How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

If you are dealing with badly stained teeth and want that picture-perfect white smile, professional teeth whitening is the best way to safely achieve that. The number one question patients have before getting their teeth whitened is how long the results actually last. The answer generally depends on how well you can preserve your new pearly whites. This article breaks it all down.

How Does Tooth Whitening Work?

Professional tooth whitening solutions use special bleaching agents such as peroxide. When these agents make direct contact with your teeth, they can break down the molecules on the surface that create stains and discoloration.

Through a few sessions, patients can achieve a perfectly white smile. Professional teeth whitening can be done in two ways:

• In-office teeth sessions - Here, you’ll visit your Bowling Green dentist, who will apply the whitening solution directly to your teeth and monitor your progress;
• At-home kits - You pick up a kit from the dentist, specifically designed for you, and follow the instructions to whiten your teeth conveniently at home.

 How Long Do Tooth Whitening Results Last?

 Teeth whitening will not permanently change the color of your teeth. Without the right maintenance, your results may last as little as 6 months.

 To understand why, it’s important to consider what may cause discoloration and stains in the first place:

• Smoking
• Drinking lots of coffee and tea
• Eating foods known for staining, such as pasta sauces or beets
• Improper oral care
• Consuming foods and drinks with artificial colorings
• Some oral health issues, such as a cracked tooth or a tooth infection, etc.

 However, with a bit of extra care, you can prolong your results tremendously. Some patients can enjoy their white smile for 2-3 years, maybe even longer.

 How to Maintain Your Newly-Whitened Smile 

Taking care of your white smile isn’t as difficult as it first seems. It will involve some key changes in your lifestyle and habits:

• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily
• Drink coffee, tea, or staining drinks through a straw
• Cleanse the mouth with tap water after every meal
• Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables instead of snacks that contain artificial colorings

Another important thing you can do to maintain your smile is to see the dentist routinely. Not only will this ensure all your oral health needs are met, but professional dental cleanings can also remove stains from your teeth. This can prolong the lifespan of your pearly whites even longer.

Get a Whiter Smile at Precision Dental

If you’re interested in professional teeth whitening treatments, our team help you access convenient and reliable at-home kits that will whiten your teeth to the shade you want.

Book an appointment at Precision Dental today to get a customized tooth-whitening kit to use at home. Have more questions about our tooth whitening services? You can always call us at 270-715-9214 for more information.

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