Do you want a brighter smile? Professional teeth whitening is one of the fastest ways to enhance a smile. With as little as one in-office treatment to a few weeks of at-home treatments, your teeth can be dramatically whitened in a short amount of time.
Before investing in treatment, many patients want to know how long results will last. Longevity depends on a variety of factors including lifestyle habits, oral hygiene, and the type of whitening treatment chosen.
North Boulder Dental offers both in-office whitening and convenient take-home whitening kits tailored to your individual needs. Schedule a consultation to determine which teeth whitening option would be best to achieve your smile goals.
How Long Can You Expect Professional Teeth Whitening to Last?
The typical lifespan of professional whitening results, generally range from several months to a few years depending on a variety of factors.
In-office treatment involves the direct application of a whitening agent by your dentist in a single appointment. This allows for careful control and predictable results, but the higher concentration can increase the risk of sensitivity. Results may last anywhere from 1-3 years.
Take-home whitening allows you to gradually whiten your teeth at home using custom made trays and a whitening gel. You will receive instructions for how to apply it and for how long to achieve your desired shade. Results may last anywhere from 6 months to one year.
Professional treatments, both in-office and take-home options, provide more effective and longer lasting results than over the counter products.
What Factors Affect How Long Your Whitening Results Last?
Longevity of your results will depend on a variety of factors, such as:
- Food and beverages that commonly stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces.
- Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Daily oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing your teeth.
- Age, enamel condition, and natural tooth color impact the effectiveness and longevity of teeth whitening.
- Routine dental cleanings help maintain brightness between whitening treatments.
How to Make Professional Teeth Whitening Last Longer
Tips for longer lasting results include:
- Brush and floss consistently.
- Rinse or brush after consuming staining foods and drinks.
- Consider using a straw for dark beverages when appropriate.
- Schedule regular professional cleanings.
- Touch-up whitening treatments when recommended by your dentist.
- Follow any post-treatment instructions provided after whitening.
Contact your dentist if you feel your results are not lasting as long as you had hoped. They may be able to provide additional insights and tips.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?
Although it costs more upfront, professional teeth whitening provides more effective and longer lasting results than over the counter products. The lower cost of store bought teeth whitening may save you money at first, but the need to repeatedly purchase more of the product to maintain your results can end up costing you more in the long run.
Professional treatment is also safer and more predictable, as it is applied or monitored by your dentist. Patients appreciate the consistent results and the confidence they feel seeking teeth whitening through their dentist’s office.
North Boulder Dental develops personalized cosmetic treatment plans based on each patient's smile goals using modern technology and individualized care.
Keep Your Smile Bright with Professional Care
Daily oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings, and a careful diet can help you get the most out of your teeth whitening treatment. Schedule a consultation today to determine the best whitening option to achieve your goals. Our commitment to personalized cosmetic dentistry helps patients achieve confident, healthy smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Teeth Whitening
Does professional teeth whitening damage tooth enamel?
No, professional whitening treatments are gentle and safe. An oral health evaluation can determine if you are an ideal candidate for teeth whitening.
Can I whiten dental crowns or veneers?
Dental work cannot be whitened using teeth whitening treatments. If you have discoloration on crowns or veneers they will need to be cleaned or replaced by your dentist.
How soon can I eat or drink after teeth whitening?
Wait about 30-60 minutes after teeth whitening to eat or drink. This prevents the whitening agent from being rinsed off before the full results are achieved.
How often can I safely have professional teeth whitening performed?
It is typically safe to whiten your teeth once every 6-12 months, depending on the patient. Your dentist can provide a recommendation based on your individual needs.
Can professional teeth whitening remove all types of tooth stains?
Some stains may be too severe to respond to teeth whitening treatment. There are alternative options for stubborn stains like veneers and cosmetic bonding.
At North Boulder Dental, we believe every patient deserves a healthy, confident smile they can feel proud of. Our team is committed to providing personalized, high-quality dental care, including cosmetic treatments tailored to your unique goals. Whether you're interested in professional teeth whitening or comprehensive smile enhancements, we're here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.