Today our dentists in Whitehorse discuss options for both at-home and in-office teeth whitening and the factors that contribute to how long the effects of each method will last.
What is teeth whitening?
As we get older, our teeth get more susceptible to stains because of certain food and substances we consume. The enamel of our teeth is naturally attracted to food particles, and items such as wine, tea, coffee, tobacco, and even berries.
Nowadays, people are opting for either in-office and at-home teeth whitening procedures to help reverse the effects of aging and stains on teeth. Professional teeth whitening is able to help you improve the brightness of your smile.
Here, we explain how long the effects of teeth whitening might last, and how you can help them last as long as possible.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Based on the option you choose (in-office or at-home teeth whitening), you'll want to know how long each method is expected to last.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Though in-office teeth whitening has an immediate effect on your smile due to a high concentration of bleaching gel, it will not permanently whiten your teeth.
Because a dentist is performing your in-office teeth whitening treatment, it’s safe, reliable, and non-invasive. Dentists screen teeth whitening patients to ensure their oral health doesn’t preclude them from being a candidate for the treatment.
However, after a time you’ll need to return for subsequent teeth whitening treatments. If you continually expose your teeth to foods or drinks that may cause them to stain, the whiteness of your teeth will likely begin to fade after a few months.
Provided you avoid these foods and drinks following your treatment, you may only require a touchup after about a year.
Teeth Whitening At-Home
Selecting the take-home teeth whitening products from your dentist’s office can help you freshen the effects of professional teeth whitening - and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
After starting the at-home teeth whitening kit most patients will see a difference in approximately 10 to 14 days. The complete results typically appear near the end of the treatment period, and they usually last significantly longer than teeth whitening products bought at the store.
The results obtained from at-home teeth whitening kits can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months based on the treatment, its strength, how diligent you are about reapplying the gel, and other factors.
However, you must attend your routinely scheduled dentist appointments, and keep up an excellent at-home dental hygiene routine (including brushing and flossing twice a day).
A handful of factors can influence how white your teeth look - and stay- after a teeth whitening treatment. The degree of whiteness will vary from person to person based on the:
- Level of staining before the teeth whitening procedure
- Type and strength of whitening treatment used
- Condition of your teeth
If you are curious about the teeth whitening options available to you and which ones might work for you, talk to your dentist. You might also want to consider looking up teeth whitening reviews online to learn about other patients’ experiences.