Teeth whitening is a very popular cosmetic dental treatment that offers a fast, non-invasive way to improve a smile. Teeth whitening treatments are available for every budget, time interval, and temperament. Whether the treatment is a one-hour whitening session professionally conducted at a dental office or an in-home whitening kit purchased from a local pharmacy, there are many solutions. Teeth whitening remove stains and dirt, leaving enamel cracks open and open. Some of the cracks are rapidly re-mineralized by saliva, while others fill up with organic waste.
Although most people think that their teeth should be bright white, this may not be the color of their natural teeth, resulting in an unnatural appearance. Therefore, it is best to seek dentists who specialize in whitening patients’ teeth as they can highlight the natural color of the patient’s teeth for a more natural smile. Dentists are the best choice for those looking for a bright, genuine smile.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Several factors can and do dictate the length of time that teeth stay white; it isn’t possible to give a one-size-fits-all answer as every person and every case is different.
How long your teeth whitening results will depend on your diet and oral care routine. If you consume large amounts of food or drink that leave stains, you will need to complete your whitening treatment after 3-4 months. If you avoid dyes as much as possible, you can go 6-12 months without a complete treatment and whiten your smile. No matter what kind of tooth whitening process you use, it won’t last forever. Home products can provide minimal to extraordinary results that last for several months. Professional dental intervention can be extended to 2-3 years, depending on oral hygiene. The length of time you can expect tooth whitening to last is based upon the type of whitener you’re using.
Your lifestyle habits also have an impact. As we age, our tooth enamel naturally thins out. This will expose more of the tooth’s yellowish interior through the teeth, giving it a yellowish-white color. While teeth whitening procedures can whiten anyone’s teeth at any age, they are not always the same. If a teeth whitening treatment can take 18 months for a younger person, the same procedure may not be as dramatic and may only take half the time for a much older person.
Food Habits
Though restricting to white diet is the best approach post-whitening procedure; however, certain food types should be avoided. As a rule of thumb, it is advisable to refrain from foods that stain a white shirt.
What to Avoid Eating
- Foods and sauces that are dark in color
- Dark-colored beverages including Tea and Coffee
- Foods and drinks acidic in nature
What You Can Eat
- White-colored vegetables
- White meat
- Colorless beverages
- Non-acidic fruits
What Can You do to Make Teeth Whitening Last Longer?
The best thing you can do to maintain your teeth whitening procedure changes your lifestyle. Brushing your teeth after every meal will help extend the life of your professional whitening. By brushing away food particles and bacteria, you’ll help keep your teeth healthy and strong, so they can fight off stains and decay. You should avoid things that you know can stain your teeth significantly. Avoiding these objects can have a long-term effect that makes you feel more confident in the image of your smile.
When done correctly by professionals, teeth whitening is an extraordinary transformation process that can build your confidence for years to come. Make sure to visit your dentist routinely in addition to following these instructions for a lasting bright smile. Regular six-month cleanings, touch-up treatments, and dental exams are essential for the overall health of your teeth and mouth.
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.
