If you’ve had professional teeth whitening done, you know to expect results in one visit. But how long does teeth whitening last? And what impacts your whitening outcome? Our experienced dentists in Omaha, NE are here to answer all of your teeth whitening questions.
How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening lasts anywhere from six months to three years, depending on several factors, including the concentration of certain bleaching agents, your eating habits, and patient age. In general, however, professional teeth whitening patients can expect results to last for about a year.
Factors That Affect How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts
At-Home Vs Professional Teeth Whitening
The concentration and/or application of certain bleaching agents can affect the longevity of teeth whitening. For example, most at-home whitening treatments contain a low amount of active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide (the components responsible for lifting stains from your teeth). Because of this, it could take weeks or months to see results.
With professional teeth whitening, a higher concentration of the bleaching agent is applied, ensuring a noticeably whiter smile in just one dentist visit. And since the treatment is handled by a professional, there’s little to no risk of teeth or gum irritation.
How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?
If you’ve decided at-home whitening isn’t for you, here’s how professional teeth whitening works. Teeth whitening lightens the appearance of stains from the enamel, resulting in a brighter smile!
Eagle Run West Dental Group uses Philips Zoom! QuickPro for in-office teeth whitening. For teeth whitening treatment, we’ll apply a special whitening gel to your teeth ‒ and that’s it! Plus, teeth whitening only takes about an hour, so it can be added to any regular dentist appointment!
Lifestyle & Eating Habits
In most cases, diet and oral hygiene practices will affect how long teeth whitening lasts. Generally speaking, whitening treatment will be less effective if you continue to consume the same foods that stained your teeth in the past. Everyday food and beverages can stain your teeth, including:
Coffee
Carbonated drinks
Dark tea
Wine
Dark fruits, such as blackberries, raspberries, and cherries
Sugar
Tobacco products
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Last Longer?
The best way to preserve your teeth’s whiteness is to use a straw, brush your teeth, and see our dentists for regular cleanings at least twice a year.
Patient Age
Your tooth’s enamel naturally thins as you age, resulting in darker teeth. In other words, teeth whitening is effective for patients of all ages, but the outcome isn’t always the same. For instance, teeth whitening can last for years on a younger patient, while the same procedure lasts half that time on someone significantly older.
Who is a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is an option for anyone with good dental health. This includes patients with few or no fillings and healthy gum tissues. Patients with yellow, stained teeth also tend to respond better to whitening treatment.
Our dentists will assess a patient’s eligibility during their initial consultation.
Who is Not a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
In general, patients with intrinsic staining (discoloration of the inner layer of the tooth) are unfit for treatment. Most of the time, intrinsic staining can’t be removed with whitening gels. Patients with worn enamel, exposed roots, or gum disease should seek other treatment options, such as porcelain veneers, cosmetic implants, or dental crowns.
Professional Teeth Whitening Services in Omaha, NE
When discoloration affects the appearance of your smile, professional teeth whitening is an ideal, highly effective solution. For more information on the teeth whitening process, call 402-498-8804 or contact our office in Omaha, NE. We’ll answer your questions, evaluate your teeth, and discuss how professional teeth whitening can enhance your smile.