The longevity of your teeth whitening results will depend on the treatment you choose, as well as your lifestyle habits.
We all want a beautiful, bright smile but unfortunately stains and discolouration are common concerns. There are, however, ways in which these issues can be resolved. Professional teeth whitening treatments are effective and safe. But how long can you expect the results to last? And is it worth the effort?
What options are available?
When it comes to whitening your teeth, there are a number of treatment options available. For the best results, we recommend visiting your dentist, rather than opting for an over-the-counter product.
In-office whitening is performed in the dentist’s chair. The lips and gums are covered to ensure that only the teeth are exposed, and a whitening gel is painted onto the teeth. A light is then applied to help activate the gel. The whitening formula penetrates the teeth and breaks up stains to achieve a whiter, brighter appearance.
If you prefer an at-home whitening treatment, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth so that a customised mouth tray can be made. The tray is designed to hold the whitening gel close to your teeth, gradually lightening them over time.
How long do the results last?
If you choose to use an at-home whitening tray, you will begin to notice the results of your treatment within two to four weeks, and the effects of the whitening formula will depend on how long you wear the tray for. With proper oral hygiene, the results of an at-home whitening treatment can last for around a year.
If you have an in-office tooth whitening treatment, you can expect to see results immediately after the process is complete. With proper oral hygiene, you should enjoy noticeable results for between one and three years. We also may provide you with a home whitening kit so that you can touch up your smile during this time.
How can you keep teeth white?
It is possible to improve the longevity of your treatment results by practicing good oral hygiene. We recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, and brush around 30 minutes after eating or drinking something that could cause stains. It can also be helpful to chew sugar-free gum after eating or to rinse with water. Try and avoid foods and drinks that stain the teeth if you can — some common culprits include coffee, red wine and cola.
It’s also a good idea to see your dentist for regular check-ups. This will help to maintain optimal oral health, and they’ll be able to advise you on when you should have a touch-up whitening treatment.
How can we help?
At Crookes & Jenkins Dental, we offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments. If you’re not sure which option is best for you, we encourage you to come in for a consultation. If you would like to read more about each of these treatments, please have a look here.
If you would like to make an appointment to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Besides teeth whitening, we also offer a range of other dental services. For a full list of the treatments that we offer, please have a look here. Our team is passionate about providing top-quality care and looks forward to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.