In this post, our Barrie dentists talk about in-office and take-home teeth whitening options and the factors that will determine how long these treatments will last.
Teeth Whitening Treatments
As we get older, our teeth become more susceptible to staining because of the food and other substances we consume. Our tooth enamel naturally attracts food particles, and products like tobacco, tea, wine, coffee, and berries have the ability to stain teeth.
Today, more people are choosing in-office and at-home teeth whitening methods to reverse the effects of stains and aging. Professional teeth whitening could help improve the confidence you have in your smile.
Here, we explore how long the effects of teeth whitening may last, and what you can do to help your teeth stay white as long as possible after treatment.
The Duration of Teeth Whitening Effects
Depending on the method you opt for, you'll want to keep in mind how long each is expected to last.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
While in-office teeth whitening has an immediate whitening effect on your smile because of the high concentration bleaching gel used, it will not permanently whiten your teeth.
Because a dentist is performing your in-office teeth whitening treatment, it’s considered safe, reliable, and non-invasive. Dentists screen teeth whitening patients to ensure their oral health doesn’t preclude them from being a candidate for this type of 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 freshen the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments - and you can do them in the comfort of your own home.
Most patients notice a difference within 10 to 14 days of starting to use their at-home teeth whitening kit. The full results usually appear by the end of the treatment period, and they tend to last significantly longer than teeth whitening treatments purchased from 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 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:
- Type and strength of whitening treatment used
- Level of staining before the teeth whitening procedure
- Condition of your teeth
If you are curious about the teeth whitening options available to you, speak with your dentist. You might also want to consider looking up teeth whitening reviews online to learn about other patients’ experiences.