Are you thinking about getting teeth whitening and want to know how long the results will last? Our Ottawa dentists discuss in-office and at-home whitening options, as well as the factors that influence how white your smile will stay and for how long.
What is teeth whitening?
Our teeth become more susceptible 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 due to their natural attraction to food particles.
To reverse the effects of stains and aging, more people are opting for in-office and at-home teeth whitening procedures. Professional teeth whitening can help you feel better 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.
Your in-office teeth whitening treatment is safe, reliable, and non-invasive because it is performed by a dentist. Teeth whitening patients are screened by dentists to ensure that their oral health does not preclude them from receiving the treatment.
However, after a time you’ll need to return for subsequent teeth whitening treatments. If you continually expose your teeth to foods or drinks that may cause them to stain, the whiteness of your teeth will likely begin to 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 freshen the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments - and you can do them 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 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).
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
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 think about looking up teeth whitening reviews online to learn about other patients’ experiences with the process.
