Looking for a shiny new smile? Then professional teeth whitening is the best way to achieve that. Regardless of whether your teeth are yellow or stained, professional teeth whitening is a simple, effective solution.
Most people will experience stains and yellowing of teeth over time. Teeth whitening is the easiest solution, improving the way your teeth look and at the same time, giving you a youthful, brighter looking smile. And professional teeth whitening will not harm your teeth, it’s both safe and effective. You can choose between either in-office or at-home whitening kits from your dental team.
But, you may want to know just how long teeth whitening lasts. The answer depends on the type of treatment chosen, and your own dental hygiene.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In just one visit to your dentist’s office, you’ll find your teeth can become beautifully white. A special laser light activates bleaching agents applied directly to your teeth for quick and attractive results. At our office, we utilize a bleaching agent containing carbamide peroxide, which is applied to the teeth; a laser light is then used to enhance the action of the whitening agent.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, which can offer less effective results and even possibly harm your teeth, a professional take-home whitening kit from your dentist is an excellent option. At our office, we will make an impression of your teeth to make a customized mouth guard to hold carbide peroxide-containing whitening gel against the teeth. Once the mouth guard is made, it’s worn for a period of time, as instructed. Time can vary from a couple hours a day, or all night, for up to four weeks or longer, as desired. At home whitening is a great idea if you are only experiencing minor stains or discoloration.
Take-home whitening kits can also be successfully used to maintain the bright look of in-office whitening results.
Why Causes Teeth to Stain?
Teeth can become stained for a number of reasons that include:
- Regular use of coffee, tea, red wine, some berries, citrus fruits, carrots
- Medication, for example, tetracycline
- Smoking
- Overusing fluoride causing mottled white spots
- Aging
Whatever causes teeth staining, professional teeth whitening is the easy solution.
So Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Although teeth whitening is not permanent, it can last for many years. In-office whitening treatments typically last up to 3 years; professional at-home whitening treatment is less long lasting, but it results in much longer-term results than over-the-counter whitening treatments, toothpastes, and whitening strips.
In short, despite the fact that teeth whitening won’t last forever, you can extend that whiterlook with your own good dental hygiene – regular brushing, flossing, and scheduling professional teeth cleaning from your dental office, as well as by staying away from food and beverages that can cause teeth staining.
Extend Your Teeth Whitening Results
Overall, the best ways to extend the look of your newly whitened teeth is by:
- Regular professional dental cleaning every six months
- Good dental hygiene at home – brushing and flossing twice a day
- Avoiding dark colored food and beverages for a full week after whitening
- Sipping dark beverages such as red wine and tea with a straw whenever possible
- Follow up or maintenance whitening as recommended by your dentist
Remember, tooth whitening treatments reduce stains, but they do not keep them away forever. If you have good dental hygiene, professional dental procedures will last longer.
Ready to Learn More About Teeth Whitening?
If you’re eager to find out more, we’re here to help with your teeth whitening needs, whether you’d like in-office or at-home teeth professional teeth whitening. Give us a call, today!
If you’re ready to learn more or schedule an appointment, reach out to us today, and let our skilled team help your smile to look its best and brightest!
