Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures in the realm of cosmetic dentistry, and it is used by people looking to achieve a brighter and whiter smile, which gives them the confidence to smile. However, it is a fact that with time, the teeth become discolored due to a number of factors, and this is where the procedure of teeth whitening comes in.
One of the most common questions people ask is about the longevity of the procedure. Let’s discuss the average lifespan of the treatment and factors that can affect the results.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth Whitening is a cosmetic procedure used to lighten the color of your teeth and remove any stains or discolorations. Teeth Whitening can be done professionally in a dental clinic or at home with the help of kits and strips. In most Whitening procedures, a safe bleach is used, which includes Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide, to break the stain and whiten the teeth.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last on Average?
On average, the outcome of the teeth whitening procedure lasts for anywhere between six months and three years. However, the longevity of the outcome depends on one individual to another. Teeth whitening done by a dentist lasts longer compared to the ones done using over-the-counter whitening products. With the right maintenance and regular checkups, the outcome of the procedure lasts for quite a long time.
Factors That Affect How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts
There are several factors that may influence the duration for which the results of teeth whitening last. Understanding all of these factors will help you sustain your new, brighter smile for a longer time.
Diet and Eating Habits
Coffee, tea, wine, berries, and dark sauce are some of the food items that have the potential to cause discoloration of the teeth. Hence, if these food items are consumed regularly, the whiteness of the teeth may not last for a long period.
Smoking or Tobacco Use
Smoking, as well as tobacco, has been known to cause teeth discoloration rapidly. Nicotine and tar, which are components of tobacco, have been known to cause hard stains, which might affect the period that teeth whitening will last.
Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and using mouthwash, which your dentist has recommended, will go a long way in ensuring your teeth remain clean, thereby extending the period during which the whitening of your teeth will remain effective.
Type of Whitening Treatment
Professional teeth whitening treatments, when conducted in dental clinics, take a longer time compared to store-bought teeth whitening products. This is due to the fact that dentist-supervised teeth whitening treatments make use of strong teeth whitening agents.
Natural Tooth Color and Age
It is also observed that the results of the teeth whitening treatment may last longer or shorter in different individuals, based on the color of their teeth, the thickness of the enamel, and their age.
Signs It May Be Time for Another Whitening Treatment
Even with proper care, the results of teeth whitening treatments tend to gradually disappear over time. Some of the common indications that the results of the teeth whitening treatment have begun to disappear include:
- Your teeth lose their brightness.
- Stains and discoloration start to reappear.
- Your smile looks darker than usual in photographs.
- Your teeth have uneven colors.
- It has been over a year since your last teeth whitening session.
Final Thoughts
One of the best ways to improve the appearance of your teeth is by teeth whitening. This can uplift your confidence and refresh your smile. Although the improvement is not long-lasting, it can last for months to even years.
For professional teeth whitening treatments, you can always contact iCare4Smiles of Piscataway. With personalized treatments, we help you enjoy a bright and healthy smile for a long time. Call us at (732) 800-9524 to schedule your consultation today!