Most people wonder how long teeth whitening last because everybody loves the brilliant smiles flashed by Hollywood celebrities. But most people don’t have a bright, white smile as seen on billboards and magazines.
Dental office procedures, such as chairside bleaching, and at-home whitening products, such as strips, trays, and gels, are some ways to brighten your teeth and reduce surface stains.
Irrespective of what type of tooth whitening method you use, it won’t last forever. A professional dental procedure can extend its results to 2-3 years, whereas at-home products may give minimal-to-great results that last a few months.
Keep reading to learn the methods to consider for teeth whitening and discover more about the effects of whitening procedures. We’ll also let you know how long does whitening of teeth last and what you can do to prolong teeth whitening.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Bleaching the teeth to make them lighter is known as teeth whitening, and it can’t make a person’s teeth brilliant white.
Who Can Perform Whitening Process?
A professional dentist should ideally carry out the whitening process. Some beauty salons also offer teeth whitening, but this is illegal if there’s no dental professional present. And note that they put your oral health at risk as they are not medically trained to provide oral healthcare.
You can also buy DIY home teeth whitening kits, but even they are extremely dangerous and can erode your tooth enamel while increasing tooth sensitivity.
How Long Does It Last?
Whitening of teeth done by a professional can last between 2 to 3 years, whereas other whitening methods only last a few months. For a brighter smile, professional teeth whitening is an investment.
Below is a brief overview outlining how long whitening performed by a dentist lasts. This review covers teeth whitening in-office, the dentist’s take-home trays, and over-the-counter whitening agents available on the market.
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In-Office Teeth Whitening
It is the most effective if done by a dentist in-office because the solution they have access to is much stronger than any in-store product. Dentists also have tools and instruments that help to enhance these solutions making the results better and longer-lasting.
Typically, patients experience results that last up to three years, depending on the severity of the teeth stains. However, it can take multiple rounds of whitening to get to the desired shade if the stains are incredibly strong.
Therefore, the results of the initial treatment are necessarily essential. In this case, the results can last around a year after multiple treatments.
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Take-Home Teeth Whitening Trays
The patient gets more control regarding the teeth whitening treatment with take-home tooth whitening trays. However, patients should expect the process to take longer because the treatment is done at home. Whitening trays are generally used multiple times for a couple of weeks.
The result varies for everyone regarding how long the results from take-home teeth whitening trays last. Usually, the results will last for six to eight months, but in some scenarios, they may last for up to a year.
Dentists recommend staying disciplined with the teeth whitening trays to achieve longer-lasting results. Discipline means applying the appropriate amount of solution and wearing the trays for the allotted time. It is also highly advisable to avoid smoking and drinking heavily dyed beverages immediately after the treatment.
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Over-the-Counter Whitening Agents
Over-the-counter whitening agents include whitening gels, strips, and toothpaste. Though they are readily available on the market, these products are less effective than the other methods mentioned above.
Their whitening process and the final results take longer than you can realize. Without following the proper guidelines, patients risk hurting their gums and potentially damaging the enamel of their teeth.
Diet Tips for White Teeth
What you eat or drink may stain your teeth, especially if you don’t brush and floss regularly. Following are the common offenders that contribute to the discoloration of your teeth:
- Grape juice
- Cola
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
If you regularly enjoy these, ensure to brush, floss, and rinse daily. Chewing on parsley, sugar-free gum, or mint can also help clean your mouth by stimulating saliva flow.
Contact Dental on First to get Teeth Whitening Treatments in New Prague, MN, Today!
Tooth discoloration is a natural occurrence you can expect to some degree as you age. But there are various ways to maintain the color of your teeth to retain your beautiful smile.
How long it lasts depends on how you get and maintain your teeth whitened. Talking to a qualified dental professional when whitening your teeth is crucial as they can provide you with the best treatment option for you. Dentists can also address additional dental problems, like sensitive teeth, cavities, etc.
Ultimately, how long it lasts depends on how well you care for your teeth. Avoiding highly teeth-staining foods and maintaining good oral hygiene practices prolong the whiteness of your teeth. Remember, ‘the better you treat your teeth, the whiter they will stay.’
At Dental on First, we are fortunate to have world-renowned cosmetic dentists that can help you achieve your smile goals. Working with the best tooth whitening system, we offer a personalized tooth whitening treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and requirements.
If you have questions about whitening your teeth, how long it lasts, or ways to maintain the results you achieve, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dental on First. Contact us at 952-758-3003 or send an email to Office@dentalonfirst.com, and a member of our expert team will be on hand to advise and book you in for a consultation.