How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Having a bright smile can do wonders for your self-confidence. That is why professional teeth whitening products and procedures have become such an easy, accessible and effective solution for patients with stained or yellow teeth. However, most teeth whitening treatments are not permanent. While they can temporarily improve the appearance of your smile, teeth whitening treatments will eventually fade.
Here’s how long you can expect your teeth whitening treatment to last, and some whitening maintenance tips to help you get the most out of the process.
Average Teeth Whitening Duration
Your teeth whitening duration will vary, depending on the type of whitening procedure you choose:
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In-Office Whitening
Performed by a dentist, professional teeth whitening uses stronger bleaching agents, so it will provide the best and most immediate results. Most professional whitening treatments last between one-to-three years, with proper maintenance.
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At-Home Professional Kits
Some dentists provide the option of at-home whitening kits, which involve a custom-made trade and professional-grade whitening solution. It’s a highly effective process, but the results are more gradual than the in-office procedure. Depending on how often you use the kit, these treatments generally last between six months-one year.
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Over-The-Counter Products
There are plenty of over-the-counter teeth whitening products on the market, including strips, gels and toothpastes. While these solutions can temporarily brighten your smile, results often fade after a few months. This is because these solutions have less concentrated ingredients than professional products.
In addition to the type of procedure, there are also lifestyle factors that can affect teeth whitening duration, such as your diet, tobacco use, age and overall oral hygiene. Depending on these aspects, you can expect either longer- or shorter-lasting results.
Teeth Whitening Maintenance Tips
After completing a teeth whitening procedure, you’ll want to keep your smile bright for as long as possible. Some tips for prolonging your teeth whitening duration include:
- Avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, soda or red wine
- Reducing or quitting smoking and the use of other tobacco products
- Using whitening toothpaste in addition to professional treatments
- Maintaining proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day
- Touch-up appointments to fix small stains or dark spots
- Regular professional dental cleanings every six months
Once you decide on what type of teeth whitening procedure is right for you, it’s important to work with your dentist to create a maintenance plan that restores your confidence and keeps your smile healthy.
Brighten Your Smile with Dr. Eddie Orobitg
If you’re in need of a dental cleaning to prolong your whitening treatment or experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity or discomfort, rely on the team at Orobitg Dentistry. With more than 20 years of experience in the Leesburg, Florida, area Eddie Orobitg, D.M.D., is ready to provide you with quality dental health checkups and restorative procedures. To schedule your appointment, call us today at 352-787-5919.