There’s no doubt that being able to flash a bright, white smile as you’re chit-chatting away at a social get-together or closing a deal at work, can have a significant impact on your self-confidence and your social pull. With teeth whitening treatments being more affordable and accessible today, it’s important to remember that the mileage you get out of your chosen treatment type can vary. So, let’s jump in and take a look at the question, “How long does teeth whitening last,” and explore expert-approved strategies for prolonging the coveted glow.
Teeth Whitening Treatments: 3 Types and Their Lifespan
There are three main types of teeth whitening treatments: conventional in-office treatment with customized mouth trays, such as laser whitening and LED treatments, supervised at-home whitening kits provided by dentists, and at-home treatments through over-the-counter options like strips, gels, and whitening toothpaste. For these treatment types, how long does teeth whitening last? Here’s the answer:
- In-office professional teeth whitening (also called in-chair), such as laser whitening and LED whitening (like Zoom) can last for as long as 2-3 years, permitting that you’re not consuming a lot of foods or beverages that cause your teeth to stain.
- Supervised at-home whitening kits that are provided to you by our dentists can last anywhere from 1-2 years permitting that you’re following the instructions carefully and maintaining good oral hygiene practices. These types of kits contain higher concentrations of peroxide than over-the-counter options and are customized to fit your teeth exactly.
- At-home treatment through over-the-counter options like whitening strips, gels, and whitening toothpaste can last a few months at most. These options have a much lower concentration of peroxide in them, are not tailored for your teeth (remove surface stains, not deep-seated stains), and can sometimes cause more sensitivity and irritation than professional treatments if used wrong. Beyond this, strips, gels, and whitening toothpaste must be used as an ongoing endeavor to keep your teeth in your desired shade.
*Please keep in mind that there are factors that can impact how long-lasting the whitening effect is. Factors like your oral hygiene habits, lifestyle choices, what medications you’re taking, and your genetics can all impact the mileage you get out of the above estimations.
Extending The Effect: Expert-Approved Strategies for Prolonging Brightness
Maintaining a bright smile post-whitening requires some commitment. Here are a few expert-approved strategies you can use:
1. Set aside the time you need to commit to regular brushing and flossing. Keeping in line with a routine that gets you in front of the bathroom mirror morning and night will help you remove plaque (the leading cause of discoloration), and slow the development of tartar. Don’t forget to book yourself in for regular dental cleanings every 6-months.
2. If you want a better answer than a few years or a few months to “how long does teeth whitening last” then book yourself in for periodic whitening sessions touch-ups and sustain the effects of your teeth whitening treatment.
3. Pearly bright whites are all about adjusting your lifestyle to support your teeth. Avoid consuming staining foods and beverages whenever possible; this includes coffee, tea, wine, and berries. Also, if you smoke tobacco, heavily consider quitting as this causes significant staining.
4. Buy into teeth-friendly habits like using straws for beverages to reduce their contact with your teeth, and rinsing your mouth out when consuming staining substances. Like your morning coffee? Take a sip of water after every mouthful, and try to consume your coffee and other staining beverages in quick bursts. The fact of the matter is, that nursing your coffee all day long exposes your teeth to extended time to stain.
5. Add to your teeth cleaning routine with whitening toothpaste, and blue light wave technology.
While the answer to, “How long do teeth whitening last,” is quite dependent on the chosen treatment type, post-treatment care, and lifestyle habits, you can prolong the effects by maintaining proper oral hygiene techniques, adjusting your consumption choices, and maintaining teeth-friendly practices. If you’d like to sport a dazzling white smile, our Spring Haven Dental Clinic can help! We offer in-office professional whitening treatments, including Zoom, and also have at-home dentist-supervised options! No matter which treatment you’d prefer, we have the means to help you regain your alluring smile.
