Are you considering teeth whitening and wondering how long its effects will last? Here, we explain both in-office and at-home whitening options and the factors that dictate how white your smile will stay—and for how long.
What is teeth whitening?
As we age, our teeth become more susceptible to staining because of food and other substances we consume. Our tooth enamel will naturally attract food particles and products like tea, wine, coffee tobacco and berries that are notorious for staining.
More people than ever are choosing at-home and in-office teeth whitening procedures in order to reverse the effects of stains and aging.
How long will the effects of teeth whitening last?
Depending on whether you choose in-office or at-home teeth whitening options, you will want to keep in mind how long each lasts.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
While in-office tooth whitening has an immediate whitening effect on your smile because of its high concentration bleaching agent, it won't permanently whiten your teeth.
Since a dentist is performing your in-office teeth whitening treatment, it's safe a reliable. Dentists screen whitening patients to make sure their oral health won't interfere with the process.
However, if you continually expose your teeth to foods or drinks that may cause them to stain, the whiteness of your teeth will likely begin to fade after a few months.
Provided you avoid these foods and drinks following your treatment, you may only require a touchup after about a year.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Using take-home products for your teeth whitening can help freshen the effects of in-office treatment from the comfort of your home.
Most patients notice a difference within two weeks of starting their at-home whitening. The full results generally appear by the end of treatment and last longer than store-bought whitening options.
The results of at-home teeth whitening kits can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the treatment and other factors.
Ensure you attend your regularly scheduled dental appointments and that you maintain your at-home oral health routine.
Many factors can influence how white your teeth look after a whitening treatment. The degree of whiteness varies from person to person depending on the:
- Condition of your teeth
- Level of staining before the procedure
- Type and strength of whitening treatment used
Are you curious about teeth whitening treatments from a dentist's office?
A dentist will be able to answer all of your questions.
