Everybody wants to have a bright, beautiful smile, but not everyone has a dazzling set of white teeth. That’s why the teeth whitening process is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. Whitening your teeth is an excellent way to make them look whiter, brighter and healthier.
People would resort to take-home dental whitening products, such as strips and gels, or have it done professionally in a cosmetic dentist clinic as an in-chair teeth whitening procedure. However, regardless of which tooth-whitening procedure you use, it will wear off over time.
The reality is that the length of time varies depending on what type of teeth whitener you choose and how often you use it. In this blog post, we will go over some essential things to know about teeth whiteners and how long they last, so you can get the best results possible.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening has been a common cosmetic dental procedure for years. Today, it is both effective and affordable enough to have become widely popular around the world.
Teeth whitening is a process that helps patients have whiter and brighter teeth. It can be achieved through the use of chemical compounds as well as other means. There are two main types of teeth whitening, which include professional whitening and do-it-yourself (DIY) bleaching. Professional teeth whitening uses peroxide or carbamide peroxide chemicals, which typically require a visit to your dentist to administer them. However, with DIY teeth-whitening kits, you can use them at home provided that you are fully aware of how to use them safely and effectively.
Moreover, the process is quick and costs less than other cosmetic treatments like veneers and dental crowns. However, the condition of a patient’s teeth can dictate the success rate of dental treatment, as the opacity and translucency of a person’s teeth are different. Some patients might see results after 1 or 2 treatments, while others may need more sessions to achieve the desired shade.
Learn More: What Is Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need To Know
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
The length of time varies from person to person and depends on the intensity of the treatment. It also depends on lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking habits. Generally, a teeth whitening procedure can last anywhere from six months to one year.
Furthermore, whitening teeth is meant to reduce the appearance of stains, not make the teeth resistant to them. If you keep your teeth clean and have healthy oral hygiene habits, whitening procedures will last longer.
Factors that Can Affect the Longevity of Your Teeth Whitening
Many factors can affect how long your teeth will stay white once you’ve gone through the process of whitening them, including diet and what medications you take. Some people are lucky enough to have their pearly whites last for a long time, while others need to go back in for touch-ups every few months.
type of teeth whitening procedure
The procedure you choose for whitening your teeth will determine how long they stay that way. You can get whiter teeth professionally, or you can do it at home with over-the-counter products, but both methods work differently and vary in their effectiveness.
The types of at-home whitening kits include whitening toothpaste, gels, touch-up pens and strips. Though some may not have as much effectiveness due to the low amounts of agents used, they still serve their purpose for those who don’t wish to spend that much on teeth whitening procedures.
When it comes to whitening your permanent teeth, some people prefer store-bought kits that they can use at home. Others opt for trays custom-made by their dental professional. It’s not uncommon for people to pick the two methods due to cost and effectiveness. However, they contain more whitening agents, up to 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide. These are the ingredients that remove surface stains from your natural teeth.
Finally, you also have the option of professionally whitening your teeth by visiting your local dentist. It would be the most expensive option, costing about $260 per tooth with varying estimates of how long it will last: some offer up to 3 years of whiteness, while others say 6-12 months.
Learn More: Cost of Teeth Whitening: Detailed Breakdown
Your Lifestyle
Certain foods and beverages can stain teeth. Examples of these are coffee, red wine, dark-coloured carbonated drinks and tomato-based sauces. It means it will be difficult to estimate the length of time someone’s teeth whitening treatment will last without knowing what they like to eat and drink, but you should generally expect it to last six months to a year.
The other issue is the use of tobacco products, since smoking is bad for your oral health and can cause discolouration of your teeth as well. Tobacco smoke contains various chemicals that will, over time, cause yellow or brown stains that penetrate deep into the tooth enamel. Though having good oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing can help to reduce this problem, they’re not possibly going to stay as white as someone who does not smoke cigarettes. Furthermore, it puts your health at risk if you continuously smoke for an extended period.
Your Age
Over time, our tooth enamel naturally thins as we age, which leaves the yellowish inner dentin exposed. As a result, teeth become yellower and stain more easily. The effectiveness of teeth whitening procedures varies depending on age. The treatment can be just as powerful for an older person, but the effects are not always the same. Older people may need two or three treatments to get the same result as younger ones. Moreover, the whitening procedures may last up to twice as long in more youthful people than in older folks trying them out for the first time.
Things to Avoid After Teeth Whitening Treatment
Having white teeth can have an impact on your self-esteem. However, the amount of time tooth whitening lasts depends on the type of whitening product you use and your lifestyle habits.
If you are a smoker, drinker or coffee addict, then the effects of tooth whitening will wear off more quickly than if you were not doing these things regularly. Beyond this, some people will have sensitive teeth after undergoing the treatment, and this can lead them to avoid acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes, which would also shorten the lifespan of their new white smile.
Here are the things you should avoid to preserve the whiteness of your teeth after treatment:
- Try to reduce or avoid highly pigmented foods and drinks that may cause stains.
- When drinking sweet or acidic drinks, drink through a straw to avoid contact with your teeth.
- To protect your teeth from staining, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum after eating anything that contains stain-causing agents.
- Avoid using tobacco products or vaping.
Final Thoughts
The teeth whitening process is not permanent. It will gradually fade over time, so it’s essential to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing every day. At your next dental appointment, ask about teeth whitening. There are a few different options for you to consider, including in-office treatments and take-home whitening kits that you can order online or at the drug store. Whichever option you choose, it will help keep your bright smile looking its best and make you feel confident.
If you’ve been considering professional teeth whitening and want to know more about the cosmetic procedure that will last, get in touch with us today at 08 9532 0247. Our dental experts are ready to answer any questions or concerns about this treatment and offer their expert advice, so don’t hesitate.
