How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Our teeth tend to grow darker over time due to lifestyle habits, medication, or old age. When that happens, a Denver teeth whitening expert can help you restore your shiny teeth and recover your confidence in your smile.

Unlike over-the-counter methods, professional teeth whitening can last longer. To show you, we made this comparison of whitening methods, breaking down the results you can expect from each one.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to brighten the color of your teeth. It aims to make natural teeth appear whiter by restoring their natural color without making them look unnatural.  

Dental professionals use various methods and ingredients, such as bleaching, abrasives, and UV light, to achieve this. There are also non-professional options. You can find over-the-counter whitening products, like whitening strips and special mouthwashes.

Depending on the method used for the whitening, its duration will vary. Here are the most commonly used options:

Whitening Toothpaste

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Whitening toothpaste is one of the simplest options for having brighter teeth. It helps remove surface stains, which are caused by things like drinking coffee or smoking. Some are able to remove more intrinsic stains, too.

The abrasives or peroxides found in teeth-whitening toothpaste are what give them the ability to lighten teeth to various degrees. Some also contain blue covarine, a chemical that stays on the tooth’s surface and makes them look less yellow.  

It could take two to six weeks to start seeing results if you use whitening toothpaste twice a day. If you were to suddenly stop using it, these results can last you for up to 3 or 4 months.

Whitening Mouthwash

You can change the color of your teeth by regularly rinsing your mouth with a whitening mouthwash. These have hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent that helps whiten teeth by removing surface stains.  

You need to use a whitening mouthwash for approximately three months before you start seeing any results.

Professional Dental Procedures

Professional teeth whitening is conducted by a dental expert. It works by applying a strong whitening gel to the teeth, which reacts when hit by a special light or laser. When in contact with the enamel of your teeth, it eliminates stains and brightens the color of your teeth.  

Unlike over-the-counter methods, professional whitening can last up to a year—even longer with proper care.

How Do I Make My Teeth Whitening Last Longer?

Lifestyle habits and oral hygiene play an important role in how long the effects last. The more you care for your teeth by brushing regularly while avoiding foods and drinks that can stain them, the longer your pearly white will last.

Some foods and beverages to avoid are:

• Coffee

• Tea

• Cigarettes

• Wine

• Soy sauces

• Sugary drinks

If you do consume these, rinse your mouth immediately afterward to reduce their effect on your teeth’s enamel.

Find Denver Teeth Whitening Experts

Few things in life are as important as our smiles. Not feeling confident in your teeth can keep you from smiling, or make you feel self-conscious every time you do so. In those cases, a professional teeth whitening from Central Family Dentistry could help you.

If you’d like to hear more about this treatment, give us a call!