Are your teeth in need of a teeth whitening treatment? There are many different types, some over the counter, and others professionally administered by your dentist. They also come in a range of costs and degrees of effectiveness.
But before you spend money on a teeth whitening system or treatment of some sort, you are probably wondering how long the results will last. The truth is, it depends on many different factors.
How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts Depends On:
- Type of Treatment. There are many different whitening treatments available. Some can be purchased in stores, such as whitening strips and gels. Others can be administered by your dentist in the office. Whitening treatments have varying degrees of effectiveness. You are more likely to get better results from a professional strength whitening procedure performed by your dentist. Your teeth will be shades whiter than what you would achieve with store-bought whiteners. The whiter your teeth are following the initial treatment, the longer your results will last because it will take longer for them to dull or become stained. Another aspect of professional whitening treatments that can help to achieve longer lasting results is an included at-home touch up treatment. Many dentists recommend following up with a few whitening treatments at home to keep teeth looking white.
- Eating/Drinking Habits. The same foods and drinks that caused your teeth discoloration in the first place, can cause the same problem again. If you drink coffee, tea, dark colored soft drinks, or red wine regularly it can stain your teeth and cause them to yellow over time. Foods like blueberries, blackberries, cherries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and foods with artificial dyes can also stain teeth. If you want the results of your teeth whitening treatment to last longer, it would be best to avoid these foods and beverages. But if you are not willing to give up your morning coffee or a favorite food, you can lessen the chances of staining by brushing your teeth as soon as possible after eating or drinking.
- Other Habits. One habit that causes teeth discoloration is smoking, chewing tobacco, and other tobacco products. These can cause teeth to yellow and even turn brown. Whitening treatments can help to whiten tobacco stained teeth, but these stains are more difficult to remove than food stains. Giving up smoking or chewing tobacco will help the results of your whitening treatment to last longer, but even more importantly, you’ll be making a significant lifestyle change that will improve your health.
- Dental Hygiene. Personal dental hygiene will have an effect on how long your treatment will last. Stains on teeth cling to plaque that builds up. By brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day you can reduce the amount of plaque on your teeth and help your whitening results last longer.It’s also important to keep up with your regularly scheduled dental cleanings. Your dentist and dental hygienist remove more plaque from your teeth and polish them to achieve a smooth surface that is less likely to pick up stains.
Average Length of Time Whitening Results Last
As listed above, there are many factors that affect the length of time your teeth will stay white following a professional whitening treatment. On average, you can expect your results to last for 2-3 years. For some, results may last much longer than that. For others, the results may not last that long. Your eating, drinking, and other habits will have the biggest impact on your results. Touch ups can make a big difference in helping your results last longer.
Get Teeth Whitening with Lasting Results at Sachi & Co. Dentistry
If you’re looking for a teeth whitening treatment that will last, Sachi & Co. Dentistry offers effective, in-office whitening and other cosmetic dentistry services. Our whitening treatment also includes a custom tray and gel system you can use at home to accelerate whitening and touch up your teeth between treatments.
Call 310-530-9893 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment through our patient portal. We look forward to helping you achieve a brighter, whiter smile.