A brighter, whiter smile can help enhance your confidence and leave a lasting impression. In-chair teeth whitening offers an effective way to achieve this. However, how long can you expect these dazzling results to last? The answer depends on several factors, from daily dental hygiene habits to diet, which we’ll explore in depth below.
Your Dental Hygiene: An Important Factor in Whitening Longevity
Maintaining the results of your teeth-whitening session highly depends on your dental hygiene routine. Proper oral care routines, such as brushing at least twice a day, using dental floss and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash, are all important for preserving the brightness of your teeth. Avoiding smoking and limiting the intake of staining substances like coffee and red wine can also prolong the whitening effects. Regularly changing your toothbrush, ideally every three months, can also help keep your teeth whiter for longer.
Be Mindful of Your Diet: Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
Diet plays an important role in the longevity of your teeth whitening results. Consuming certain foods and beverages can either enhance or diminish the effect. For instance, foods rich in fibre, such as apples and carrots, can help keep your teeth clean. On the other hand, certain drinks like red wine, coffee and soda can stain your teeth and shorten the whitening effect. Following a dentist’s advice on diet can help maintain your teeth’s brightness.
Smile Brighter: Exploring Post-Whitening Dental Treatments
To maximise the longevity of teeth whitening, additional treatments and practices may help:
- Use the whitening toothpaste recommended by your dentist: This toothpaste is typically formulated with mild abrasives or chemical agents that can help in removing surface stains, thereby maintaining the whiteness of your teeth. However, it’s important to use such products under the guidance of your dentist to avoid potential tooth sensitivity or enamel damage.
- Custom-made take-home whitening trays for maintenance: These trays, created by your dentist using impressions of your teeth, are designed to fit your teeth perfectly. This ensures the whitening gel, which is applied in the trays, covers your teeth evenly, leading to uniform whitening.
- Regular professional teeth cleaning sessions: By removing dental plaque and tartar that can contribute to tooth discolouration, this procedure can help extend the whitening effect. Additionally, these regular cleanings offer your dentist an opportunity to assess your oral health and provide personalised advice to ensure the longevity of your whitening results.
Do Whitened Teeth Last Forever?
It’s a common myth that once your teeth are whitened, they’ll stay that way forever. The truth is, teeth whitening isn’t permanent. Over time, the effects will fade due to factors like ageing, diet and habits. However, with regular touch-ups and following the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist, teeth whitening results may last several years.
Embrace a Brighter Smile with In-Chair Teeth Whitening
In order to maintain that bright smile, it’s important to have regular dental check-ups. These routine visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and address any issues that might impact the longevity of your teeth whitening results.
At Cairns Precision Dental Group, we follow a comprehensive treatment process for teeth whitening. Moreover, our dentists will give you advice on maintaining the results and managing any tooth sensitivity that may occur. If you’re considering teeth whitening, get in touch with us.
