Want to know if teeth whitening is for you and how long its effects last? Today, our Calgary dentists discuss both in-office and at-home whitening options including the elements that determine the outcomes of the treatments and how long the effects will remain.
What is Teeth Whitening?
As we get older, our teeth get more susceptible to stains as a result of the food and other substances we consume. By nature, our tooth enamel attracts food particles, and products such as coffee, wine, tea, tobacco, and even berries are famous 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 help to improve the confidence you have in your smile.
Today we share how long the effects of teeth whitening can last, and how you can make sure your teeth stay white as long as possible following treatment.
How Long the Effects of Teeth Whitening Last
Depending on if you opt for in-office teeth whitening or the at-home option, you will want to know 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 a dentist is performing your in-office teeth whitening treatment, it’s safe, reliable and non-invasive. Dentists screen teeth whitening patients to ensure their oral health doesn’t preclude them from being a candidate for 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 fresh the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments - and you can do them in the comfort of your own home.
The majority of patients start seeing a difference in about 10 to 14 days after they start using their at-home teeth whitening kit. The full results start showing by the end of the treatment process, and they typically last significantly longer than the teeth whitening treatments that are available at the store.
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 handful of elements can contribute to how white your teeth appear - and stay - after a teeth whitening treatment. The level of whiteness varies from person to person based on the:
- Type and strength of whitening treatment used
- Level of staining before the teeth whitening procedure
- Condition of your teeth
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.