Everyone aspires to have a beautiful smile. But over time, our once-bright smiles can become discolored, and smoking, eating berries, drinking red wine or other colored beverages, and eating spaghetti sauce might hasten this process. Because so many of our patients have noticed a deterioration in the color of their teeth over time, teeth whitening has gained popularity in our office. Continue reading for more information on teeth whitening, including how long you may expect the effects to last.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry technique that is painless and done without anesthetic. The procedure begins with inserting gel-filled trays into your mouth that are filled with bleach and hydrogen peroxide solution. An intense light is directed into your mouth after your dentist places the trays to hasten the bleaching procedure. Depending on the level of whiteness you want, the gel-filled trays are removed after 20 to 30 minutes. The entire tooth-whitening process takes around an hour.

What Are The Different Methods Of Teeth Whitening

It's a good idea to see your dentist before choosing a teeth-whitening procedure because not all methods are appropriate for everyone. Everyone's tolerance for the therapy varies; some treatments involve bleach, while others do not.

In-Office Whitening

The quickest approach to brighten your teeth is in-office whitening. Professional care is more expensive than the other options, but the outcomes are typically worthwhile. When receiving professional treatment, your dentist applies the whitening agent directly to your teeth. Your dentist can whiten your teeth professionally to a brightness of three to eight shades. You can expect impressive improvements in just one session! You need to opt for ongoing treatments to ensure better results.

Take Home Kits

For tray-based whitening systems to work, mouth guard-like equipment must first be filled with a whitening gel containing a peroxide-bleaching agent. You need to wear the tray for a specified period. It can take anywhere from a few hours to four weeks or longer, depending on the severity of the discoloration. You can get tray whitening kits from your dentist or over the market. Since the ones from the dentist have a stronger peroxide-bleaching component, they work faster and more effectively. Your dentist can make personalized dental trays that fit your teeth.

Over-The-Counter Products

Since they contain substances that help lighten the color deep into the tooth, over-the-counter and professional whitening solutions produce more obvious results.

Am I A Good Candidate For Teeth Whitening?

Although teeth whitening is a beautiful way to achieve a whiter, more attractive smile, not everyone is a candidate. The following individuals need to hold off on getting their teeth whitened:

1.Mothers who are expecting or nursing.

2.Children under the age of sixteen whose roots and teeth are still forming.

3.Patients with specific oral health issues, such as gum disease, brittle enamel, cavities, or infections. Once these other dental disorders are resolved, many people with one of these conditions can get their teeth whitened.

Does Permanent Teeth Whitening Exist?

Dental professionals will provide the best services to help whiten and brighten your smile. All teeth-whitening techniques, however, have a limited lifespan. Results from some methods last longer than those from others. Although the teeth-whitening treatments you use may work immediately, their results won't endure forever. The whitening impact diminishes the more you use your teeth, especially when you eat. The enamel of your teeth is porous even after a whitening procedure. As a result, stains will continue to occur. However, benefits from professional teeth whitening have been shown to last up to a year or more.

What Can You Do To Make The Effects Last Longer?

It doesn't necessarily mean that the whitening effect won't work long because it's temporary. Some strategies for making your results last include:

i) Regular flossing prevents plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth.

ii) Brush daily

iii) Use whitening toothpaste; it's better to ask your dentist for a recommendation.

iv) Make an appointment with your dentist for routine cleanings at least once every six months.

v) Food stains should be avoided, including coffee, tea, and wine. However, benefits from professional teeth whitening have been shown to last up to a year or more.

Teeth whitening can help you achieve your dream smile. This will help you maintain the effects longer. To ensure long-lasting results, follow the tips mentioned above.