel, and existing dental work.
What does this question mean?
A whitening strip holds peroxide against the front tooth surfaces. The oxidizing agent can alter color molecules in natural enamel and dentin, while fillings, crowns, and veneers do not bleach like natural tooth structure.
What can you do next?
Read the product directions, keep gel off the gums, stop if marked irritation or sensitivity develops, and have untreated decay or gum inflammation assessed first.
When should you seek dental care?
See a dentist before whitening when teeth are painful, cracked, heavily worn, mottled, or restored, or when the color change is confined to one tooth.
What should you ask the dentist?
Is the discoloration on natural tooth structure, and how will the shade of fillings, crowns, or veneers be managed after whitening?
Frequently asked questions
Why might one tooth stay darker?
A single dark tooth can have internal discoloration, decay, trauma, or a restoration that strips cannot whiten.
Can strips irritate gums?
Yes. Peroxide contacting gingiva can irritate the tissue, especially when the strip is mispositioned or used too often.