Professional teeth whitening can dramatically change the appearance of your smile in just one dental visit, making your teeth up to 8 shades whiter. But how long does professional teeth whitening last? In this article, we discuss this question and offer tips to make the procedure’s results last longer.
How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
Professional teeth whitening typically uses a bleaching solution that penetrates the teeth’s enamel and lightens darkly pigmented particles. Professional whitening can be done in a dental office, or you can receive whitening trays from your dentist to wear at home over a couple of weeks. In-office procedures can also use additional tools, such as lasers, to enhance their effectiveness.
The results of your teeth whitening procedure will last for as long as your oral hygiene, dietary habits, and lifestyle do. Generally, you can expect in-office whitening to last up to 3 years, and professional at-home whitening to last up to 1 year with proper care.
Let us look at the main tips that help you maintain the results of your whitening procedure for longer:
Change Your Dietary Habits
Diet has a big impact on how fast your teeth become discolored after a whitening procedure. You should be especially careful in the first couple of weeks after the procedure, as the whitening solution temporarily makes the enamel more porous and thus more prone to staining. It is recommended to switch to a “white” diet until your enamel fully recovers. Examples of such a diet include:
- Dairy products
- Chicken
- White rice
- Pasta
- Potatoes without skins
When your enamel fully recovers, you can start eating as you usually do; however, it is recommended to avoid staining foods, such as:
- Red wine
- Berries, juices, and smoothies containing berries
- Black coffee and tea
- Brightly colored vegetables, such as beetroot and carrots
- Brightly colored spices, such as curry and red paprika
- Dark sauces, such as soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce
- Tomato sauces
- Drinks, candies, and foods that contain artificial dyes
If you consume staining foods, brush your teeth immediately after the meal to prevent staining particles from lingering on your teeth.
Maintain an Effective Oral Hygiene Routine
Cleaning your teeth effectively every day is key to preventing rapid staining after teeth whitening. Plaque and tartar that accumulate on teeth and are not regularly removed are filled with bacteria and can make teeth appear stained. Also, failing to regularly remove food and beverage residue can contribute to rapid discoloration.
We recommend choosing a gentle fluoride toothpaste without abrasive (soda or charcoal) or whitening particles, and spending 2 full minutes brushing your teeth after breakfast and before bed. In addition, you should floss thoroughly every evening. Also, supplementing your evening oral hygiene routine with a water flosser can further enhance its effectiveness.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even if your daily oral hygiene is impeccable, some plaque and tartar can accumulate on your teeth over time, especially in hard-to-reach areas, along the gumline, or if your teeth are crowded. As we mentioned before, plaque and tartar can make teeth appear discolored. Thus, another important rule for maintaining the results of your teeth whitening procedure is to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
In addition, we recommend opting for fluoride treatments, as they will reduce tooth sensitivity, help your enamel recover faster after a whitening procedure, and keep it strong and resilient to damage.
Get a Professional Teeth Whitening Procedure at Santa Ana Magic Smile
If you are considering teeth whitening, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist at Santa Ana Magic Smile today. Our specialists will carefully examine your oral health and consider your goals to offer you a safe and effective whitening procedure. We are looking forward to your visit.
