Teeth whitening refers to a set of very popular procedures in which a patient’s teeth are artificially brought to appear whiter and more radiant through various means. Because having a white set of teeth is so important in our society, these types of procedures are requested quite frequently. So, how long does teeth whitening last?
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
If you’re curious about the process of teeth whitening and some of the benefits that it brings, you might also be curious about how long the results from this procedure last. The answer to this question is somewhat elusive. In fact, there are many different factors that can influence how long your own teeth whitening results last.
1. Food and Drink
The types of food and drink that you consume will inevitably have an impact on your teeth whitening results. This is due to the fact that many common foods and drinks have the potential to quite badly stain one’s teeth.
Some prominent examples of this include coffee, red wine, and sugary soft drinks. Consuming high amounts of these types of foods will inevitably have some kind of impact on your enamel and the color of your teeth.
2. Types of Teeth Whitening
Different teeth whitening methods will give a patient different results in terms of longevity. For example, at-home teeth whitening kits can be expected to offer patients around four to six months of whiteness.
Getting your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist should offer you longer-term results. Many of these types of teeth whitening procedures are able to offer patients results for up to a year or longer with proper maintenance.
3. The Color of Your Teeth
The longevity of your results is also impacted by the natural color of your teeth. This makes some kind of sense, as starting this process with whiter teeth means you might need less work done in the long run.
In general, people with teeth that are more yellow in color will see more dramatic transformations after teeth whitening due to the level of contrast that occurs between their end results and their initial color. Those with whiter teeth won’t see as dramatic of a difference but likely will need fewer adjustments made over time.
4. Your Age
The age at which you receive teeth whitening also has the potential to impact how long your results last. As one ages, their teeth tend to become more yellow over time. This is due to the fact that the top layer of our teeth starts to thin out over time, exposing the dentin underneath. Dentin is naturally yellow in color.
If you’re over the age of 30, then you should expect your teeth whitening procedure not to last as long as someone who is in their 20s.
5. How Well Your Teeth Are taken Care of
Just because you receive teeth whitening procedures doesn’t mean that you can skimp out on the daily maintenance required to keep a healthy set of teeth. This means engaging in regular brushing, flossing, and semi-regular use of mouthwash.
In addition, avoiding the use of tobacco products and smoking should give you a longer run at keeping your teeth white. Regular tobacco use has the potential to cause one’s teeth to become yellow again faster.
In addition, following whatever advice you might receive from your dentist regarding your overall dental health is essential to keeping a healthy set of teeth for longer.
6. Types of Staining
Another factor to keep in mind is the type of staining that you are experiencing in your mouth. There are two different primary types of staining: intrinsic and extrinsic. Which type you’re experiencing can have an impact on the longevity of your teeth whitening.
Extrinsic stains refer to the type of stains that develop on the surface of the teeth. These types of stains are generally caused by lifestyle habits and diet. Because these stains exist on the surface of the teeth, they’re generally easier to treat.
Intrinsic stains develop on the inside of the teeth and are the result of complex factors like medication usage and trauma accidents (such as the kind that might dislodge a tooth). They’re generally more difficult to treat.
The Tooth Whitening Experts of San Bernardino
Dream Smile City is fully equipped to handle all of your teeth whitening needs and inform you about the steps you should take to make your results last as long as possible. If you’re interested in discussing how you should move your teeth whitening journey forward, contact us today in order to set up a consultation with a dentist. Now you know how long teeth whitening can last!
