Teeth whitening is a procedure that is common in cosmetic dentistry. This is because most people want their teeth looking brighter and healthier, and they like their smile to look perfect. There are different whitening options available today from the whitening toothpaste, home whitening kits to in-chair whitening system.
Before we look at these whitening option, let’s address the frequently asked question when it comes to whitening the teeth.
How long do whitened teeth last?
How long your whitened teeth last depends on several factors. After you whiten your teeth, it can last for as long as 2 – 3 years or as short as six months. This is because the result of whitening the teeth varies between persons.
Your teeth can get stained and reduce the duration of your whitening effect if you do the following.
- Smoke
- Take drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine
- Eat stain-causing foods like berries and strawberries.
To keep your teeth white for a long time, brush your teeth at least twice a day, avoid foods that easily stain the teeth. However, staining your teeth is inevitable.
How long do teeth whitening last?
The duration of whitening the teeth depends on the method you use. To whiten your teeth in a dental clinic, your dentist will use a stronger concentration of the whitening agent, and you can get the result you want in a single appointment that may last for 1 – 2 hours.
For at-home whitening kits, your dentist will make trays that will fit your mouth then you will place the whitening agent into the trays and wear them daily for short periods. This method uses lower concentrations of the whitening formula, and it takes 2 – 3 weeks to see results.
Most whitening toothpaste do not whiten the teeth as they should. Only a few which contain hydrogen peroxide may work, but you may not achieve the result you want.
How much whiter do the teeth get after whitening?
First of all, think of whitening the teeth like tanning. Not everyone that goes to a salon or into the sun get a tan or comes out with a tan. The result too is always different. The same applies to whitening your teeth. The colour of your teeth will change, but it may not be as white as some other person’s teeth.
The degree of whitening depends on several factors, and no whitening procedure will change the colour of your fillings or restorations.
In-chair vs at-home whitening
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of in-chair whitening.
Advantages
- It gives a faster result
- A dental professional carries out the procedure
Disadvantages
- It is more expensive
- The high concentration of the whitening formula may be unpleasant and cause teeth sensitivity in some patients
- Some studies claim that the result of this method of whitening may not last as long as whitening the teeth gradually.
The advantages and disadvantages of whitening the teeth at home include:
Advantages
- It is more affordable
- The result may be less sensitive
- You can whiten your teeth at home without stressing yourself to book a dental appointment, and it doesn’t get to interfere with your busy work schedule
- You can control how white your teeth get
- The result may last longer than in-chair whitening
- You can reuse the whitening trays for years to keep improving the colour of your teeth
Disadvantages
- It takes longer to achieve your desired result
- Over-the-counter mouth trays may not fit your teeth perfectly, and you stand the risk of burning and gum irritation.
- It requires you to put on the whitening trays daily throughout your treatment.
If you want to whiten your teeth quickly, opt for in-office teeth whitening in London.
