Unfortunately, the results from professional teeth whitening will be temporary. However, the results typically last at least six months and may last several years. Teeth whitening can be repeated at your dentist’s office every 12-18 months. Take-home whitening kits may be used more frequently. Read on for everything to know about professional teeth whitening.
Factors That Impact Your Teeth Whitening Results
Several factors will impact the results and the length of time you can maintain your results after having your teeth professionally whitened. Your results will be based partly on the color of your teeth at the time of your treatment. Teeth will change color throughout your life due to age, wear and tear, injuries, oral care habits, and lifestyle choices.
It’s important to note that teeth are not naturally bright white. Although the enamel on the surface of the teeth is often a white or bluish-white hue, the dentin on the teeth beneath the enamel is naturally yellowish. That’s why many people have slightly yellowed or slightly gray-hued teeth. This does not mean your teeth are unhealthy.
Your natural tooth color may also be attributable to genetics. Specifically, the thickness of the enamel on your teeth is likely genetic. This can predispose you to have more yellow than white teeth.
Finally, remember that teeth whitening done in a dentist’s office or by using a take-home kit can whiten your teeth many shades, but that doesn’t mean that they will become perfectly white.
Taking Care of Your Teeth After Whitening
Once you’ve had your teeth whitened, your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle will play a significant role in keeping your teeth white. If you whiten your teeth and then smoke, vape, or chew tobacco, your results will be short-lived. Likewise, if you do not brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily, your results may not last as long as they could.
Your diet will also play a role in determining how long your teeth will remain white. Soda, red wine, dark berries, coffees, teas, bright sauces, and other dark-colored foods and beverages are notorious for staining teeth. To reduce staining, use a straw when drinking beverages that will stain the teeth or cut back on the foods and beverages that are known to cause staining. Be sure to continue with regular cleanings at the dentist every six months.
Are Any Treatments Available That Will Permanently Whiten My Teeth?
If you have your heart set on a megawatt smile, talk with a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry. Permanent options for achieving a brilliant white smile are available, including porcelain veneers, which can not only whiten your teeth but can also reshape your teeth and fill in small gaps in the teeth.
If you only have a single discolored tooth that doesn’t respond to whitening, you may also be a candidate for a dental crown or cosmetic dental bonding to improve the color, shape, or size of a single tooth.
Book a Cosmetic Dental Consultation in Carmel, NY
If you’d like to learn more about cosmetic dental treatments such as professional teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, or gum contouring, send us a message or call 845-225-2224. For your convenience, Carmel Dental Associates sees patients until 7 pm on Monday and Tuesday.