How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Most adults do not have bright white smiles naturally. Over the years, many find themselves dealing with teeth that have stains and discolorations caused by things like brightly colored or acidic foods and beverages, medications, medical conditions, poor dental hygiene, and more. 

Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, a simple teeth whitening treatment procedure can leave you with a beautiful smile. But, for how long? 

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Getting your teeth whitened can come with some pretty amazing benefits - in addition to having the desire to smile more. And that goes for both professional at-home or in-office teeth whitening. 

• Fast results that are many shades lighter
• Have a boost in your confidence and self-esteem
• Be healthier - both oral health and overall health
• Enhanced appearance
• Improved quality of life

When you opt for professional teeth whitening at your dentist, you can be sure that it is safe and will leave you with long-lasting, even results.

How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts

Once you receive all the benefits and feel so good with your newly-whitened teeth, it is only natural that you would wonder just how long you have before you may have to consider another treatment. 

It is normal for teeth whitening to last, on average, about 1 to 2 years. Though, they could start to fade as early as six months or stick around for as long as 3 years. 

There are many factors that can impact just how long your teeth whitening will last, especially when it comes to the type of treatment and aftercare. For instance, over-the-counter products don’t work nearly as well as in-office or at-home professional whitening treatments do. And, they likely won’t give you results that last as long, either. 

Taking extra precautions to care for your teeth after your teeth whitening treatment can yield the best results.  

Extend the Results of Teeth Whitening

Remember, you weren’t born with stained and discolored teeth. They became that way over time likely due to a combination of many different factors. If you want to extend the results of your teeth whitening treatment, here’s how you can do that. 

Watch What You Eat (and Drink)

There are certain foods and beverages that can lead to discoloration and staining. By limiting your intake of them - or avoiding them altogether - you can reduce the chance that they would impact your teeth. A few examples include: 

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Soda
• Acidic/brightly colored fruit juices
• Tomato-based sauces
• Curry
• Balsamic vinegar
• Berries
• Citrus
• Food coloring
• Pomegranates
• Beets

Be sure to brush (or at least rinse) after you have consumed anything that could cause staining. 

Maintain Your Oral Hygiene

Caring for your teeth is probably the biggest step you can take to extend the longevity of your teeth whitening. Brush at least twice each day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every 6 months. 

Staying up on your oral health can be a great help. 

Interested in Teeth Whitening? 

If you are ready to reap the benefits of teeth whitening, then the dental professionals at Family and Implant Dentistry can help. With both in-office and at-home dental teeth whitening treatments under the care and direction of Dr. Hoffman, you can get the results you are looking for. 
To learn more or request an appointment online, contact us today at 402-486-0825.