What is teeth whitening?
As we grow older, our teeth tend to become more prone to staining caused by the foods and substances we consume. The natural enamel of our teeth has a tendency to attract food particles, and certain products like tobacco, tea, wine, coffee, and berries are known to cause teeth staining.
In recent times, an increasing number of individuals are opting for in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments to counteract the effects of stains and aging. Professional teeth whitening procedures can contribute to enhancing your confidence in 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 are 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.
When you undergo an in-office teeth whitening treatment performed by a dentist, you can have confidence in its safety, reliability, and non-invasiveness. Dentists carefully evaluate the oral health of patients seeking teeth whitening to ensure they are suitable candidates for the treatment.
However, it's important to note that the effects of teeth whitening will gradually diminish over time, and subsequent treatments may be necessary. If you regularly consume foods or beverages that have the potential to stain your teeth, the whiteness of your teeth is likely to fade within 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 fresh the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments - and you can do them in the comfort of your own home.
Patients typically observe a noticeable change in their teeth within a span of 10 to 14 days when using an at-home teeth whitening kit. The complete results typically become evident by the end of the treatment duration, and these outcomes tend to endure for a significantly longer time compared to over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments.
The results gleaned from at-home teeth whitening kits can last anywhere 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).
A number of 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
If you are curious about your teeth whitening options and which ones might work for you, speak with your dentist. You might also want to consider looking up teeth whitening reviews online to learn about other patients’ experiences.