How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Most people don’t have a naturally white smile. If you want to change the shade of your teeth, then most likely you’ll need a professional teeth whitening treatment.

It involves applying a solution that contains some type of bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. This agent can break down the particles that are responsible for stubborn stains, making the teeth look whiter.

However, it’s important to understand that teeth whitening is not a permanent procedure. While you can get the white smile you’ve always wanted, over time you can still develop stains.

So how long does teeth whitening in West Bend usually last?

Types of Teeth Whitening and How Long They Last

Many factors can determine how long the effects of teeth whitening will last:

  • The type of treatment used
  • Your diet
  • Your oral hygiene habits
  • Whether you smoke, etc.

The best and most durable results can be achieved through professional teeth whitening treatments you can find at the dentist’s office. While you also have a lot of over-the-counter solutions, the amount of bleaching agent found in them is significantly lower, so you’ll most likely not get significant results with them.

The two types of professional teeth whitening solutions are:

  • At-home kits - Your dentist can provide you with a professional at-home kit, which can start to improve your smile’s appearance as soon as 1 week. When combined with good oral hygiene habits and a bit of maintenance, the results can even last for a full year, maybe even longer;
  • In-office treatments - This process is fully supervised by your dentist and will offer the best results, especially for cases of severe staining. Results are also long-lasting, with many patients enjoying a whiter smile for 1-3 years.

How to Maintain a Whiter Smile

Tooth staining doesn’t really happen overnight. It involves the slow process of exposing your teeth to foods and other chemicals that can “attach” to the surface of your teeth and change their appearance.

The best way to protect your whiter smile is to improve your oral hygiene:

  • Brush your teeth after every meal
  • Cleanse the mouth with water after you eat to remove food from the mouth
  • Drink staining beverages such as coffee or tea through a straw
  • Limit the amount of highly staining foods you eat, such as citruses or pasta sauces
  • Get professional dental cleanings once every 6 months to remove staining
  • Stop smoking, etc.

Want a Whiter Smile? Oakbrook Dental Can Help

Dr. Patel and Dr. Pako Major are here to help you improve the look and health of your smile.

If you’ve always wanted a brighter smile, then book an appointment at Oakbrook Dental online and stop by for a teeth whitening consultation.

Want to learn more about tooth whitening or our other oral health services? Then don’t hesitate to call us directly at (262) 335-0822 for a short chat!