Having a white smile is something everybody wants. However, the natural aging process, what you eat, and your oral care routine can impact the color of your teeth. Some people have surface discoloration while others have serious stains that go deep beyond the surface of your enamel. Teeth whitening is a great option to put some sparkle back into your smile. For those considering a professional whitening treatment you may wonder, what is the tooth whitening duration? Consider the following information about how long your whitening results will last.
Tooth Whitening Duration
The duration your whitening treatment lasts depends on a number of factors. There are a number of over-the-counter whitening products on the market, but a professional whitening treatment from a dentist is the most effective in terms of results and how long they last. A professional whitening treatment done by a cosmetic dentist in Burbank can last up to three years if you take good care of your oral health.
Your daily oral care routine is an important factor as whitening treatments don’t repel stains, they just reduce their appearance. This means that you need to continue with a healthy daily oral care routine and regularly visit the dentist. The foods you consume and lifestyle habits you have can also impact the duration of the results.
Types of Stains
Natural aging, your oral care routine, and your lifestyle habits all impact the color of your teeth. There are two types of stains that impact your teeth: intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
Intrinsic Stains:
Intrinsic stains go beyond your tooth’s surface. They are deeper, internal stains that are harder to treat. They are caused by factors such as natural aging, trauma, infection, and even some medications. While whitening treatments can improve the look of intrinsic stains, they are much deeper as compared to extrinsic stains.
Extrinsic Stains:
Extrinsic stains are external stains that are on your tooth’s surface. These are much more superficial as compared to intrinsic stains and are easier to treat. They are often caused by the foods you eat, what you drink, and if you smoke. Whitening treatment can address extrinsic stains found on your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Treatment
The most effective method for treating stains on your teeth is professional teeth whitening in Burbank. The products used to whiten your teeth are much more potent, which means the treatment is both fast and effective. An in-office treatment is also beneficial as it there is less risk for any pain or discomfort. A whitening gel is applied to your teeth and another gel is applied to your gums so they are not impacted during treatment.
The results of your whitening treatment will be clear immediately. However, patients with more severe discoloration may need a series of treatments to achieve their desired results. The treatment plan will be catered to your unique needs so it’s helpful to share your expectations with the dentist. The first step in getting your smile whiter and brighter is setting up a consultation. Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for in-office whitening, you can move forward with your treatment plan.
Preserving Your Whitening Results
Taking measures to keep your teeth white can help ensure that your results will last. In addition to your dentist’s instructions for how to care for your teeth post-whitening treatment, consider the following measures to preserve your results.
- Daily Oral Care Routine: It’s important to have an effective daily oral care routine. This includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
- Regular Dental Visits: It is crucial to regularly visit the dentist to preserve not only your results but also your oral health. It is recommended that adults visit the dentist at least every 6 months for a regular checkup.
- Diet: Eating a healthy diet low in sugar and processed foods can help with stains. Avoid foods that can discolor your teeth, including juice, pop, candy, caramels, and wine.