How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental processes available because it allows patients to achieve bright white smiles almost instantly. Even though it is common knowledge that the procedure has extreme aesthetic and mental benefits, many patients still wonder, "How long does teeth whitening last?" The answer to this question can vary based on several factors, but the typical longevity of teeth whitening results is three months to three years. If you want to have your teeth whitened, continue reading for more information about the procedure, as well as tips about how to extend the lifespan of your results.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a process where stains and cloudiness are removed from the teeth via professional methods. Teeth whitening can transform a person's smile and

significantly boost their self-esteem.

There are several methods employed in professional teeth whitening. The most commonly used are:

Many teeth whitening products are also available over the counter. However, professional teeth whitening services cause significantly less damage to your enamel and gums, so at-home teeth whitening should be used sparingly or, preferably, not at all.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Though it is clearly wonderful to have a bright, shiny smile, the true benefits of teeth whitening are actually largely due to the psychological impacts of having whiter teeth. The confidence gained from such a change can trickle down into many different areas of an individual's life, such as increased professional opportunities and more positive social interactions.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Last?

If you engage in a professional teeth whitening procedure, you can expect the results to last anywhere from two to three years, assuming you engage in good oral health care practices. For reference, over-the-counter treatments usually result in whitening that lasts for about 6 weeks. Of course, the longevity of your results is impacted by a number of factors, such as your general lifestyle and what you consume on a daily basis. For example, tobacco smokers and those who consume high amounts of staining beverages like coffee may find that their results do not last for as long as patients who do not eat these things.

Another factor that can heavily impact the amount of time that your teeth whitening results last is the type of stains that are impacting your teeth. There are two primary types of tooth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic.

  • Extrinsic: These types of stains are created by lifestyle habits and substances consumed, such as food, smoke, and beverages. This type of staining is most positively impacted by teeth whitening procedures.
  • Intrinsic: This type of stain is caused by aging, trauma, infection, and medication. This type of staining is much more difficult to remove than extrinsic stains because they rest under the surface of the teeth.

If you have dental stains you would like to have removed, speak with your dentist about whether they think you would benefit from a professional teeth whitening procedure. It is more than likely you will be approved for treatment.

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

Although rarely encountered, there are some potential side effects of teeth whitening that patients should be aware of. The following can occur after a teeth whitening treatment.

  • Gum whitening
  • Gastrointestinal irritation
  • Damage to the tooth enamel
  • Gum irritation

You can discuss with your physician whether they think that you are especially at risk for your own teeth whitening procedure.

Reducing Teeth Stains

You can extend the lifespan of your teeth whitening results through various lifestyle modifications. Consider avoiding the following foods to reduce staining after your teeth whitening treatment.

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Grape juice
  • Red wine
  • Cola

If you cannot fully cut these drinks from your life, try to brush or at least thoroughly rinse your mouth after having them.

In addition, reducing your consumption of refined sugar and abstaining from tobacco products will reduce your likelihood of developing tooth stains.

You should also be sure to engage in thorough daily dental hygiene practices to preserve your teeth whitening results and your oral health more generally.

  • Brush at least twice a day
  • Use a whitening toothpaste
  • Floss regularly
  • Chew sugar-free gum
  • Brush after eating

You can discuss with your dentist whether they think that you would also benefit from other additions to your dental health routine.

Teeth Whitening in Mission Viejo

If you want to get an instantly brighter smile, contact Smile Dental Boutique to schedule an appointment with our dentist.

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