How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening is a common and simple cosmetic dental procedure in Canberra that can quickly brighten and whiten your smile. Not only can you enhance your smile, but you can give your self-confidence a boost too, so you’ll want to keep hold of that feeling for as long as possible. However, while teeth whitening is marketed as a long-term solution, how long it really lasts depends on several factors.
What is Teeth Whitening?
There are many reasons why you might want to get your teeth whitened. Very few of us start with brilliant-white teeth and, over time, they can become stained due to the foods we eat and drink, impacted by lifestyle choices such as smoking, or discoloured due to the ageing process.
Teeth whitening is the process of using bleach to make your teeth lighter. While it can’t make your teeth brilliant white, nor would you probably want that, it can lighten your existing colour by several shades. What’s great about teeth whitening compared to other cosmetic dental treatments to improve the appearance of your teeth, is that it doesn’t remove any of the tooth surface.
What is the Best Type of Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Teeth whitening treatments have been around for a long time and, today, there is certainly no shortage of options. Over-the-counter whitening kits are readily available and it’s understandable why the convenience factor can be tempting. However, there are no guarantees of the strength, reliability or, indeed, durability of these solutions. There are also safety considerations to consider; adverse reactions can happen with sensitivity if you go it alone.
When it comes to dentist whitening, you’ll have a teeth whitening consultation before any bleach is put on your teeth. This enables your cosmetic dentist to evaluate your oral health, assess the degree of staining and give you an accurate idea of what you can expect from your treatment. The treatment itself uses a combination of gel and light to control the intensity of the whitening throughout while delivering quick results.
How to Keep Your Teeth Whiter for Longer
Many things can affect how long your teeth whitening treatment will last. The first consideration is the type of staining you have. Intrinsic stains developed within the tooth itself, can’t easily be treated with dentist whitening. Extrinsic stains, on the surface of your teeth, on the other hand, can easily be removed with good oral hygiene and professional teeth whitening.
The other main thing that will impact the lifespan of your dentist whitening treatment is how well you maintain your teeth between appointments. You need to practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. What’s more, you need to remember that foods such as red wine, caffeinated drinks, and curry sauces will stain your teeth more than others. To help counteract this, you should consider your diet, drink plenty of water and plan regular visits to a dental hygienist.
How Much is Teeth Whitening?
If you compare over-the-counter treatments with in-chair whitening, you’ll find a wide range of prices. However, what you really need to consider is the price alongside the longevity of your results. If you need to repeat the treatment regularly, what seems like a low-cost option can become anything but.
By consulting a cosmetic dentist in Woden, you can fully understand the type of staining you have and what you can achieve with whitening. Your dentist can also suggest other cosmetic dentistry treatments such as crowns and veneers. All being well, results from dentist whitening can last as long as three years, far longer than any over-the-counter kit, which is an investment you can definitely smile about.
