How long does teeth whitening last? And is cosmetic dentistry whitening worthwhile for achieving a brighter smile?
Getting your teeth whitened is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. For those less than satisfied with the color of their teeth, whitening can provide a brighter and more confident smile. Best of all, when completed by a trained cosmetic dentist, the results can be long-lasting.
To determine how long teeth whitening will last, you must be honest with your cosmetic dentist about your lifestyle and habits. However, some insights can help you learn if the procedure is right for you.
Let’s take a closer look at “How long does professional teeth whitening last?” and how to get the best results for your smile.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to lighten the color of teeth and remove stains and discoloration. Teeth can become discolored or stained over time due to various factors, including:
- Pigmented food and beverages (e.g., coffee, berries, soda)
- Tobacco products
- Certain medications
- Poor oral hygiene
- Genetics
- Aging
Teeth whitening treatments work by using various chemical agents to break down stains and lighten the color of the teeth. There are a few common methods for teeth whitening:
- In-office whitening: This is typically performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. They apply a strong bleaching agent to the teeth and often use a special light or laser to activate the whitening process. In-office treatments provide quick and dramatic results.
- At-home whitening: Dentists can provide custom-made trays and a milder bleaching gel for use at home. This method takes longer than in-office treatments but can also be effective.
- Over-the-counter products: Many over-the-counter products, such as whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels, are available for at-home use. These products may produce gradual results but are generally less potent than professional treatments.
Though various over-the-counter teeth whitening products are available, nothing compares to professional cosmetic dentistry whitening methods.
Zoom Teeth Whitening: How Long Does It Take?
Zoom whitening is an in-office cosmetic dental procedure that uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching gel and a specialized UV light to lift discoloration and brighten teeth. During a 2-hour appointment, you’ll sit through three to four sessions where the gel and light are applied to your teeth in 15-minute intervals.
It’s important to note that teeth whitening may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain dental conditions or intrinsic stains (stains that are within the tooth) may not respond well to whitening treatments. Consult a teeth whitening dentist to determine the most appropriate approach for your specific situation.
How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
The answer to, “How long does teeth whitening last?” depends on some factors you can’t control and several others that you can.
Genetics
Your genetic makeup and current health conditions can significantly influence the longevity of professional teeth whitening. Since you can’t control these factors, it’s important to make lifestyle adjustments that will help protect whitening results.
Diet
Certain foods and beverages can expedite the re-staining process, like red wine and tomatoes. Reducing the intake of such items can help maintain the whitening results.
Maintenance
Using whitening toothpaste and scheduling biannual whitening appointments help prolong the effects of teeth whitening. Additionally, regular dental cleanings help remove superficial stains and plaque buildup, keeping your smile brighter for longer.
Habits
Smoking or using other tobacco products contributes to tooth discoloration. Quitting or reducing these habits can dramatically increase the length of your whitening results.
Understanding these factors and discussing them with your cosmetic dentist during your teeth whitening consultation will provide a clearer picture of what to expect regarding the longevity of your teeth whitening results.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Whitened?
Now that we’ve answered, “How long do whitened teeth last?” you may wonder, “How often should I whiten my teeth?” Even professional teeth whitening is not permanent, so the results will gradually fade over time.
After a patient completes their Zoom whitening treatment, we recommend scheduling a second treatment six months later to maintain results. You can keep using at-home teeth whitening products as long as your teeth aren’t feeling sensitive or your gums aren’t burning.
A regular oral hygiene regimen, scheduling touch-up whitening appointments with your dentist, and following their aftercare recommendations all help maintain a bright white smile post-treatment.
Get The Best Dentist Teeth Whitening Results at Northside Dental Co.
You can expect the most impressive, longest-lasting results when you invest in professional teeth whitening by a cosmetic dentist. At Northside Dental Co., we work with you to develop a custom teeth whitening plan that meets your smile goals.
We use the most effective (and efficient) products, so you can rest assured that your teeth are getting the highest quality treatment available. Our teeth whitening services give you a beautiful smile without any unnecessary risks or complications.
Get a personalized answer to “How long does teeth whitening last?” by scheduling your complimentary consultation today.
