If you're considering teeth whitening treatment you may be wondering how long the effects will last? Our Collingwood dentists explain both in-office and at-home whitening options and the factors that determine how white your smile will remain, for how long.
What is teeth whitening?
As we age, our teeth become more susceptible to staining due to food and other substances we eat and drink. Our tooth enamel naturally attracts food particles, and products such as tobacco, tea, wine, coffee and even berries are notorious for staining teeth.
Today, more people are choosing in-office and at-home teeth whitening procedures to reverse the effects of stains and aging. Professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile and may even help to improve your self-confidence.
Today we look at how long the effects of teeth whitening may last, and what you can do to keep your teeth bright for as long as possible after your whitening treatment.
How long will the effects of teeth whitening last?
Whether you would prefer to undergo your teeth whitening treatment in-office or at-home, you'll want to keep in mind how long each option is expected to last.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
While 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 a dentist is performing your in-office teeth whitening treatment, it’s considered to be a safe, reliable and non-invasive way to brighten your smile. Dentists screen teeth whitening patients to ensure their oral health doesn’t preclude them from being a candidate for the treatment.
After some time you’ll need to return for touchup whitening treatments. If you regularly expose your teeth to dark pigmented foods or drinks that may cause them to stain, the whiteness of your teeth will likely begin to fade after a few months.
Avoiding these foods and drinks following your treatment can help to prolong the whitening effect so that you won't need a touchup for about a year or so.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Using take-home teeth whitening products from your dentist’s office can help to freshen the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments - and you can do them in the comfort of your own home.
When using dentist-supplied at-home treatments most patients notice a difference within 10 to 14 days of starting treatment. Full results typically appear by the end of the treatment period, and they tend to last significantly longer than teeth whitening treatments purchased from the store.
Depending on the treatment, its strength, how diligent you are about reapplying the gel, and other factors, the results gleaned from at-home teeth whitening kits can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Regularly attending checkups and professional cleanings at your dentist's office, and maintaining an excellent at-home oral health routine (including brushing and flossing daily) will keep your teeth whiter for longer.
However, a number of factors can also 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 process
- Type and strength of whitening treatment used
If you are curious about different teeth whitening options and which ones might work best for you, speak with your dentist. You might also want to consider looking up teeth whitening reviews online to learn about other patients’ experiences.