Teeth whitening treatments are one of the many ways we create beautiful smiles at Bella Dental. Whether it’s because of a daily coffee habit or simply a consequence of aging, stained and yellowing teeth are one of the most common cosmetic concerns patients have about their smiles. Teeth whitening can rejuvenate your appearance, but before investing in this treatment, you might be wondering: how long does teeth whitening last?
Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
First, it’s important to understand the different types of professional teeth whitening treatments. At Bella Dental, we offer both at-home bleaching kits and in-office teeth whitening. If you have milder discoloration or you’d prefer to whiten your teeth on your own time, at-home bleaching might be the perfect fit for you. If, on the other hand, you’d rather experience immediate results or your stains are significant, in-office teeth whitening treatments are ideal.
Make no mistake, though—the at-home bleaching treatments we offer are much more effective than the ones you can purchase in stores. They start with custom whitening trays that are made from impressions of your teeth, which ensures a comfortable, secure fit. We also provide you with a stronger whitening agent than can be purchased in drug stores or online, which means you’ll see more dramatic results in a shorter amount of time.
In-office teeth whitening is completed in a single visit to our office. We apply a carbamide peroxide bleaching agent to your teeth, then activate this whitening agent with a specialized light to enhance its action.
How Long Results Last After Teeth Whitening
So how long does teeth whitening last? The answer to this question is complicated. Your teeth whitening results will last until your teeth get stained again. When will your teeth get stained again? That’s up to you.
If you return to habits that caused your teeth to stain immediately after your treatment, you might start to notice that stains begin to reappear after a few months; in contrast, if you’re more diligent about your habits and hygiene, your results could last up to three years.
Does this mean you’ll never be able to enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner ever again? No! There are some steps you can take to make your results last longer.
How to Maintain Results After Teeth Whitening Treatments
Here’s how you can maintain your beautiful, brighter smile after teeth whitening:
- Avoid or limit coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods and beverages that stain
- When you do partake in a food or drink that stains teeth, brush your teeth afterwards; when you can’t brush, rinse with water
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day
- Ask us for an at-home touch-up kit to keep your teeth whiter longer
- Visit us every six months for a dental cleaning, which removes surface stains
- If you smoke, stop
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
If you’re interested in teeth whitening treatments and you’d like to learn more, contact us today at one of our three New Jersey locations to schedule a consultation.