If you are interested in having your teeth whitened, you are probably wondering how long the results of your treatment will last. In this post, our Prince Albert dentists talk about the at-home and in-office teeth whitening methods and the elements that will contribute to your results, including how long they may last.
Teeth Whitening Treatments
As we age, our teeth become more susceptible to staining because of the food and other substances we consume. Our tooth enamel naturally attracts food particles, and products such as berries, wine, coffee, tea, and tobacco are known to stain teeth.
Today, more people are choosing in-office and at-home teeth whitening procedures to reverse the effects of stains and aging. Professional teeth whitening can help to improve your confidence in your smile.
Here, we explore how long the effects of teeth whitening may last, and what you can do to ensure your teeth remain white as long as possible after treatment.
How Long Your teeth Whitening Results May Last
Depending on whether you choose in-office teeth whitening or the at-home alternative, you'll want to keep in mind how long each is expected to last.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Though in-office teeth whitening has an immediate whitening effect on your smile due to a high concentration 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 while, you’ll have to return for subsequent teeth whitening treatments. If you keep exposing 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.
Whitening Your Teeth At-Home
Using take-home teeth whitening products from your dentist’s office can help to freshen up the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments - and you can do them in the comfort of your own home.
Most patients start seeing a difference within 10 to 14 days of starting to use their at-home teeth whitening kit. The full results usually appear by the end of the treatment period, and they tend to last significantly longer than teeth whitening treatments purchased from the store.
The results gleaned from at-home teeth whitening kits can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the treatment, its strength, how diligent you are about reapplying the gel, and other factors.
Of course, ensure you attend your regularly scheduled dental appointments, and that you maintain an excellent at-home oral health routine (including brushing and flossing daily).
A number of factors can influence how white your teeth look - and remain - after a teeth whitening treatment. The degree of whiteness varies between patients depending on the:
- Type and strength of whitening treatment used
- Level of staining before the teeth whitening procedure
- Condition of your teeth
If you are interested in having your teeth whitened and want to know which options might be available for you, contact your dentist. You might also want to consider looking up teeth whitening reviews online to learn about other patients’ experiences.