Are you considering whitening your teeth but you are wondering how long the effects will last? Our Sydney dentists explain both in-office and at-home whitening options and the factors that determine how white your smile will remain, for how long.
What is teeth whitening?
Our teeth become more susceptible to staining as we age due to the foods and other substances we consume. Tobacco, tea, wine, coffee, and even berries are notorious for staining teeth because their enamel naturally attracts food particles.
Today, more people are choosing in-office and at-home teeth whitening procedures to reverse effects of stains and aging. Professional teeth whitening can help to improve your confidence in 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?
You should be aware of how long each is anticipated to last if you decide between in-office and at-home teeth whitening.
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.
You will eventually need to go back for additional teeth-whitening procedures. The whiteness of your teeth will likely start to deteriorate after a few months if you frequently expose them to foods or beverages that could stain them.
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.
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).
A number of 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 consider looking up teeth whitening reviews online to learn about other patients’ experiences.