Imagine investing in teeth whitening only for your teeth to turn yellow a few months later. White teeth can make a huge difference, but you don’t want to waste your money.
For better or worse, many things can affect how long your teeth will stay white. Read on to learn about the average treatment cycle and what can shorten or extend that period.
What Affects How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts
Teeth whitening can last for six months or less on the shorter end. However, you may be able to maintain the results for as long as two or three years.
Unfortunately, you can’t always predict the lifespan of the dental treatment. Even if you’ve had teeth whitening before, the next round may last for more or less time.
The specific results depend on a lot of factors, from the method to your general lifestyle. If you’re looking into whitening your teeth, consider the things that can affect how long the whitening will last.
Consider the following aspects and how they can affect the results of your dental treatment.
Brushing Frequency
Regardless of whether you’ve had teeth whitening or not, you should brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure you brush in the morning and at night.
It can also help to brush after a meal, especially if you want to achieve fresh breath for a meeting. Regular brushing can help keep your teeth looking great long after your dental appointments.
You can use whitening toothpaste to help. Another option to consider is an electric toothbrush since it can help clean your teeth better than a manual brush.
Don’t forget to also use floss and mouthwash. That way, you can keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria that can stain the teeth.
Eating Certain Foods
You may want to adjust your diet after teeth whitening. Unfortunately, certain foods can stain your teeth and require another whitening session.
Foods such as berries, beetroots, and tomato-based sauces can all change the appearance of your teeth. Balsamic vinegar and soy sauce can also have a similar effect.
Finally, it may not surprise you, but certain candies can also stain your teeth. So if you eat these foods often, you may want to cut back.
You don’t have to completely avoid them, but minimizing your consumption will help you make the most of your pearly whites.
Drinking Dark Liquids
Don’t forget about drinks when changing your diet. Of course, popular drinks, like coffee, tea, and dark sodas can all stain your teeth like food.
Red wine can also stain your teeth, so you may want to opt for white wine if you enjoy alcohol. And since berries can stain your teeth, so can their juices.
Sports and energy drinks can also be the reason why your teeth whitening never lasts for more than a few months. Of course, you’d ideally mostly drink water.
But if you want to treat yourself, stick to clear drinks, such as Sprite or clear alcohol.
Teeth Whitening Method
You’ll get the best results from teeth whitening if you go through a dentist. They’ll have the right equipment and supplies to whiten or even bleach your teeth.
Of course, many people like to use at-home methods. Even if you go to the dentist for the initial whitening, you may use other things, like whitening toothpaste, to maintain the results.
Whitening toothpaste usually lasts three or four months. Meanwhile, whitening strips may last for six months, and whitening gels can give you results for a year or so.
Be sure to consider the best method for you and your teeth. Finding a dentist may sound annoying, but they can help you get better results than many at-home alternatives.
The Dentist
If you want to schedule dental appointments to whiten your teeth, choose the right office. Some dentists have more experience administering these treatments than others.
The more experienced someone is, the better job they’re likely to do. A good dentist may also be able to recommend the best treatment option for you based on your teeth.
Don’t be afraid to consider a few dentists in your area. That way, you can make sure you go to the person who makes you feel the most comfortable, even if that’s not your primary dentist.
Your Natural Teeth
Another thing to keep in mind is the color of your natural teeth. If your teeth are closer to white already, you’ll be able to go longer between dental treatments.
On the other hand, if your teeth are more yellow or another color, you’ll need to whiten your teeth more often to maintain the results.
You also may have more success with whitening in a dentist’s office than at home. However, don’t forget about how sensitive your teeth are.
Some of the most effective teeth whitening methods can also be the most brutal. If your teeth hurt, don’t be afraid to switch to another method next time.
Your Age
Maybe you’ve done teeth whitening in the past, and you achieved great results. However, you’re older now, so your teeth may need more frequent treatments.
People over 30 years old may need to whiten their teeth more often than younger adults. As you age, the enamel starts to wear down.
Since the enamel is what makes your teeth look whiter, the yellower dentin can start to show. So you’ll want to consider different methods that will give you the results you desire.
It’s normal for your teeth to change as you get older. However, that means what worked for you a few years ago may not work as well now.
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Appointment Today
Teeth whitening can help you feel more confident. However, it can also take a bit of time and money, so you want to make the most of that.
The results can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. Consider what factors affect how long your teeth will stay white and how you can extend the results.
If you want a dentist to whiten your teeth, we can help. Schedule your appointment today.