If you watch people in a romantic Hollywood comedy movie, read a gossip magazine, or scroll through social media looking at so-called “influencers” you’ll see that they generally have dazzlingly white teeth that look immaculate.
Were these people born with teeth this good? Of course not, it is all down to teeth whitening!
Our teeth can become stained and discoloured for numerous reasons, and while slightly discoloured teeth are considered strong and healthy, from an aesthetic perspective, they aren’t great. Having stained and discoloured teeth can leave people feeling self-conscious, which is why teeth whitening is so popular.
If carried out professionally, or if a professional kit is used, you can achieve amazing results, though results aren’t permanent. As a result of this, people do often ask how often to whiten teeth, which is the very question we’ll be addressing now.
Here’s a look at everything you need to know about teeth whitening.
Why do our teeth become discoloured and stained?
While it would be nice if we could all enjoy gleaming white teeth year-round, unfortunately our teeth can become stained and discoloured for a whole host of different reasons.
Drinking beverages such as tea and coffee can stain the teeth, as can eating foods high in sugar and with high acidic contents. Foods which also stain, such as beetroot, turmeric, and berries, can also cause the teeth to become stained and discoloured.
As well as through dietary choices, lifestyle choices and habits such as smoking, and not looking after them properly can also stain the teeth, leaving them a yellow/brown colour.
Different types of teeth whitening
If you’re thinking of getting your teeth whitened, you’ll need to speak to your dentist and see what they have to say.
There is a huge market for teeth whitening, and while some take-home kits are indeed effective, there are a lot of products out there that aren’t.
Typically, whitening comes down to in-office whitening and at home whitening kits. Here’s a look at the difference.
In-office whitening
In-office whitening, also known as in-chair whitening, is a whitening procedure carried out by a dentist in their practice.
After moulds are taken off the teeth, the dentist will apply a special gel containing hydrogen peroxide to the teeth and leave it to work its magic for the next 30 – 60 minutes or so. After the time has passed, the gel can be wiped or rinsed away.
In-office whiteners are stronger than take-home whitening kits, and last longer.
Take-home whitening kits
If in-office whitening is not suitable for you for whatever reason, your dentist may provide you with a take-home whitening kit.
Here, your dentist will take moulds of your teeth and provide you with custom trays for your upper and lower teeth, along with the whitening solution, strips, instructions, and various other accessories found in the kit.
The idea here is that you use the whitening kit at home to whiten your own teeth, rather than have it done in the chair by your dentist.
Take home kits aren’t as powerful as in-office whitening kits, and they don’t last quite as long, but they are still very effective, and they are more affordable too.
How often to whiten teeth?
If you are thinking of whitening your teeth, you’ll probably be wondering how often you should do so.
Well, times vary depending on your diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits, but generally speaking, dentists recommend that you whiten your teeth every three months.
How can I make teeth whitening results last longer?
Whitening the teeth every three months may seem like a chore to some people, so you might be looking for ways of making the results last longer. If so, you’re in luck.
- A few popular methods of prolonging whitening results include:
- Drink plenty of water
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Drink with a straw
- Try not to eat or drink produce high in sugar
- Avoid food and drink that stain
Book your Nedlands Dental whitening treatment today
If you’re sick and tired of feeling self-conscious about your teeth and you want to whiten them, pick up the phone and contact us here at Nedlands Dental today.
We regularly provide the most competitive whitening offers in the industry today, with plans and whitening procedures to suit all budgets.
So, don’t delay, get in contact with Nedlands Dental today!
FAQs
Well, times vary depending on your diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits, but generally speaking, dentists recommend that you whiten your teeth every three months.
How often should I go for teeth whitening? ›
In-office teeth whitening treatment offers a way for you to brighten your smile safely. Dentists recommend getting whitening treatment once a year or so for most patients to keep their smiles looking aesthetically pleasing. Whitening teeth too often could cause certain oral health concerns, such as worn-down enamel.
How often do teeth have to be whitened? ›
Long Lasting Professional Teeth Whitening
It is recommended that professional teeth whitening be performed once a year, although you may want to do touch ups throughout the year.
How often should you whiten your teeth with whitening trays? ›
We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home. This should keep sensitivity from becoming a problem while helping you maintain a white, natural-looking smile. Typically, the professional-grade whitening kits available from our dental office last about a year.
How many visits to whiten teeth? ›
When choosing in-office teeth whitening, patients often only require one visit annually (at most) to maintain consistently white teeth. Depending on the patient's objectives and the intensity of the stains, the dentist may use multiple applications of the bleaching solution during each session.
How often should you use go teeth whitening? ›
Opalescence Go trays are sold in packs of ten. While the instructions say to use them once a day for up to ten days, this is not necessary to be effective. Each individual's teeth whiten at a different rate, and with different side effects. It's important to keep this in mind when starting your own whit- ening journey.
How long should you wait between teeth whitening? ›
Generally speaking, it's a good practice to return to your dentist for teeth whitening services roughly once per quarter, or once every three months.
How many years does teeth whitening last? ›
The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Things that will stain your teeth quickly and make your whitening short-lived include: – Smoking.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.
Is it better to get teeth whitened at dentist? ›
Teeth whitening done by your dentist can get teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than that in at-home kits. Also, your dentist can use heat, light, or a combination of the two to speed and intensify the whitening process.
Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening
This is one of the popular teeth whitening methods that some people believe is the most effective way to get a brighter smile. Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results.
Do teeth get whiter over time after whitening? ›
Some people respond very well and teeth can get up to 3-4 shades lighter after just 5-7days of bleaching or up to 5 shades whiter with one ZOOM in office treatment. Others may not notice as much change. Your teeth will continue to lighten for a couple of days even after you stop a whitening session.
Do I brush my teeth after whitening gel? ›
After Whitening: Remove the tray and rinse off your teeth.
Brush any remaining gel away. Brush, floss and continue routine dental cleaning. You may initially notice white splotches on teeth following removal of tray. This is typically cause by dehydration of the teeth and should diminish within an hour.
What is the success rate of teeth whitening? ›
Generally, whitening is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking.
Is there a limit to teeth whitening? ›
Teeth whitening must be occasionally repeated if you want your bright smile to remain for a lifetime. The effects do not last indefinitely, because aging and activities can stain your teeth. Excessive bleaching may damage your teeth though, so be sure to discuss your whitening treatment with your dentist.
What is the best way to whiten your teeth professionally? ›
laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.
How long does teeth whitening last for? ›
Is teeth whitening permanent? Teeth whitening isn't permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person. The whitening effect won't last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth.
How many times a year can you get your teeth whitened? ›
Typically, professional whitening can be done once a year. This frequency ensures that your teeth are whitened effectively without causing damage to the tooth enamel. Your dentist will assess the health of your teeth and recommend a safe interval.
How often should I touch up my teeth whitening? ›
In most cases, touch-ups are recommended to be done once every 6 months to maintain the whitening results. However, if you are someone who smokes or drinks, you may require a touch-up sooner than 6 months. This is mainly because alcohol and tobacco can cause your teeth to stain faster.
Do teeth continue to whiten after treatment? ›
This should diminish within a few days after treatment. The whitening process will continue for 48 hours after treatment.
