Teeth whitening has become a popular cosmetic dental treatment globally, and for good reasons. It is an easy, fast, and effective way to brighten your teeth and restore their natural sparkle.
Getting your teeth bleached can be exciting because it removes layers of stains from your teeth, leaving your smile brighter and whiter. But how long does a teeth whitening treatment last? In this article, we'll answer this and more questions you may have about teeth whitening.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The teeth whitening treatment lightens the color of your teeth through bleaching. The treatment is done by applying a whitening gel, usually an active agent like hydrogen peroxide, to the surface of the teeth.
The gel is left there for some time before it is cleaned off. Professional teeth whitening may also involve using a laser to speed up the process of teeth whitening. Teeth whitening can be done in various ways, including take-home treatments and in-office procedures.
At Dogwood Family Dental, our take-home teeth whitening treatments take just a few steps, which include:
- Scheduling an initial consultation with our dentist to determine if you are a candidate for teeth whitening in Cookeville.
- If approved, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create custom, reusable plastic whitening trays.
- Picking up your trays.
- Treating yourself at home.
Who Is a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Generally, anyone who wants to enhance the appearance of their teeth can benefit from this treatment. Individuals with discolored or stained teeth due to aging, drinking coffee, or smoking may opt for teeth whitening to brighten their teeth and smile.
How Long Will My Teeth Whitening Treatment Last?
Unfortunately, teeth whitening does not last forever. And because there is a variety of bleaching options, the whitening effects tend to vary based on the option used.
But on average, this treatment can last as short as six months up to two or three years. Of course, every person is different, and the lifespan of the teeth whitening treatment can vary significantly.
The time your treatment takes is also dependent on your lifestyle. Your lifestyle habits can increase or lower the lifespan of your whitening treatment. The two major habits that affect teeth whitening are hygiene and oral habits.
Here are tips for caring for your teeth after a teeth whitening treatment:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a whitening toothpaste
- Avoid foods that may stain your teeth, such as coffee and colored sodas
- Avoid smoking
- Use dental floss to eliminate food particles and plaque
- Use a fluoride mouthwash as recommended by your dentist
- Visit your Cookeville dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
Book Your Appointment with Dogwood Family Dental Today
Dr. Taylor Enochs Engler can help with your teeth whitening needs in Cookeville. She provides safe and reliable teeth whitening treatments in-office and for you to do at home. To learn more about our whitening treatments, call our Cookeville practice at (931) 528-6536 or schedule an appointment online.
