Are you the type who doesn’t smile in photos?
That’s a pretty common trait among those who are self-conscious about their teeth. More specifically, people with yellowing or discolored teeth might be hesitant to their smile them to others.
But why shield the world from your beautiful teeth when you can whiten them quickly and easily?
With today’s innovative teeth whitening systems, you can quickly whiten your teeth and be proud to show off your pearly whites. But the question is, how long does teeth whitening last?
A week? Forever? Here are the answers to your most pressing questions about teeth whitening.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
So, how do dentists whiten teeth, anyway?
If you’re having your teeth whitened by a dentist, you’ve got a couple of options. The tooth whitening procedure you choose will depend on your preferences and severity of your discoloration.
“Chairside bleaching” is one option whereby you can walk out of the dentist’s office with much whiter teeth from just one session. With this option, your dentist will apply bleach to your teeth in order to achieve your desired shade of white. Your gums are protected with a protective gel so they don’t lighten in color.
You can also choose to whiten your teeth at home with a whitening gel provided to you by your dentist. For this procedure, you’ll have a tray custom made for your teeth and mouth.
You will need to apply the gel to the tray, then insert it into your mouth for a certain amount of time. Some gels require that you apply it to your teeth for a couple of hours, and others may require the gel to remain in your mouth overnight.
As far as actual whitening is concerned, you won’t necessarily end up with blinding-white teeth. For many, this will just look completely unnatural. Instead, you can have the specific shade of white tailored for your teeth so you no longer have any discoloration, but simply end up with a more natural look.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Will the effects of your teeth whitening procedure last forever?
The answer is no. And many factors can come into play that will determine how long the effects last.
So, how long does teeth whitening last, then? This all depends on the whitening treatment chosen as well as how well you care for your teeth long after the procedure.
If you have the procedure done by a professional dentist, the results can last anywhere from two to three years. But if you don’t take good care of your teeth, the results may not last as long.
For instance, any one of the following can compromise the effects of the whitening:
- Smoking
- Drinking coffee
- Drinking red wine
Anything that you consume that has a staining effect on your teeth will likely require you to have another whitening procedure sooner rather than later. That’s why it’s important to practice proper oral care to keep your teeth whiter for longer.
Ready to Whiten and Brighten Your Smile?
If the color of your teeth has been steadily worsening over the years, you may have contemplated whitening them to bring them back to their original luster. And if you’re wondering “How long does teeth whitening last?” you can be sure that it can last at least a couple of years with the right treatment and proper oral care going forward! Visit our blog today and book a consultation!
