If you are like me, you want to have a sparkling smile that makes you feel good about yourself. You may have undergone a teeth whitening procedure to remove stains and discoloration from your teeth and make them several shades lighter. You may have been amazed by the results and how they improved your appearance and confidence. However, you may have also wondered how long will teeth whitening last and how to maintain it.
Well, the answer is not simple. How long will teeth whitening last? This would depend on whether you consume a lot of tea, coffee and other staining liquids and do or do not take care of oral hygiene. In addition it depends on whether you drink a lot of very hot or very cold liquids immediately after whitening. In addition if you are a heavy smoker your teeth would soon be black with nicotine stains. In addition genetically stained or teeth stained by serious illness may require frequent touch ups and teeth whitening procedures. As a general rule touching up or cleaning teeth once in 6 months to one year helps.
Some factors that could affect the longevity of your teeth whitening are:
- There are different types and methods of teeth whitening, such as in-office bleaching, at-home bleaching, laser whitening, zoom whitening, etc. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, and may require different equipment and materials to perform. The more advanced and effective the procedure, the longer it could last.
- If you have mild to moderate staining, you may need fewer sessions and less time per session than someone who has severe staining or intrinsic discoloration (such as from medication or trauma). The more sessions and time you need, the shorter it could last.
- Depending on how you live and what you eat and drink, your teeth whitening could last longer or shorter. For example, if you consume a lot of tea, coffee, wine, soda, or other staining liquids, your teeth whitening could fade faster than if you avoid them. Similarly, if you smoke or chew tobacco, your teeth whitening could be ruined by nicotine stains. Moreover, if you do not brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings, your teeth whitening could be compromised by plaque and tartar build-up.
- After you undergo teeth whitening, you will need to follow some instructions and precautions to protect your teeth and gums from sensitivity and damage. You will also need to use some products or kits to maintain your results and prevent them from fading. These could help extend the duration of your teeth whitening.
As you can see, there is no definitive answer to how long will teeth whitening last. It depends on many factors that are unique to each individual and each procedure. However, if you follow some tips and tricks to make your teeth whitening last longer, you can enjoy your bright smile for a long time.
Some tips and tricks to make your teeth whitening last longer are:
- Avoid or limit the consumption of staining foods and drinks, such as tea, coffee, wine, soda, berries, sauces, etc. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterwards.
- Avoid or quit smoking or chewing tobacco, as they can cause nicotine stains on your teeth that are hard to remove.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste that is gentle on your enamel. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to remove any plaque and tartar that could dull your smile.
- Use a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash occasionally to remove surface stains and keep your teeth white.
- Use a whitening kit or strips as recommended by your dentist to touch up your teeth whitening every few months or as needed.