What results to expect when whitening your teeth | Smile Brilliant®
Skip to main content Skip to navigation Skip to footer

Please rotate your device to portrait mode for optimum user experience.

SmileBrilliant Logo SmileBrilliant
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! Lassoâ„¢ Tongue Scraper
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There’s more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • Periodontal Disease
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
×

Sign up for special offers and updates

Mother's Day Sale Ends:Mother's Day Sale Ends: Sale Ends:
 [ 03 days :
06
hrs
:
35
mins
: 31 sec ]
SEE DEALS
SmileBrilliant Logo SmileBrilliant
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • Best TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! LASSOâ„¢ TONGUE SCRAPER
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There's more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
text added
0
Get $25
Science & Articles >> TEETH WHITENING

Teeth Whitening Expectations: Why are my teeth not bright white after whitening?

Erin Stelbrink, RDH

Post Teeth Whitening Expectations

Have you ever purchased a tooth-whitening product only to find out it did not make your teeth any whiter? It is possible the product is not as effective as others however the possibility exist that it did work, but your expectations were unrealistic.

Unrealistic personal expectations post teeth whitening along with disregard to follow direction are the main reasons for less than satisfactory tooth whitening results. Given that someone is following the directions, they will get results at some level. Almost anyone with healthy permanent teeth is a candidate of tooth whitening; however consulting with the dentist first is always encouraged. Understand that the maximum shade of white varies per person. Final results reflect the individual’s natural tooth color.

No two teeth are naturally colored the same. Some are fortunate to have naturally bright white teeth while others have a naturally off-white or even yellowish tone.

Teeth whitening will NOT alter the natural color of the tooth, it will however remove all stains and restore the tooth to its natural color when used properly.

The duration and frequency of applications required depend on how stubborn the stain is, how long the stain has been there, and the type of stain. The only way to fully remove all stains is either having it done in office or using custom fitted teeth whitening trays with a carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide based bleaching agent.

Whitening products are designed to release a chemical into tooth enamel and set off a reaction. This reaction allows the chemical to bleach the tooth during the process of oxygenation and diffusion. The oxygenation process causes breakdown of the stain and removal of the debris via diffusion. This process starts on the surface of the tooth and cycles deeper into the tooth tissue. Result of action reflects concentration and time. The longer the stain has been there, the deeper in the tissue the whitening has to diffuse.

A change in two or three shades can make a difference in just about any one’s smile. On average, people typically see a difference of two to seven shades. If you are unhappy with whitening results, did you follow the directions? Are you allowing the tooth to rehydrate before re-staining it? Darkening or relapse of the tooth shade is expected after whitening. Relapse of shade occurs almost immediately as the freshly whitened dehydrated tooth rehydrates. Repetitive prolonged exposure of the chemical is the only way to achieve optimal results.

Whitening is a chemistry proven to work. Just like anything else, if the directions are not followed, the product cannot be expected to produce results.

The most efficient and cost effective whitening method includes custom fitted whitening trays which are designed to keep the oxygen from escaping, increasing exposure time to the bleaching agent. Due to the chemistry it is impossible for this product not to work. These trays can be worn any time of the day as they are barely visible and do not impair speech!

Erin Stelbrink
Erin Stelbrink is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 11+ years of experience as a licensed hygienist and oral health care professional. She holds a passion for researching and acquiring awareness of the latest technologies and methods for providing valuable health care service and clinical treatment. Have more questions? Email Erin at erin@smilebrilliant.com

RELATED ARTICLES

Professional teeth whitening at the dentist

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

Teeth whitening: tips & real expectations from a dental hygienist

By: Lacy Walker

Why custom-fitted whitening trays are still the best in 2023

By: Rachel Stroble

7 tips to handle tooth sensitivity caused by whitening

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

The little-known secret to teeth whitening – low pH

By: Lacy Walker

TOPICS

  • ALL
  • BAD BREATH
  • BRAND
  • BRUSHING & FLOSSING
  • CAVITIES
  • DRY MOUTH
  • FOR PROFESSIONALS
  • GINGIVITIS
  • KIDS
  • MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • NEWS
  • ORAL MICROBIOME
  • Oral-Systemic Health
  • PH
  • PRODUCT REVIEW
  • TEETH GRINDING
  • TEETH WHITENING
  • TOOTH PAIN
Shipping icon: a box with a checkmark
FREE SHIPPING OVER $35
Hassle-free returns icon: a package with a return arrow
HASSLE-FREE RETURNS
Secure checkout icon: a shield with a checkmark
100% SECURE CHECKOUT

SUBSCRIBE! Discounts. Recommendations. New products.

smilebrilliant logo

Smile Brilliant makes it easy to improve your oral health & beauty through a suite of professional teeth whitening & oral care products shipped directly to your door.

MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION!

  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • Best TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • ProShield Custom Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW!  Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! LASSOâ„¢ TONGUE SCRAPER
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW!Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There's more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • ABOUT US
    • GUARANTEE
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
Menu
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! Lassoâ„¢ Tongue Scraper
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There’s more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • Periodontal Disease
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
Shopping Bag
ORDER PROCESSING