How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Have you noticed a change in the color of your smile recently?
Would you like your smile to be whiter? Well, you’re not alone.
In a recent survey by Statista, 80% of Americans said they would prefer a whiter smile.
Fortunately, that’s possible with teeth whitening – but how long will your teeth stay white?
To help clear things up, we’ll cover the following:
- Why you might need teeth whitening
- The benefits of whitening
- How long teeth whitening lasts
- Different methods for teeth whitening
- How to maintain the shade of your teeth
Do I need my teeth whitened?
There are several reasons why you might get your teeth whitened.
Very few people have perfect-white teeth. It’s a common misconception that yellow teeth are only the result of tooth decay; in reality, your teeth naturally yellow with age.
Certain foods, drinks, and habits can also stain your teeth, such as:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Blackcurrant
- Smoking
As for whether or not you “need” whitening? Technically, no – it’s not a mandatory procedure.
However, it can give tangible benefits to one’s confidence and beauty, which can have immeasurable value.
Benefits of teeth whitening
Whitening your teeth is popular for a reason, and possesses tangible advantages:
Confidence and beauty
A beautiful smile can help boost your self-esteem and give you the confidence to smile with ease around others.
Socially, many people consider a healthy mouth and smile to be valuable, which can help with making a better first impression.
Painless process, rapid results, minimal price
Teeth whitening involves little to no pain or discomfort. Furthermore, teeth whitening can be achieved in anywhere from one appointment to a mere few weeks, and typically costs far less than other dental treatments.
How long does teeth whitening last?
The impossible question!
The short answer is, “it depends.”
A common misconception about teeth whitening is that it’s permanent.
While you will see great results, your teeth will continue to yellow naturally over time, and you’ll need to come back for another treatment with Dr. Jain.
Results can last anywhere from four months to three years, depending on diet and oral hygiene habits.
Things that will stain your teeth and make your whitening short-lived include:
- Smoking
- Dark liquids like red wine, coffee, and tea
- Staining foods like beetroot and berries
Brushing your teeth twice a day and being mindful of what you partake of can help keep your teeth whiter for longer.
Different types of teeth whitening
There are five main variations of teeth whitening.
Different methods exist for different budgets and, of course, differing results.
- Toothpaste
- Whitening Strips
- Pre-Made Whitening Trays
- Custom-Made Whitening Trays
- In-Office Whitening
In our office, we use the Kor Whitening technique to achieve ideal results for our patients.
How to maintain white teeth between top-ups
- Good oral hygiene
- Brushing and flossing
- Using a whitening toothpaste
- Avoiding sticky, chewy, and stain-causing foods
- Regular dental hygienist visits
- Using a straw for stain-causing liquids (coffee, soda, etc.)
There is no better way to maintain your teeth than to practice good oral hygiene. Call us today for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jain!
- Call us at 847-895-8444
- Email us at pearlywhites.drjain@yahoo.com
Pearly Whites Dentistry proudly serves the following areas: Schaumburg, IL, Hoffman Estates, Streamwood, Barrington, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Roselle, and all surrounding suburbs.
