Looking to get a brighter and whiter smile? Teeth whitening is one of the most popular treatments for those looking to spruce up their grin. However, it’s important to know how long the results will last. With today’s advances in dental technology and techniques, teeth whitening can provide dramatic improvements that last for many years. Let’s explore how long teeth whitening results usually last and other questions you may have – so you can smile with more confidence.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening from a qualified professional is a great way to enhance your smile. Dependent on a patient’s lifestyle choices, it can last from a couple of months and up to three years. However, the beauty of it lies in maintenance. So make sure to follow the instructions given by your dentist or hygienist when it comes to using take-home bleaching trays.
How often can you whiten your teeth?
How often one gets their teeth whitened largely depends on their lifestyle and how much staining they encounter. Generally, we recommend having your teeth whitened every six months. Essentially two treatments a year. This will help maintain a bright smile between treatments and keep teeth healthy.
Does teeth whitening damage your teeth?
Research has indicated that teeth whitening treatments can be perfectly safe and effective when used correctly and under the guidance of a qualified dental professional. However, as with any other type of dentist-administered treatment, there is also a risk of adverse effects if done incorrectly or in excess. Before beginning the whitening process, pretreatment evaluations are essential to ensure that any existing cavities or other dental issues are identified.
Teeth whitening lasts three to six months and up to three years. Take-home trays can be used as often as necessary to keep them looking great. Most people only need to use them for a few sessions every two or three months
Can yellow teeth be whitened?
Yes! Although yellowing is a natural part of ageing, it doesn’t have to be permanent. There are many options for whitening teeth, ranging from over-the-counter whitening products to more professional treatments conducted by dentists. Depending on how severe the staining is, some people can quickly achieve the smile they desire with powerful rinses and toothpaste. Others need a longer process that utilises trays and gels. Regardless of each patient’s teeth colour, a dentist can give a quicker result and less hassle; OptiSmile can do this in one sitting, saving you time.
After teeth whitening
What are some tips for keeping your teeth white after whitening?
After whitening your teeth, it is important to ensure that you take the necessary steps to keep them white. Brushing at least twice daily with a whitening toothpaste will help maintain the initial white shade. Additionally, avoiding foods and drinks that are known to stain or discolour teeth (like coffee or tea) will help prevent staining from occurring in the first place. If you choose to consume these foods or drinks, rinse your mouth after each time for the best results.
Foods to avoid after teeth whitening
Teeth whitening can be a great way to improve the colour of your teeth. However, if you whiten your teeth, certain foods are best avoided to maximise the results and lengthen the duration of your pearly whites.
Foods to avoid:
- coffee
- tea
- wine
- chocolate
- berries
Sticking with food that has little to no chance of staining, such as yoghurt or couscous. These foods are good and can help ensure that you get the most from your teeth whitening treatments. Of course, talking to your dentist at OptiSmile about the specific rules for diet after you’ve had a professional treatment at our office is one of the best ways to ensure you don’t inadvertently give yourself teeth stains.
Avoid coffee, tea, wine, chocolate and berries after whitening, stick to white foods with no colours like yoghurt or couscous.
Can any dentist whiten teeth?
In today’s world, where one’s appearance has increased in importance compared to previous generations, it is no surprise that many people are seeking ways to improve their smile. Fortunately, there are several options available when it comes to whitening teeth. While over-the-counter medication may promise great results, a licensed dentist is undoubtedly the most reliable source for such a procedure. Dentists possess the unique skills and tools necessary to safely and effectively whiten teeth due to their expert knowledge and years of experience performing these treatments.
Teeth whitening options
At-home teeth whitening
Whitening toothpaste, kits and strips are a great way to get a brighter smile in an easy, convenient and often affordable way. These products use an active ingredient like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lift off stubborn stains caused by tea, coffee, smoking or ageing. These products offer slower results.
Professional take-home teeth whitening
Professional take-home whitening is a safe, convenient and effective way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Customised trays are created using digital impressions of your teeth taken at your dental office. You can then apply the professional strength whitening gel contained in prefilled syringes into the trays before wearing them for the recommended time each day to get the best outcomes. Professional take-home teeth whitening is best used in conjunction with in-chair teeth whitening.
In-chair teeth whitening
At OptiSmile, we provide quick and accessible in-chair whitening services. From the comfort of our modern office, a dentist or hygienist will ensure your smile shines brighter than ever before. The process begins with a protective barrier applied around the gum line to protect them from the bleaching gel. The patient is then exposed to special lights for flash system whitening; or Opalescence Boost and POLA, which do not require any light to activate. Teeth can become up to 6-10 shades lighter in just one hour! In-chair teeth whitening is ideal for those seeking fast results, as it is much more efficient than other whitening options. Plus, you get the added benefit of being supervised by professionals who know what they are doing and have done this thousands of times before.
Teeth whitening can be done through at-home, in-chair or with professional teeth whitening. In-chair combined with professional teeth whitening is best for quick results.
Now that you know how long teeth whitening lasts, how often to get your teeth whitened and what foods to avoid after the treatment, it’s time to book online for your teeth whitening appointment. We’ll help you choose the best teeth whitening option for you and answer any other questions you may have.
Disclaimer: The information and advice in this blog post are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not responsible for any outcomes or decisions based on the information provided here. It is essential to
