If you’re looking for a brighter smile, professional teeth whitening is an effective way to improve the look of your teeth. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and fast way to fix those yellow teeth and get brighter, whiter teeth in just one appointment.
If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, one of the first questions you may have is, ‘how long will my results last?’ In this post, we’ll explore how long professional teeth whitening can last and why it’s important to maintain your results with regular maintenance and good oral hygiene habits.
Professional Teeth Whitening Explained
During a professional teeth whitening procedure, a dental professional will apply a gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide onto the surface of your teeth. This gel breaks down food and drink stains that cause discoloration and dullness. Your dentist may use a special light or laser to activate the solution and accelerate the whitening process. The whole procedure can take as little as 30 minutes and can provide immediate results.
Depending on the severity of discoloration, teeth whitening may lighten your teeth by up to 8 shades. In-office treatments use stronger bleaching agents than over-the-counter teeth whitening strips for longer-lasting results. If you have sensitive teeth, make sure to let your dentist know before having your teeth whitened.
How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
The good news is that in-office teeth whitening can last up to two years with proper maintenance and care. However, results will vary depending on factors such as lifestyle habits, hygiene practices, diet, genetics, and age.
A few habits you should avoid include:
- Smoking cigarettes or cigars
- Drinking coffee, tea, and red wine
- Eating certain foods like blueberries, dark chocolate, tomato-based sauces, and soy sauce
- Certain medications like tetracycline antibiotics that cause staining of the tooth enamel
The type of stains you have will determine how white your teeth can get. Extrinsic stains, or surface stains which are caused by food and drinks, can be removed with professional teeth whitening. Intrinsic stains, or stains within the tooth which are caused by aging or trauma, may not respond as well to professional teeth whitening.
How to Maintain Your Results
The best way to maintain your whiter smile is through regular dental cleanings every six months and a diligent at-home oral hygiene routine. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time and flossing at least once per day. These simple steps help remove plaque buildup along the gum line which can cause yellowing or discoloration over time. Additionally, visit your dentist regularly for checkups so they can spot any oral health issues before they start causing discoloration or damage to your teeth or gums.
Drinking plenty of water during and after eating can also help keep your teeth white. Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can cause discoloration.
Get Beautiful White Teeth Now
Professional teeth whitening is an excellent way to improve the look of your smile quickly and safely in just one appointment with a dental professional. It’s important to note that professional teeth whitening isn’t permanent — but with proper maintenance, it can last up to two years!
If you are searching for teeth whitening Cherry Creek or teeth whitening Denver, please call 303-321-5656 to schedule a consultation at DeWitt Dental Associates today. Our experienced cosmetic dentists provide customized tooth whitening and smile makeover services for men and women living in the Metro Denver area, including Englewood, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and Cherry Hills.
If you are searching for teeth whitening near me, contact the experts at DeWitt Dental Associates.
Summary
To prolong the effectiveness of this cosmetic procedure, try implementing the following:
- Stop smoking
- Drink less coffee or red wine
- Brush teeth twice daily and floss at least once daily
- Eat healthy foods
- Limit sugary snacks
- Maintain regular visits with your dentist
- Choose over-the-counter products carefully
- Keep your mouth clean by rinsing with water after meals