Teeth whitening is a highly popular cosmetic treatment that reduces staining and discoloration of the teeth. Whitening can be done at home using over-the-counter products or professionally at a dental office. The longevity of whitening results depends on which method within each of these categories a person chooses.
Professional whitening, which uses chemical or light-activated whitening agents (usually with hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient), tends to be more effective and longer-lasting than at-home whitening. Results usually last several months or even a few years.
Over-the-counter solutions—toothpaste, strips, or whitening gels with mouthpieces—can also offer excellent results. However, the best results they provide have a shorter lifespan than those from professional treatments. This typically means about a month or less.
How to Maximize Teeth Whitening Results
The lifespan of teeth whitening results largely depends on the type of whitening method used. That said, to ensure that your teeth stay as radiant as possible for as long as possible, commit to a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, limit your consumption of tooth-staining foods and beverages (red berries, coffee, tea, red wine), and schedule routine cleanings at your dentist’s office twice a year.
Effective and Efficient Teeth Whitening in Wilmette, IL
If you’re in the Wilmette area and want to learn more about your teeth whitening options and steps you can take to optimize your results, contact dentist Dr. Nolan Patel and the friendly and knowledgeable Wilmette Dental Institute team to schedule a consultation!