How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
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The longevity of teeth whitening changes significantly based on the type of method you choose. The quality of your dental care habits will also impact the duration of your white smile. So, how long does teeth whitening last? Some methods will give you temporary results that last just a few days, while other treatments and techniques have a lifespan of many years.
In-clinic teeth whitening with a qualified dentist
When carried out in a private dental practice, teeth whitening can last as long as three years. The process includes painting a potent whitening gel onto the teeth and activating the gel with special lights or lasers. Then, you will most likely take home a whitening kit to top-up your new smile.
At-home teeth whitening kit
The longevity will vary from brand to brand, but Yorkshire Dental Suite’s potent kit gives you results that last up to 12 months. We use a 16% concentration of carbamide peroxide (which is 32 x more potent than non-prescription sets found over the counter) to refresh the colour of your teeth.
Teeth whitening strips & teeth whitening pens
Two extremely popular products, teeth whitening strips and pens are great for quick (or even immediate) results. However, they require constant top-ups to maintain your white smile, adding to the overall treatment time and spending. On average, the results of a whitening pen or strip can last days or weeks, depending on your chosen product.
Natural teeth whitening
For natural ingredients, it’s difficult to give a conclusive answer, if any at all. Based on the severity of your discolouration, some ingredients found in your cupboard will not make any difference to the colour of your smile, even if you use it repeatedly. If you have very minimal discolouration, you may see a slight change in whiteness that lasts days.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a more long-term solution to your yellow teeth, providing 5 - 8 years of wear if well cared for. Nanofill Composite Bonding®, our exclusive chip-resistant resin, disguises discolouration, chips, cracks and small gaps. This results in a vibrant, uniform smile with impressive durability.
How to maintain a white smile
As mentioned earlier, how you look after your smile post-teeth whitening will impact the longevity of your smile. Here are some of our top tips for protecting your newly brightened teeth.
- Oral hygiene is key: When you don’t brush regularly, plaque and tartar begin to form, giving your teeth a yellowish tint. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a great toothbrush. Don’t forget to floss!
- Consider your diet: Certain food and drinks will accelerate discolouration. Think tea, coffee, red wine and tomato-based sauces. If you are medically able, consider what you are eating on a day-to-day basis and what could stain white teeth.
- Don’t avoid the dentist: Attending regular hygienist appointments will help to keep your smile vibrant. Routine visits to your dentist also makes sure your teeth and gums are in a healthy condition.
Conclusion: The lifespan of teeth whitening varies greatly. Consult with your dentist your exact goals and they will recommend a specific treatment. Ready to kickstart your journey to a more confident smile? Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite today.