Are you unhappy with your smile? Many people are self-conscious about their yellowed teeth and are interested in having them whitened. Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective.
Getting your teeth whitened at the dentist should last six months to three years. How long whitening lasts depends on your home care and personal habits.
The Teeth Whitening Process
Professional teeth whitening is a multi-step process. The appointments frequently take between an hour and an hour and a half, and you may need multiple treatments to reach the shade you want.
Shade Selection
The dentist records the shade of your teeth and helps you select the shade you want to achieve.
Mouth Protection
Since strong peroxide whitens teeth, the lips, tongue, and gums need protection. Your dentist may use retractors, gauze, or both. Finally, the dentist will paint a rubbery coating on your gums.
Applying the Solution
The dentist coats the front of the teeth with a whitening solution. The solution may contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
Curing With Light
A concentrated light source or laser activates the peroxide. Typically, the solution stays on the teeth for up to an hour.
Rinsing
Rinsing removes the solution. The dentist may use fluoride to help you with teeth sensitivity after whitening.
You may be happy with the results after one visit or need to repeat the process for several more visits. It depends on how many shades you want to lighten and the depth of your staining.
Things to Avoid
After a whitening procedure, you should avoid all staining foods and drinks. Red wine, coffee, and vegetables like tomatoes and beets can be culprits that darken freshly whitened teeth. Try to avoid them for at least 24 hours to preserve your investment. Wait longer if you can.
How Long Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Last?
Having your dentist whiten your teeth makes practical sense. You will find that at-home whitening systems do not produce long-lasting results. These preparations can’t penetrate deep into the tooth or whiten several layers down. Stains will quickly reappear, and you will have to repeat the treatment.
How To Prevent Future Stains
Brush and floss well according to your dentist’s instructions. As mentioned above, avoid staining foods as much as possible. Anything that will stain a white t-shirt will also stain your teeth.
Smoking is also a top cause of yellowed teeth and many other health problems. Make an effort to quit.
How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts
Teeth whitening by a professional lasts between six months and three years. Your home care routines and whether you avoid high-pigment foods and drinks directly affect how long your treatment lasts.
You can make your treatment last longer by brushing and flossing as directed and avoiding staining foods. Follow your dentist’s instructions as best you can and preserve your investment in whiter teeth.
Contact Us Today
If you have been waiting for teeth whitening, this is the time to do it. Make the call today. Contact Emerson Dental at our convenient Westford, MA, or Bedford, MA offices.