Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. White teeth simply look cleaner and healthier than yellow, dull, or stained teeth. It is common for teeth to lose their brightness over time due to staining from foods and beverages, as well as a general thinning of the enamel that comes with age. If you’ve noticed that your smile isn’t as white as it used to be, it may be time to consider whitening treatments.
Professional teeth whitening provides dramatic results in as little as one treatment. Most people find them to be significantly more effective than over the counter teeth whitening products. Learn more about professional teeth whitening treatments and how they can enhance your smile.
Understanding Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening refers to treatment that is applied by your dentist. The difference between professional and over the counter teeth whitening is that professional teeth whitening contains prescription strength ingredients. It should only be applied by a dentist or other trained dental professional in order to protect your teeth and ensure natural looking results.
In-office teeth whitening is applied to the teeth in a single appointment. A rubber shield or gel is applied to the gum tissue to prevent irritation. The whitening agent is applied to the teeth and activated using a special UV light. Once your teeth have reached the desired shade of white, your treatment is complete.
Expected Duration of Professional Teeth Whitening Results
On average, the results of professional teeth whitening treatment can last anywhere from 1-3 years. Teeth whitening is not permanent. You may need repeat treatment as your teeth begin looking yellow or dull again over time.
Factors Affecting Whitening Duration
There are a variety of factors that may affect the duration of your results.
- Diet. If you eat or drink a lot of things that are known to stain teeth, your results may not last as long. Examples include coffee, tea, dark soft drinks, tomato sauce, soy sauce, dark berries, red wine, red grape juice, and artificial dyes.
- Oral hygiene habits. The cleaner your teeth are, the longer your results will last. Plaque buildup on the teeth can cause them to yellow more quickly.
- Original shade of the teeth. The darker your teeth were before teeth whitening, the sooner your results may start to fade.
- Enamel thickness. The thinner your enamel, the sooner your teeth may begin to look dull or yellow after whitening treatment.
Tips for Prolonging Results
The following tips can help you maintain the results of your whitening treatment to get the most out of each session.
- Avoid foods and beverages that stain teeth.
- Brush your teeth immediately after consuming foods or beverages that can stain.
- Practice good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
- Go to the dentist for dental cleanings every 6 months.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
Professional teeth whitening treatments offer a wide variety of benefits, such as:
- Effective. Professional teeth whitening offers dramatic results that are more noticeable than over the counter products.
- Fast. In-office teeth whitening works in a single application, rather than over the course of a few weeks of daily application.
- Long lasting. The results of professional teeth whitening treatments last longer than over the counter products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
The ingredients in professional teeth whitening treatments are designed to be safe for your teeth. And carefully controlled application by your dentist ensures that there is no risk of damage to the enamel.
Will professional teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some patients experience mild sensitivity immediately following teeth whitening treatment. Using sensitive toothpaste can help until the effects fade, usually in a few days to a few weeks.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening From Emerson Dental
If you want a more dazzling smile, talk to the experts at Emerson Dental about professional teeth whitening treatment. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.