Are you considering teeth whitening treatment and wondering how long the effects will last? Our Ottawa dentists explain both in-office and at-home whitening options and the factors that determine how white your smile will remain, and for how long.
Teeth whitening: What is it?
As we age, our teeth become more susceptible to staining due to food and other substances we consume. Our tooth enamel naturally attracts food particles, and products such as tobacco, tea, wine, coffee and even berries are notorious for staining teeth.
Today, more people are choosing in-office and at-home teeth whitening procedures to reverse the effects of stains and aging. Professional teeth whitening can help to alter your smile allowing you to potentially have more confidence.
In this post, we explore how long the effects of teeth whitening may last, and what you can do to keep your teeth white as long as possible after treatment.
The Effects of Teeth Whitening: How long will it 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.
What is 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 confirm that their oral health doesn’t preclude them from being a candidate for the 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.
What is at-home teeth whitening?
Using take-home teeth whitening products from your dentist’s office can help to freshen up 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, you will need to 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.