HOW LONG DOES PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING LAST?
One of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments is teeth whitening. Every one of us wants to achieve a brighter and healthy-looking smile that can uplift our personality. From whitening toothpaste to professional teeth whitening procedures, there are so many options to choose from.
If you are also considering teeth whitening treatment, the question “How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?”, would have certainly come into your mind. The longevity of teeth whitening effects is dependent on so many factors, and everybody’s experience differs. However, if you want to know the answer to this burning question, then stay with us till the end.
FACTORS THAT IMPACT HOW LONG TEETH WHITENING LASTS
Sometimes, the effects of professional teeth whitening can last up to 2 to 3 years and, in some cases, just for 6 months. It varies from individual to individual. Here are the factors that can stain your teeth quickly, making your whitening short-lived:
1. THE TYPE OF FOOD AND DRINK YOU CONSUME
If you consume dark-coloured liquids like coffee, tea, or red wine regularly, you may notice that your teeth are prone to yellowing more quickly than those who don’t indulge in such beverages. Similarly, certain foods like berries or tomato sauce that are very colourful or acidic can also contribute to teeth discoloration.
Of course, you don’t have to completely give up on your favourite food and drink items. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind how frequently you’re consuming them if you wish to maintain your teeth whitening results for a longer duration.
2. YOUR AGE
Our age also has a significant role to play in the longevity of teeth whitening results. Unfortunately, as we age, our teeth tend to become more discoloured and yellow. The reason behind this is that the enamel in our teeth starts to thin out with time. This, as a result, exposes the dentin, which is the yellowish layer underneath.
Hence, if you are in your late 40s or 50s, your teeth whitening will not last as long as it would for someone in their 20s or 30s.
3. HOW WELL YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH AFTER WHITENING
Your oral hygiene routine is another contributing factor that determines how long the results of your professional teeth whitening will last. If you take good care of your oral health by regularly cleaning your teeth and visiting your dentist for checkups, there are chances that your teeth whitening effects will last for years.
In addition, factors like tobacco consumption, or eating acidic foods can also impact the results of teeth whitening treatments. Hence you need to maintain distance from all such habits if you want your white teeth to last for many years to come.
4. YOUR ORAL HEALTH
It’s essential to bear in mind that the health of your mouth and teeth plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness and feasibility of teeth whitening treatment. This is because, if your teeth are affected by cavities or plaque buildup, the whitening products won’t work as effectively as they should on teeth that are free of such issues.
Therefore, it is advisable to schedule a dental cleaning appointment with your dentist before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure. This will help create a solid foundation for the teeth whitening products to work their magic on your teeth.
EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR MAINTAINING TEETH WHITENING RESULTS
If you have recently received a professional teeth whitening treatment and are now looking for effective ways to prolong the duration of its results, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to practice good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth.
- Things like alcohol consumption and smoking cigarettes can severely affect the colour of your teeth. Hence, try to avoid them, especially after teeth whitening treatments.
- Also, minimize the intake of dark-coloured beverages such as wine, tea, or coffee.
- Consider using a straw when drinking acidic drinks, such as juices or soft drinks.
- Go for touch-up treatments twice a year to maintain your teeth whitening results.
By following all the above-mentioned tips, you can extend the result of teeth whitening treatment for many years
KEY TAKEAWAY
Teeth whitening is the most common and effective way to brighten discoloured teeth and revamp your smile. However, it’s extremely important to understand how this whitening treatment works.
It is not a permanent solution to whiten your teeth and your teeth can go back to their original colour with time. However, if you take good care of your oral health, your teeth whitening results can last for many years.
