Teeth whitening is a very popular dental treatment requested by people all over America as it is the simplest way to enhance your appearance – on a budget.
Stains and discoloration on your teeth aren’t pretty to look at, and they can be a giant cause of diminished self-esteem. A lot of people in similar situations avoid social interactions because they don’t feel comfortable showing their teeth.
But thank goodness for professional teeth whitening treatments that get rid of this problem. And while the treatment gives you a brighter and more radiant smile, it isn’t permanent.
So how long does teeth whitening last? Let’s take a look.
Why Is Teeth Whitening Recommended?
As we mentioned at the beginning, teeth whitening is usually done to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. 2 types of stains occur on the teeth –
Extrinsic Stains
These are present on the tooth surface and can be eliminated by professional teeth cleaning and whitening. Dental instruments such as scalers scrape away some stains, revealing cleaner teeth. The stubborn ones are taken care of via teeth whitening techniques.
Extrinsic stains result from smoking, consumption of colored foods and drinks, etc.
Intrinsic Stains
These are caused due to age, trauma, infection, medication, etc.
Intrinsic stains are deep, internal stains and are harder to eliminate, although not impossible. They are removed only via professional treatments.
The Different Methods of Teeth Whitening
There are plenty of different ways to whiten your teeth. Some popular ones are listed below.
Over-The-Counter Whitening Methods
When you visit your local grocery store, you’ll find many different options for whitening your teeth. These can be whitening toothpaste, strips, oral rinses, etc.
You can use them to whiten your teeth but might not get desired results.
Professional Treatments
Your dentist provides professional whitening treatments to remove stains and “bleach” your teeth. The results in a dental clinic are much more appreciated than over-the-counter options. You will notice a difference right after the first appointment.
Your dentist can either whiten your teeth in the dental clinic or give you custom trays to take home and whiten your teeth by following specific instructions.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
The length of the whitening effect depends on the kind of treatment you use.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste show results anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks after you start using it twice every day. Many users state that they see the results last for up to 3 or 4 months.
These kinds of toothpaste contain the following ingredients that whiten or polish your teeth –
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Carbamide peroxide
- Mild Abrasives
If a toothpaste only has abrasives, it will tackle surface stains to a certain extent and won’t change the internal color of the teeth. The ones containing peroxide can remove stains and whiten teeth to varying degrees.
However, long-term use of whitening toothpaste might thin the enamel layer. If you plan on using them long-term, try alternating with a toothpaste that protects and strengthens enamel.
Furthermore, if you are sensitive to the ingredients and notice your teeth or gums feeling uncomfortable after prolonged use, stop using it.
Whitening Mouthwash
Whitening mouthwashes take up to 3 months before showing results.
These contain hydrogen peroxide and you can use them daily to help remove small degrees of surface stains.
If used alone, the effects aren’t that long-lasting or dramatic. However, whitening mouthwash is most effective when used to prolong the effects of other treatments, such as whitening strips on in-office bleaching.
Whitening Strips
Different whitening strips provide different levels of results. Some strips have more dramatic results that can last for up to 6 months. Others, not so much.
Of all the over-the-counter options for whitening, strips are the most effective. These use peroxide to bleach teeth and remove stains. If used incorrectly, they may be harmful or uncomfortable to teeth.
High-quality brands of whitening strips, when used correctly, can bleach teeth and remove both extrinsic and some intrinsic stains. The result is brighter, whiter teeth.
Whitening Pens
Whitening pens provide minimal results and aren’t long-lasting.
These pens are small, plastic tubes with transportable whitening gel and are used for spot stain removal. The gel washes away easily, so you have to avoid eating, drinking, or rinsing your teeth for about an hour after application.
At-home Whitening Gel Trays
Whitening gel trays deliver results in about a week, with maximum results seen in 2 to 4 weeks. The amount of whitening you see depends on the strength of the bleaching agent and how long you wear the trays.
When you combine whitening gel trays with proper oral hygiene, the whitening effect lasts for a year or longer.
Dentists provide custom-made trays that you fill with gel whitener and use at home. The bleaching agents in the gel are stronger than the type you find in over-the-counter products.
The dentist supervises the treatment and guides you on the usage. In some instances, they might recommend keeping the tray on overnight or for several hours.
Teeth Whitening at the Dental Clinic
Maintaining good oral hygiene alongside a whitening procedure done in a dental clinic provides results that last for 1 to 3 years.
The in-clinic procedure uses a strong bleaching agent to whiten the teeth and is done in a safe and controlled environment. The dentist also uses a special light to accelerate the effect of the bleaching agent.
Teeth Whitening at River’s Bend Family Dental, MN
Dr. Andrea Wimmergren is the dental expert at the River’s Bend Family Dental office. With a DDS, she aims to provide great dental care by empowering you to make informed decisions tailored to you.
As a top-rated dental clinic in Ramsey, the team at River’s Bend Family Dental are very proud to serve our community. It is our mission to serve our friends and family with the dental care they deserve – always with compassion, empathy, and a smile.
You can find out more by getting in touch with us by calling or texting (763) 576-1855. At the River’s Bend clinic, we welcome any of our neighbors in Ramsey, Anoka, Dayton, Nowthen, Otsego, Champlin, Elk River, Coon Rapids, and Andover.
