If you are not happy with the color of your teeth, you may consider teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is a great way to achieve brighter teeth and a more confident smile. But how long does teeth whitening last? The answer isn’t straightforward because the effects vary from person to person.
Keep reading to explore the factors determining how long your teeth whitening treatment will last.
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What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
The permanent teeth that come in as children are fairly white. However, they may not be as bright as the pearly whites you see in toothpaste commercials. Sadly, as people get old, their teeth become discolored. Many things can cause yellowing, dullness, and discoloration of your teeth. Some of the common causes include:
- Foods and beverages – Coffee, tea, soda, and red wine are all common culprits when staining your teeth. Eating certain fruits or vegetables like apples and potatoes can also cause discoloration.
- Tobacco use – Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the leading causes of tooth discoloration.
- Poor dental hygiene – If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth, causing them to become discolored.
- Avoiding dental cleanings – Ignoring professional cleanings is a bad idea as they remove plaque and tartar that can discolor your teeth.
- Medications – Several medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can cause tooth discoloration. Mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine or hexetidine can also stain your teeth.
- Medical conditions – Diseases that affect your tooth enamel, such as fluorosis, can cause spots and staining.
- Age – As you age, your tooth enamel wears away, making your teeth look yellow or brown.
- Trauma – A blow to the mouth can cause teeth to become discolored in both children and adults.
Some teeth stains are permanent. Stains can arise if you use tobacco or drink red wine regularly, especially if you have poor dental hygiene. The longer you expose your teeth to stain-producing compounds, the more likely the stains are to be permanent.
Discolorations produced by tartar or medical conditions typically require dental treatment for removal. However, an experienced dentist can remove some stains with over-the-counter or professional whitening treatments.
How Long Does It Take to Whiten Teeth?
Currently, one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments is teeth whitening. It’s an easy and quick way to make teeth up to eight shades whiter in just a few hours. However, it’s important to remember that teeth whitening is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and you may need more than one treatment to get the desired results.
How long it takes to whiten teeth varies depending on your method, and most methods available for achieving brighter teeth include in-office and at-home. A professional dentist performs In-office teeth whitening, which usually takes one to two hours. At-home teeth whitening kits are available from your dentist or over the counter and typically take two to four weeks to achieve the desired results.
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In-chair whitening
In-chair whitening, or in-office whitening, is a method performed by a dentist using higher concentrations of whitening formula. You can see significant results after just one or two hours in the dental chair! This method is great for those who want immediate results and are willing to pay for the convenience.
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At-home whitening
At-home whitening kits are another popular method. Your dentist makes these mouth trays to precisely fit your mouth and contain the whitening agent. They are worn daily for short periods, usually around 30 minutes. This method takes a bit longer to see results, typically two to three weeks but is more affordable than in-chair whitening.
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Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is the third method of teeth whitening. Unfortunately, this method is ineffective and rarely whitens teeth because most whitening toothpaste does not contain hydrogen peroxide, which is necessary for teeth whitening.
If you want your teeth whitening to last long, we recommend using the In-chair whitening or in-office whitening method mentioned above for best results.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
How long teeth whitening lasts is the question that many people are interested in, and the answer may surprise you. It can last anywhere from 2-3 years to just six months, depending on the individual. Several things can affect how long your teeth whitening lasts, including smoking, drinking dark liquids like coffee and red wine, and eating staining foods like beetroot and berries. But don’t worry – brushing your teeth twice a day and avoiding these foods will help keep your teeth whiter for longer! Just remember that staining is inevitable, so don’t be too hard on yourself if your teeth start to yellow again.
To Learn More About How Long Teeth Whitening Last, Contact Anoka Dental Today!
Your teeth are one of the first things people notice about you, and discoloration can be a major turnoff. While tooth discoloration has many causes, most can be prevented with proper and professional teeth whitening at Anoka Dental. Our dentist will also provide specific details on how long your teeth whitening will last
So, to find out more or to get scheduled for a consultation appointment, reach out to Anoka Dental at Anoka, MN today. We will help you restore your smile’s natural beauty.
