How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

We all love a bright smile, but not everyone has naturally white teeth due to discoloration. Discolored teeth can result from excessive intake of dark liquids or staining foods. Yellow or stained teeth can sometimes make people self-conscious and affect their self-esteem. Teeth whitening effectively reduces surface stains, brightening teeth for a beautiful smile. The results can last from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the whitening method used and the type of teeth discoloration.

Types of Teeth Discoloration

There are two types of tooth discoloration:

• Intrinsic
• Extrinsic

Intrinsic or Internal stains develop inside the tooth due to trauma, such as knocking out a tooth or using certain medicines, such as tetracycline. Intrinsic stains are harder to treat and can only be removed by professional teeth whitening treatments.

Extrinsic or external stains are easier to manage. They develop on the teeth’ surface due to drinking coffee and red wine, smoking, or prolonged consumption of dark chocolate, berries, and beetroots. After a teeth whitening treatment; you’ll get noticeable results, but the degree of whitening may vary from individual to individual.

Let’s explore various factors influencing how long teeth whitening lasts:

Diet and Habits

Your eating habits and diet choices significantly influence the longevity of whitening results. Consuming tobacco products or acidic and pigmented foods may accelerate teeth staining, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. Dark juices and liquids like tea and coffee may also trigger the reappearance of stains.

Individuals should consider limiting their intake of these substances to reduce staining on their teeth. You may incorporate sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva production, which helps reduce staining by washing away food particles. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking adequate water helps dilute pigments that cause staining in the mouth.

Type of Teeth Whitening Methods

Various whitening treatments offer varying results – with at-home whitening treatments, your results may only last a few months, with the need for regular touch-ups. Professional whitening treatments can often last a year or more due to their high concentration of whitening agents.

Here are the three methods of teeth whitening treatments:

1) At-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments

You’ve probably watched videos on YouTube or TikTok, where people recommend products like natural oils and baking soda for whitening teeth. These products get the job done, but teeth are not meant to be brushed using tough chemicals. Their abrasiveness may damage your enamel and lead to other dental issues.

2) Over-the-counter Teeth Whitening Treatments

Over-the-counter (OTC) products use low-concentration bleaching agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which may take longer to see results than professional treatments. Results vary depending on the products you use and often only last a few months.

Below are some of the commonly used OTC teeth whitening products:

• Whitening Toothpaste: This toothpaste uses mild chemicals and abrasives to remove surface stains. Chemicals react with the stain molecules and break them up, while abrasives scrub away stains. Whitening toothpaste can be ineffective in the long term, as it removes surface stains without lightening deep stains or changing teeth’s original color.
• Whitening Rinses: These contain hydrogen peroxide, which loosens and removes stains on the teeth’s surface. It would help to rinse your mouth twice daily for 60 seconds per rinse. Unlike toothpaste, this method seeps the bleaching solution below the tooth surface into other stained areas.
• Whitening Strips: Whitening strips are thin, plastic strips coated with carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. Applying them to your teeth allows the whitening agents to seep through the enamel and remove discoloration.
• Whitening Pens: Whitening pens consist of a gel made of peroxide that is applied directly to the teeth using a brush-tip applicator. Pens are portable and easy to use, allowing touch-ups as you go on with your day. The results are short-lived and considered a quick fix.

It is advisable to consult your dentist before using any over-the-counter whitening product. Your dentist will help you check whether the product has been evaluated for efficacy and safety by the American Dental Association (ADA) and if they can help in your situation.

Professional Teeth Whitening Services

Home whitening treatments are convenient but may only last for a short time. Professional teeth whitening services help you achieve whiter teeth quicker with longer-lasting results.

Here is a breakdown of the types of professional whitening treatments available at your dental office:

• In-office Whitening: This procedure is done by your dentist in a single visit using a whitening agent. Your dentist will monitor the process to make sure your tissues and gums are safe from the whitening agent. Your beautiful smile can last up to 3 years with the proper maintenance.
• KöR Whitening Method: This method uses a specified peroxide formula with high concentrations of free radicals that penetrate the teeth. The KöR formula contains specialized trays and formulas that prevent saliva and the whitening gel from mixing and neutralizing the peroxide. You have to wear your trays at night at home for two weeks. KöR whitening is permanent and effective against common staining agents.
• Laser Whitening: This process uses a pocket-size laser to produce a concentrated whitening gel with a gum protective barrier and rubber guard in place. The laser activates oxygen-rich molecules from the gel that disintegrate stain molecules, lightening your teeth color.

Individuals with naturally yellow teeth tend to see a greater transformation after professional whitening treatments however, they may need more frequent touch-ups than those with naturally whiter teeth. Additionally, our teeth get more discolored as we age, and the enamel starts thinning out, exposing the yellowish denting underneath.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Fort Lauderdale

The longevity of teeth whitening results depends on factors beyond the initial treatment. From daily habits and maintenance to the whitening methods used, it is crucial to understand these elements to prolong the whitening procedure’s effect.

At Eriks Dental Group, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments to brighten your smile. We also offer a wide range of dental services such as cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, crowns, and Invisalign to restore your teeth and gums for a confident smile.

Contact us online to request an appointment or give us a call at 954-463-5051 and let our skilled team enhance your smile.