If you have spent time and resources to get professional teeth whitening, you may be wondering how to make the results of the procedure last longer. Tooth stains and discoloration are the main challenges to a white smile, which means you need to learn how to reduce them to prolong the results of the whitening treatment. This article contains basic tips to follow to keep your smile looking white for a long time.
Prolonging the results of whitening treatment
The following are ways to make professional teeth whitening last longer:
Avoid tooth-staining foods
This is a no-brainer. Anyone who wants to keep their teeth white must avoid or reduce the consumption of tooth-staining foods and drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine. If not drinking the beverages seems like a challenging thing to do, one can drink through a straw to limit how much of the pigmented drink touches the whitened teeth.
Rinse with water
After indulging in a plate of blueberries or enjoying a glass of red wine, patients should consider rinsing their mouth with water. Yes, it takes away all the aftertaste, but it will reduce the amount of pigment on the teeth. Brushing is a better option if convenient.
Avoid tobacco
Smoking and consuming tobacco products is one of the worst things to happen to a bright-looking smile. The nicotine present in tobacco products stains the stain. It is crucial to drop the habit to protect both oral health and teeth.
Adopt good oral hygiene routines
Anyone looking to extend the result of their professional teeth whitening treatment must practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing their teeth at least twice daily, flossing at least once to reduce plaque in hard to reach places and rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce plaque-causing bacteria.
Also, dental appointments for checkups and cleanings are important. The dentist has specialized tools to polish the teeth and remove stubborn stains. Ideally, this should happen every six months to keep the smile in good shape. The longer stains remain on the teeth, the harder they become to get off.
Use whitening toothpaste
Using a whitening toothpaste to brush once or twice per week can help reduce surface stains. One can get over-the-counter toothpaste, rinses and gels to remove surface stains. Some of these products have mild abrasives or polishing agents.
Consider touchup treatments
Once the teeth start to yellow, touchup treatments can help to restore their brightness. After a professional whitening treatment, the dentist may provide touchup whitening trays to improve the color of the teeth. Patients must discuss with their dentist to know when to get touchup treatments and how often to undergo treatment. Excessive teeth whitening can have unwanted side effects like sensitive teeth.
Final thoughts
You must understand that teeth whitening is not permanent, and the teeth will gradually become discolored. Following the guidelines provided above after a professional teeth whitening will help to retain the results for as long as possible. Talk to your dentist if you have more questions about the procedure.
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FAQs
Thomas Sokoly of Sokoly Dental explains the top five things you can do to make your tooth whitening results last longer.
- Avoid staining foods and drinks. ...
- Quit smoking. ...
- Maintain healthy dental hygiene habits. ...
- Drink plenty of water. ...
- Keep up with regular dental cleanings.
Avoid consuming drinks that stain, like coffee, red wine, fruit juices, hibiscus, dark soda, beer, and black tea, as this is necessary to maintain a white smile after professional teeth whitening takes place.
How can I prolong my teeth whitening? ›
How to Extend the Results of Teeth Whitening
- Ditch the staining foods. Staining foods and beverages can have a serious yellowing effect on your teeth. ...
- Practice proper oral hygiene. ...
- Switch to a whitening toothpaste. ...
- Avoid smoking. ...
- Schedule touch ups.
Chairside bleaching (in-office tooth whitening)
If you maintain good oral hygiene, a chairside (or in-office) procedure should provide long-lasting results for 1 to 3 years. This procedure is done in your dentist's office. It usually requires only one visit.
Which teeth whitening method lasts the longest? ›
Professional Teeth Whitening. We've learned that at-home treatments may not last as long as we want them to and results may take more effort and time. So, if you want instant pearly whites that will last longer and with minimal effort, professional teeth whitening is the way to go!
How to maintain teeth whitening results? ›
There are a few things you can do to make your teeth whitening results last as long as possible.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can cause stains. Some foods and drinks can cause your teeth to become stained or discolored. ...
- Quit smoking. ...
- Brush and floss regularly. ...
- Use whitening toothpaste. ...
- Schedule touch-up appointments.
Failure to brush and floss as recommended not only jeopardizes your oral health, but it quickly fades the whitening effects from your recent whitening treatment. If you want to prolong how long your teeth look white and bright, make sure you brush and floss on a regular basis.
What is the best way to permanently whiten teeth? ›
While teeth whitening is the most popular treatment in the field of cosmetic dentistry, it may not be the best option for everyone. Luckily, permanent, whiter teeth can be achieved by receiving porcelain veneers in Scotts Valley.
Why does my teeth whitening not last? ›
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.
Why do my teeth get yellow so fast after whitening? ›
Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.
Tips to Keep Teeth White After Treatment
- Avoid Coffee and Tea. Starting your morning with coffee or tea is essential for your day. ...
- Avoid Dark Sauces. Sauces are good during meals. ...
- Avoid Dark Chocolate. ...
- Avoid Acidic Foods. ...
- Avoid Sour Fruit Juice. ...
- Use Straws. ...
- Floss Your Mouth. ...
- Brush Your Teeth.
Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.
Is professional teeth whitening worth it? ›
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
What are the side effects of teeth whitening? ›
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
How long can professional teeth whitening last? ›
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 long do you leave professional teeth whitening on? ›
Place the whitening tray(s) in your mouth carefully, making sure that it is seated all the way. Remove any excess gel from the gum tissue with your finger or dry toothbrush. Keep the tray in your mouth for 30-60 minutes.
How long does professional LED teeth whitening last? ›
The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as six months, and it varies from person to person. It won't last as long if you indulge in things that stain your teeth, such as: Smoking. Dark liquids like red wine, coffee, and tea.
