A bright, white smile gives a person more confidence and leaves a lasting impression. Teeth do become stained by food, beverages, smoking, and the aging process over time. Many individuals choose a professional whitening process to restore the sparkle of their smile. But one question patients wonder is, how long does professional teeth whitening last? How long the results of teeth whitening last varies extensively depending on patient habits and dental hygiene and the method of whitening.
Factors That Affect the Longevity of Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening treatments have temporary effects. However, if good maintenance is observed, the effect will last for a few months to a few years. The following are the factors that affect the duration of your teeth staying white after treatment:
- Diet and Beverage: Dark beverages and foods like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries will eventually stain teeth. Restriction of intake from these will maintain whitening’s effectiveness.
- Oral Hygiene Routine: Brushing, flossing, and whitening toothpaste may maintain treatment outcomes long-term. Dental cleaning regularly also avoids the buildup of plaque, which stains.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco cigarettes have chemicals that yellow and discolour teeth. Not smoking helps maintain your smile.
- Type of Whitening Treatment: Professional treatments also last longer than over-the-counter treatments. The strength of whitening chemicals and the technique used to decide how long the whiteness will last.
How Long Do Different Whitening Methods Last?
There are a number of teeth whitening products, and they vary in their effectiveness and how long-lasting they are. Knowing what each does can lead to a wiser decision.
1. In-Office Professional Whitening
In-office whitening by a dentist yields the best and longest results. In-office whitening employs high-concentration bleaching gel that penetrates deep into stains. Proper care can sustain the results for 3 years or 6 months. Avoidance of stain-causing food and good oral health sustain the effects.
2. At-Home Dentist Whitening Kits
Certain clinics also provide custom home whitening trays and gels. The process will take longer in action but still be effective. Its effects can last for up to 1 year if it is used consistently and taken care of.
3. Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Whitening toothpaste, gels, and strips can be purchased over the counter, but the effect is usually temporary. They have lower concentrations of whitening agents and must be applied again. Effects last several weeks to a few months, depending on frequency of use and lifestyle.
Is It Worth Getting Your Teeth Whitened at the Dentist?
Several patients ask, is it worth getting your teeth whitened by a dentist? While products bought over the counter are easy and inexpensive, professional whitening has numerous advantages:
- Quicker and More Noticeable Results: Whitening at the office can brighten teeth several shades in one session, whereas treatments at home may take weeks to produce an effect.
- Even and Uniform Whitening: Products purchased over the counter tend to create uneven whitening or patchy effects. Professional treatments result in even brightness.
- Less Damage and Sensitivity Risk: Whitening done by a dentist is more enamel and gum-friendly, reducing the risk of irritation.
- Longer Duration: Professional whitening is longer-lasting than home products if properly cared for.
Professional treatment is an investment that those who want a good and long-lasting whitening process should consider.
Tips to Maintain Whitened Teeth
Following certain habits after going through whitening treatment can ensure that the effects last longer. Here are some tips to maintain a bright smile for longer:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brushing daily with a whitening toothpaste and flossing daily gets rid of plaque and avoids new stains.
- Use a Straw: To drink coffee, tea, or soda, use a straw, avoiding direct contact with teeth and reducing staining.
- Rinse After Meals Staining Foods: After eating dark meal foods, water rinses through your mouth to prevent discoloration.
- Schedule Periodic Dental Cleanings: A professional clean tooth removal from a dentist kills surface stains without compromising the health of the mouth.
- Consider touch-up treatments: Regular whitening touch-ups can brighten your smile and prolong the effect.
Professional Whitening for a Brighter Smile
If you want teeth whitening in Vaughan, have a professional do it for the best result. Professional whitening, as compared to at-home products, will penetrate stains deeper and longer. A visit to a dental professional will help you select the solution best suited for you and perform a safe process.
Achieve a Lasting Blinding Smile with Vellore Woods Dentistry
If you want professional whitening treatments, Vellore Woods Dentistry has trustworthy and secure treatments designed for you. Our professional whitening treatments give you long-lasting results, and you smile brighter and more confidently. Contact our dentist in Vaughan today and experience a whiter smile that lasts.