Dental health is a significant factor in a person’s overall well-being, and one of the most common dental procedures people undergo is teeth whitening. You’ve probably seen the ads for professional teeth whitening – the ones that promise you a brighter smile in less than an hour. You may be wondering if this type of whitening really works and if it’s worth the money.
Most people are also curious whether the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments will last for a long period of time. In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to that question and provide tips on maintaining your brighter, healthy-looking smile. So without further ado, let’s get started!
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
When it comes to teeth whitening, a lot of options are available. You can find many over-the-counter teeth whitening products on the market. However, professional teeth whitening is the safest and most effective way to achieve noticeably whiter teeth.
Professional teeth whitening is performed by a dentist or other dental professional using special bleaching agents and equipment. Bleaching agents used in professional teeth whitening are of higher concentration. They are stronger than the bleaching agents found in over-the-counter teeth whitening products, so the results are more dramatic.
There are two forms of professional teeth whitening: In-office and Take-home whitening treatment.
- In-Office Whitening Treatment
In-office teeth whitening is a professional teeth whitening treatment administered by a dentist inside a dental office. The dentist will use a bleaching gel that contains a higher concentration of bleaching agents. Sometimes, a special light is used to speed up the whitening process.
In-office teeth whitening is typically done in one sitting, but some cases may require more than one session. Nonetheless, the results are immediate. Although it is more expensive than at-home teeth whitening kits, in-office teeth whitening is more effective and longer lasting. In addition, in-office teeth whitening is safe for both your teeth and your gums. - Take-Home Whitening Treatment
A take-home teeth whitening treatment involves using custom-fitted trays filled with a professional bleaching gel. They are prescribed by the dentist and are ideal for busy people.
The whitening trays are worn for a specified amount of time, depending on the patient’s needs and desired level of whiteness. Take-home teeth whitening treatments are an affordable and convenient way to achieve professional-level results in the comfort of your own home.Professional teeth whitening is safe for most people. However, it’s important to talk to your dentist before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment. You can also ask about the length of time it usually takes for the procedure to take effect so you can manage your expectations.
How Long Does It Take to Whiten Teeth?
Professional teeth whitening is a safer and more effective way to achieve brighter teeth. But how long does it take for professional teeth whitening to take effect? The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your staining and the type of whitening treatment you choose.
In general, professional in-office teeth whitening treatments take about one hour to complete. Take-home whitening kits typically require several applications over the course of two to three weeks. You will likely see the most dramatic results after your first professional teeth whitening treatment.
However, touch-ups may be necessary to maintain your desired level of tooth whiteness. Talk to your dentist about how often you should schedule professional teeth whitening treatments to keep your smile bright.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
The results of teeth whitening would last depending on how well you take care of your teeth and how often you expose them to staining agents. On average, professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are a number of factors that can affect how long your treatment will last.
If you avoid eating or drinking foods that can stain your teeth and brush and floss regularly, your teeth will stay brighter for a long time. However, if you eat or drink foods that can cause staining and don’t maintain good oral hygiene, the whiteness of your teeth may start to fade within a few weeks. Additionally, the results of teeth whitening treatment are different for everyone and influenced by many factors.
Are There Factors That Can Affect Teeth Whitening Results?
There are a variety of factors that can affect the results of professional teeth whitening. These include:
- Type of Bleaching Gel Used
There are two kinds of bleaching agents used in teeth whitening, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide bleaches more quickly and deeply than carbamide peroxide, so it is generally more effective at whitening teeth. However, it can also be harsher on the tooth enamel and gums, so it is important to have a professional evaluation before treatment. - The Concentration of the Bleaching Gel
Higher concentrations will produce faster and more dramatic results, but they can also increase the risk of side effects such as gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. - Length of Time that the Bleaching Gel is Left on the Teeth
Generally, longer exposure times will produce greater results, which also increases the risk of side effects. Therefore, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully to achieve the best results possible. - Severity of Staining
It may take several sessions to achieve the desired effect if your teeth are heavily stained. This is because it can take multiple treatments to break up tooth stains. - Choice of Dentist
The skills of the dentist can influence the results. An experienced professional will be able to get better results than someone who is just starting out.
How Can I Make My Teeth Stay White After Teeth Whitening Treatment?
After you’ve had your teeth professionally whitened, you’ll want to know how to make them stay white. Here are a few tips to help keep your pearly whites shining:
- Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.
Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured soda are all culprits in discolouring teeth. Acidic and tannin-rich foods should also be avoided. If you can’t give them up entirely, try to consume them in moderation and brush your teeth immediately afterwards. - Quit smoking.
Smoking is bad for your health and can also cause your teeth to become yellow and stained. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor or dentist about strategies that might work for you. - Brush and floss regularly.
Good oral hygiene habits are essential for keeping your teeth clean and white. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss once daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. - See your dentist regularly.
In addition to professional teeth whitening treatments, your dentist can also help keep your beautiful smile looking its best by detecting and treating dental problems early on. Be sure to schedule an appointment every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
By following these tips, you can help keep your whitened teeth looking their best after a professional whitening treatment and perhaps minimize the risks and disadvantages associated with the procedure.
What Is the Downside of Teeth Whitening?
Although professional teeth whitening is generally safe, the procedure has possible risks and disadvantages.
- Tooth Sensitivity and Gum Irritation
Professional teeth whitening uses bleaching agents that are more concentrated than those found in at-home kits. As a result, there is a higher risk of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
Tooth sensitivity from teeth whitening is temporary and can be alleviated by using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Gum irritation is also temporary and can be resolved by stopping the whitening treatment for a few days. - Chemical Burns
There is a risk of chemical burns because of the high chemical concentration of bleaching agents used in professional teeth whitening. Chemical burns can cause whitening of the involved tissues, swelling, and pain. For this reason, when bleaching the teeth, it is important to ensure that the bleaching agents do not come into contact with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums.
If you experience any of these symptoms during a teeth whitening treatment, be sure to tell your dentist right away so they can stop the procedure and help alleviate your symptoms. - It Only Whitens Natural Teeth
It is also important to note that teeth whitening will only work on natural teeth. This means that it will not change the colour of crowns, veneers, or fillings. This is because these dental prosthetics are not porous and do not absorb the bleaching agent. - They Don’t Last Too Long
Teeth whitening does not usually last as long as other cosmetic dental procedures, such as veneers. This is because the bleaching agent only affects the outermost layer of your teeth, which is constantly being worn down by everyday activities such as eating and drinking.
For this reason, it is important to consult with a dentist before undergoing professional teeth whitening to ensure that you are aware of all possible risks and disadvantages. Ask about other alternatives if you think teeth whitening treatment is not for you.
Is there an Alternative to Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening treatment is not the only way to achieve brighter teeth. There are a number of alternatives that can be just as effective, and in some cases, even more so.
Here are a few of the most popular alternatives to teeth whitening:
- Dental veneers:
These are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the front surface of your teeth. Veneers are an ideal solution for those who have teeth that are stained or discoloured. - Dental bonding:
This involves using a tooth-coloured resin to cover the teeth and make them appear brighter. Bonding is often used to repair chipped or cracked teeth. - Teeth whitening toothpaste:
There are a number of whitening toothpaste on the market that can help brighten teeth. These kinds of toothpaste typically contain special active ingredients that help remove teeth stains and discolouration. - Teeth whitening strips:
These strips are designed to be placed on the teeth and left for a certain amount of time to achieve brighter teeth. Most strips contain hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleaching agent.
Talk to your dentist about which alternative might be right for you.
Final Thoughts
Professional teeth whitening can last for several months to a year, but the results may vary depending on your oral hygiene practices and natural tooth colour, among many other factors.
If you’re interested in professional teeth whitening, Ellen Stirling Dental is here to help. We offer both in-office and take-home treatments that are safe and effective, so you can achieve the bright smile you deserve. For questions about teeth whitening or any other dental procedure, call our dental clinic at (08) 6192 1036 or book online to schedule your appointment.
Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk :- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.
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