Opting for teeth whitening in Mukilteo means opting for a quick confidence boost. You could walk out with a renewed smile after just one in-office teeth whitening session. But if the results are quick, how long do they last?
The answer depends on several factors, including the whitening method, your lifestyle, and your oral care habits. The Driftwood Dental Studio team explores these factors and provides supportive tips to help you maintain a bright and radiant smile for as long as possible.
What Factors Influence How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts?
How long your new pearly whites remain that way varies significantly. On average, professional teeth whitening results can last anywhere from six months to three years. Let’s go over the factors that can affect your smile and how you can take proactive steps to preserve your new look.
1. Which Type of Teeth Whitening in Mukilteo Did You Choose?
- Professional Whitening: These treatments provided by our dentist generally use stronger bleaching agents to break down years of stains for the longest-lasting results.
- Over-the-Counter Products: Store-bought whitening kits, strips, or toothpaste typically have shorter-lasting effects due to lower concentrations of whitening agents.
2. What Is Your Lifestyle Like?
Your daily behaviors play a significant role in how long your teeth stay white. Are you regularly indulging in coffee, tea, red wine, or dark-colored sauces? Do you smoke or use tobacco products? These are major contributors to discoloration and could cause your teeth whitening to fade more quickly.
3. What’s Your Oral Hygiene Routine?
Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing help reduce plaque build-up and prevent minor stains from setting in. People with consistent oral care routines often see their whitening results last longer compared to those who neglect their teeth.
4. How Old Are You?
Over time, teeth naturally become darker or yellowish simply because of age. The enamel on your teeth becomes thinner as you get older, revealing the natural yellowish dentin layer underneath. While teeth whitening can temporarily reverse these changes, the aging process may impact how long the results last.
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Mukilteo Teeth Whitening
Incorporating a few key habits into your daily routine can keep your teeth dazzling for as long as possible.
Adopt a “Whitening Diet”
After treatment, avoid foods and drinks that can cause stains for at least 48 hours, as your teeth are more porous during this time. Long-term, try to limit your consumption of staining foods and drinks or use a straw for beverages like coffee or wine to minimize contact with your teeth.
Commit to Daily Oral Care
There’s no way around it—brush your teeth at least twice a day using a dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste to keep your smile bright. Floss daily to remove debris between your teeth, and consider using a mouthwash to rinse away particles.
Schedule Touch-Ups
Most professional teeth whitening in Mukilteo can be refreshed with touch-ups every 6 to 12 months, depending on our dentist’s guidance. The team at Driftwood Dental Studio can also recommend some at-home products.
Quit Tobacco Use
If you smoke or use tobacco products, consider quitting. Not only does this help prevent discoloration and extend the life of your whitening treatment, but it’s also good for your overall health.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles, bacteria, and, in the process, potential stains. As a bonus, keeping your mouth hydrated reduces your risk of cavities.
When to Talk to Our Dentist About Your Whitening
If your teeth whitening results seem to fade faster than expected, or if you’re struggling to achieve your desired brightness, talk to us. We can evaluate your dental health, recommend the most effective whitening treatments, and provide personalized maintenance advice.
Keeping up with regular dental cleanings is also pivotal, as these appointments remove surface stains and keep your teeth in optimal condition.
Get a Bright Smile and Keep It That Way
Mukilteo teeth whitening at Driftwood Dental Studio can be transformative, and with these tips, it won’t be as temporary. Your smile deserves to shine, and with a little effort, you can keep it glowing for years to come. Book your whitening appointment today, or reach out for additional smile support.