Your Victoria Invisalign® Provider
Are you thinking about getting teeth whitening but aren't sure how long the results will last? Our Victoria dentists go over both in-office and at-home whitening options, as well as the factors that determine how white your smile will stay and how long it will last.
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, you will need to return for additional teeth whitening treatments after a while. If you expose your teeth to stain-causing foods or drinks regularly, the whiteness of your teeth will likely 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
You can refresh the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments by using take-home teeth whitening products from your dentist's office, and you can do it in the comfort of your own home.
Within 10 to 14 days of starting to use their at-home teeth whitening kit, the majority of patients notice a difference. The full results are usually visible by the end of the treatment period, and they last much longer than store-bought teeth whitening treatments.
The effects of at-home teeth whitening kits can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the treatment, the strength of the gel, 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
Speak with your dentist if you're interested in learning more about your teeth whitening options and which ones might be right for you. You might also want to look up teeth whitening reviews online to see what other people have said about their experiences.