Teeth whitening is not permanent. On average, the result can last for a few months up to three years. The results vary from one person to another based on various lifestyle factors, as well as the type of teeth whitening product used.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the market. Many people want brighter teeth and most are willing to pay a lot of money to achieve it. Due to the increase in demand for teeth whitening, there is also a growing number of whitening options to choose from. Some are designed for professional use only while others are easy enough for you to use at home.

It is important to understand how teeth whitening works and the different methods available. The method you choose can have a significant impact on how long the results last.

If you opt for professional teeth whitening, the procedure is done in a dental clinic or office. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth before applying a bleaching gel. Some will also recommend you get a mouth guard that must be worn at home. You need to apply a bleaching gel onto the mouthguard every few hours for two to four weeks. 

The length of the treatment will be determined by the extent of the whitening result and for how long the results will last. These are some of the things you need to discuss with your dentist when you select an in-office, professional whitening treatment.

Are you interested to learn more about how teeth whitening works? This dental procedure continues to improve as new technologies become available. You can get more information on teeth whitening here. 

How Long Do Results Last?

If you are getting your first teeth whitening treatment, don’t get your hopes up. There is no such thing as permanently whitening your teeth. If you see any teeth whitening product that makes such a claim, don’t believe it because that is merely marketing trying to hook you. 

It might be frustrating to some, but teeth whitening results do not last for more than a few months or a few years (depending on the method you choose). If you opt for a professional treatment, you can enjoy whiter teeth for up to three years (coupled with lifestyle changes). 

For most whitening kits at home, the results can last for up to six months. Aside from the method of teeth whitening and the lifestyle factors involved, the natural state of your teeth is also a consideration. If you have poor dental hygiene prior to getting your teeth whitened, then it might not last as long, compared to teeth that were already in good condition. 

How to Keep Whiter Teeth for Longer

Do you want your teeth whitening result to last? Aside from choosing the right teeth whitening treatment, it is also important to implement certain lifestyle changes. There are some everyday choices, such as the food or drink you consume, that can cause teeth discoloration. By avoiding certain food items, you can make your whiter teeth last.

The first and most important thing to remember is to avoid drinking colored beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and fruit juices. Whenever you consume these beverages, they leave a certain color stain on your teeth. As you drink them daily or regularly, the stains can accumulate on your teeth over time. 

The stains will eventually cause your teeth to discolor and lose their brightness. An alternative is to drink through a straw so that the beverage does not come into contact with your teeth.

Smoking is another lifestyle choice that you need to change when you want to retain whiter teeth for longer. If you were a regular smoker prior to getting your teeth whitened, then you might want to cut down on it or quit smoking altogether after you have a teeth whitening treatment. Tar and nicotine in tobacco can cause staining and bad breath, too. Quitting will lead to more health benefits.

Finally, practicing good oral hygiene and drinking lots of water can help to maintain whiter teeth. Brush your teeth regularly and floss after every brushing. This will protect the integrity of your teeth while also keeping them white. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you discourage the accumulation of bacteria which can cause tooth decay and discoloration. 

As for drinking water, it can help flush out toxins from your body. Drinking water can get rid of sugar and other substances that can stain your teeth after every meal. This is a simple lifestyle change that can significantly benefit your pearly whites.

Parting Words

Teeth whitening is a product of technological advances in the field of cosmetic dentistry. If you wish to improve your smile by making your teeth brighter, then you should consider this treatment. 

There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products you can use at home. You can also visit your dentist for an in-office, professional teeth whitening treatment. Whichever you choose, do know that these results are not permanent. You have to take note of certain lifestyle changes (such as those recommended above) if you want to make teeth whitening last.

When you’re ready to achieve that glowing smile, you can visit this general dentist in Harrisburg to get started.