Are you wondering how long the effects of teeth whitening last? Here, our Thornhill dental team explains both in-office and at-home whitening options and the factors that determine how long the treatment will last.
What is teeth whitening?
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 can create staining that over time dulls the brightness of our smiles.
Today, many patients are choosing in-office and at-home teeth whitening procedures to reverse effects of stains and aging. Professional teeth whitening can help to improve your confidence in your smile.
In this post, we explore how long the effects of teeth whitening may last, and what you can do to ensure your teeth remain white as long as possible after treatment.
How long will the effects of teeth whitening last?
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening is a safe, reliable, and effective method of whitening your teeth. it will not permanently whiten your teeth.
Because a dentist is performing your in-office teeth whitening treatment, they are able to safely use a higher concentration of bleaching gel than you would be able to use at home. Before the procedure, your dentist will do an assessment to ensure your oral health doesn’t preclude you from being a candidate for the treatment.
With the avoidance of foods and drinks that stain teeth and proper oral hygiene, most in-office treatments will last for about a year. before a touchup is required. 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.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Using take-home teeth whitening products from your dentist’s office can help to fresh 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, ensure you 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.
