Your Taber Invisalign® Provider
Here, our dentists in Taber explain the differences between in-office and at-home teeth whitening methods and how long each option could last.
What is Teeth Whitening?
As we age, our teeth become more susceptible to staining due to food and other substances we consume. Our tooth enamel naturally attracts food particles, and products such as tobacco, tea, wine, coffee, and even berries are notorious for staining teeth.
Nowadays, more patients are opting for at-home and in-office teeth whitening methods in order to help reverse the effects aging and staining have had on their teeth. Teeth whitening performed by your dentist or under their supervision could help enhance the confidence you have in your smile.
Today, our dentists explain the factors that impact how long the effects of teeth whitening can last on your teeth and the steps you can take to make sure your teeth stay as white as possible, for as long as possible.
How Long the Effects of Teeth Whitening Last
Depending on the teeth whitening methods you choose either in-office or the at-home option, you'll want to keep in mind how long each could potentially last.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Though in-office teeth whitening has an immediate whitening effect on your smile due to a high concentration bleaching gel, it will not permanently whiten your teeth.
Because a dentist is performing your in-office teeth whitening treatment, it’s safe, reliable, and non-invasive. Dentists screen teeth whitening patients to ensure their oral health doesn’t preclude them from being a candidate for the treatment.
However, after a time you’ll need to return for subsequent teeth whitening treatments. If you continually expose your teeth to foods or drinks that may cause them to stain, the whiteness of your teeth will likely begin to fade after a few months.
If you limit or completely avoid these foods and beverages after your treatment you might only have to touch up your teeth whitening approximately once a year.
Whitening Your Teeth At Home
Using take-home teeth whitening products from your dentist’s office can help to fresh the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments - and you can do them in the comfort of your own home.
Most patients notice a difference within 10 to 14 days of starting to use their at-home teeth whitening kit. The full results usually appear by the end of the treatment period, and they tend to last significantly longer than teeth whitening treatments purchased from the store.
The results gleaned from at-home teeth whitening kits can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the treatment, its strength, how diligent you are about reapplying the gel, and other factors.
Obviously, you will have to make sure you are attending routinely scheduled appointments with your dentist, and that you are keeping up a good oral hygiene routine at home that includes flossing and brushing every day.
A number of factors can influence how white your teeth look - and remain - after a teeth whitening treatment. The degree of whiteness varies from person to person depending on the:
- Type and strength of whitening treatment used
- Level of staining before the teeth whitening procedure
- Condition of your teeth
If you are curious about your teeth whitening options and which ones might work for you, speak with your dentist. You might also want to consider looking up teeth whitening reviews online to learn about other patients’ experiences.