A bright, vibrant smile is something many people desire, as it can be a substantial confidence booster. If you’re considering teeth whitening, a common question we hear at Wing Dental Centre is how long you expect the results to last. How long your teeth whitening results last can range from a few months to up to 3 years, depending on the whitening method you choose and your daily habits.
Understanding how to care for your teeth properly afterward can make a significant difference. This knowledge empowers you to maintain your new smile for as long as possible.
Professional Whitening & At-Home Options
You have different options for whitening your teeth, each with its own process and application. Professional dental treatments offer a different approach compared to products you can buy at the store. Learning about them can help you decide which path is suitable for you.
In-Office Professional Whitening
This procedure is performed entirely within our dental office, using high-concentration whitening agents for noticeable results in a single visit. Your dental team supervises the process to protect your gums and apply the treatment correctly.
Professional At-Home Trays
For a more gradual approach, your dentist can create custom-fit trays designed specifically for your mouth. You’ll receive a professional-strength whitening gel to use with these trays at home, following a prescribed schedule. The custom fit helps ensure the gel makes even contact with every tooth surface, resulting in a uniform finish.
Over-the-Counter Products
You can find whitening strips, toothpastes, and rinses at most drugstores and supermarkets. These products contain a lower concentration of whitening ingredients than professional options. You should always consult your dentist for safety and effectiveness before using any whitening product. But they offer a convenient solution for addressing minor surface stains at home.
How Long Can You Expect Results to Last
The lifespan of your brighter smile depends heavily on the type of treatment you choose and your daily habits afterward. Different methods offer varying timelines for how long you can expect the brightness to last. Here is a general guide to help set your expectations.
- Professional in-office whitening: With proper care, results from a single in-office treatment can last from 1 to 3 years.
- At-home trays from a dentist: When used as directed by your dentist, these can provide results that last for a year or more.
- Whitening strips: The effects from these common over-the-counter kits typically last for up to 6 months.
- Whitening toothpaste and rinses: These products are mainly for removing new surface stains and are typically best used to extend the results of other whitening methods.
Key Factors That Affect Your Whitening Results
2 main things that determine how long your teeth stay white after a treatment are what you eat and drink, and how well you take care of your teeth. Paying attention to these areas is the key to extending the life of your brightened smile. Your daily choices directly impact the longevity of your results.
Your Diet & Daily Habits
Certain foods and drinks contain strong colour pigments, called chromogens, that can attach to your tooth enamel and cause staining. Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, is also a major contributor to yellowing teeth. Limiting your exposure to these items can make a big difference.
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Dark sodas
- Berries and dark-coloured juices
Your Oral Care Routine
A consistent oral hygiene routine is vital for maintaining your whitening results. Brushing and flossing daily removes food particles and plaque. If plaque isn’t removed, it can make it easier for new stains to form and dull your smile. Not to mention, the risk for tooth decay and cavities without proper brushing and flossing.
How to Keep Your Smile Bright for Longer
Once you’ve achieved your desired shade, a few simple strategies can help you maintain the results and prolong the effects. These maintenance habits are easy to incorporate into your daily life. They help protect your investment in a brighter smile.
Daily Care & Maintenance
After you eat or drink something that could stain, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water. You can also try drinking dark liquids through a straw to minimize their contact with your front teeth. Of course, brushing twice a day and flossing daily remain cornerstones of keeping your smile bright.
Plan for a Touch-Up
Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, so you may need occasional touch-ups to maintain your desired level of brightness. Depending on your lifestyle and the whitening method you used, consider a touch-up treatment every 6 months to a year.
Do Teeth Turn Yellow Again After Whitening?
While the change isn’t immediate, the brightness from any treatment will naturally fade over time. Understanding why this happens can help you manage your expectations.
Why Teeth Naturally Discolour
Your teeth are constantly exposed to factors that contribute to staining, from the foods you eat to the natural aging process. Over time, the outer layer of your tooth, the enamel, can thin, revealing the yellowish layer of dentin underneath. This gradual process means that without maintenance, your teeth will slowly lose some of their brightness.
Prevent Quick Discolouration
Maintaining a bright smile involves consistent care and attention to your daily habits. By following a good oral hygiene routine and being mindful of what you consume, you can extend the results of your teeth whitening treatment. This proactive approach helps you enjoy your brighter smile for as long as possible.
If you have questions about teeth whitening, the team at Wing Dental Centre can help you explore your options. Contact the office to discuss how you can achieve and maintain a brighter smile.
