Your Halifax Invisalign® Provider
Are you thinking about getting teeth whitening treatment and wondering how long the results will last? Our Halifax dentists discuss both in-office and at-home whitening options, as well as the factors that influence how white your smile will remain and for how long.
What is teeth whitening?
Our teeth become more prone to staining as we age as a result of the foods and other substances we consume. Tobacco, tea, wine, coffee, and even berries are notorious for staining teeth because their enamel naturally attracts food particles.
To reverse the effects of stains and ageing, more people are opting for in-office and at-home teeth whitening procedures. Professional teeth whitening can help you feel more confident about your smile.
In this post, 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 will the effects of teeth whitening 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 your in-office teeth whitening treatment is performed by a dentist, it is safe, dependable, and non-invasive. Teeth whitening patients are screened by dentists to ensure that their oral health does not preclude them from being a candidate for the treatment.
However, you will need to return for additional teeth whitening treatments after a certain period. If you expose your teeth to foods or drinks that can stain them regularly, the whiteness of your teeth will likely 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.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Using take-home teeth whitening products from your dentist's office can help to refresh the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments - and they can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Most patients notice a difference after 10 to 14 days of using their at-home teeth whitening kit. The full results are usually visible by the end of the treatment period, and they last significantly longer than store-bought teeth whitening treatments.
The effects of at-home teeth whitening kits can last 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).
Several factors can influence how white your teeth look - and remain - after a teeth whitening treatment. The degree of whiteness varies from person to person depending on the:
- Condition of your teeth
- Level of staining before the teeth whitening procedure
- Type and strength of whitening treatment used
Speak with your dentist if you're interested in learning more about your teeth whitening options and which ones might be right for you. You should also look up teeth whitening reviews online to learn about other patients' experiences.