Many people want to brighten their smiles with teeth whitening. But how long do the results actually last? This depends on several factors, including the whitening method used, your personal habits, and the natural color of your teeth.
Common Teeth Whitening Methods
There are quite a few different ways to whiten teeth, and each method lasts for a different amount of time; for example:
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to achieve quick results that can last anywhere from six months to three years. Dentists utilize stronger bleaching agents to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
At-Home Whitening Kits
These kits also work really well, but the results aren’t as good as professional treatments. They usually last four to six months. You might need to touch up your teeth regularly to keep them white.
Whitening Toothpaste
This is a more gradual approach. It can take two to six weeks to see results, which usually last three to four months. Whitening toothpaste polishes or gently bleaches teeth, but it’s not as effective as the above-mentioned two methods.
Factors that Determine How Long Whitening Lasts
There are several things that affect how long your teeth stay white after whitening:
Your Natural Tooth Color
The original color of your teeth plays a big part in how well whitening works. Teeth that are yellowish tend to get whiter than teeth that are gray or brown. This is because the original color affects how well the bleaching agents work.
The Type of Whitening Treatment
Professional treatments usually last longer than over-the-counter options because they use stronger ingredients. The length of time you use the treatment and how well you follow the instructions also play big roles in the duration of the results.
Your Lifestyle
The things you do after whitening your teeth can greatly affect how long the results last. Eating or drinking things that stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda, can quickly make your teeth less white. Smoking also makes your teeth discolor much faster.
To keep your teeth white longer, it’s important to brush and floss regularly and try to limit how much you eat or drink things that stain your teeth.
Age and Your Genes
As you get older, the outer layer of your teeth (called enamel) naturally gets thinner. This can show the yellowish layer underneath, making your teeth look less white. This means that older people might not see the whitening results last as long as younger people.
Also, your genes can affect how thick your enamel is and the natural color of your teeth.
Maintenance Tips for Longer-Lasting Teeth Whitening Results
You can try the following tips to keep your teeth white for longer:
- Brush and floss regularly to help prevent stains from building up on your teeth, which keeps your smile bright.
- Try to drink less coffee, tea, red wine, and dark soda. This will help your teeth stay whiter for longer.
- If you use at-home whitening kits or have had professional whitening done, ask your dentist how often you should do touch-ups.
- Regular check-ups with your dentist help keep your mouth healthy, and they can give you advice on how to keep your teeth white.
Everything Considered!
Teeth whitening can significantly improve your smile, but knowing how long the effects last is important so that you know what to expect.
If you wish to learn more about teeth whitening methods and which one would suit you best, contact the team at Next Care Dental Houston. We can help you determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
Dial (713) 952-0522 to book your appointment!
