How Long Will Teeth Whitening Provide a Brighter Smile?

If you’re searching for a cosmetic dentistry in McKinney, TX, you probably desire a brighter, whiter smile. Fortunately, teeth whitening offers the chance to remove stains that have developed from years of eating and drinking enamel staining foods and beverages like tea, wine, and tomatoes.

At-home whitening products like gels and strips offer you the opportunity to achieve a whiter smile at home while Dr. Lawrence offers professional whitening treatments at our cosmetic dentistry in McKinney, TX.

Unfortunately, no matter what type of whitening method you choose to use, it won’t last forever. Once you continue eating and drinking the enamel staining items you love, stains will start to reappear. However, while many over-the-counter options provide minimal to average results that will last for a few months, having your teeth whitened by Dr. Lawrence can help to give you a great-looking smile for several years.

If you’re interested in teeth whitening treatments, let’s take a look at what you need to know to make the most informed choice possible about which whitening method is right for you.

How Long Does Whitening Last?

The amount of time you can expect the results you achieve from whitening treatments to last depends on the type of whitener you used. Lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking, can also have an impact on how long your teeth stay looking white.

Teeth whitening treatments works to reduce enamel stains, not prevent them from developing. If you practice strong oral hygiene at home – brushing and flossing twice daily – at-home products and treatments you receive from Dr. Lawrence will last longer.

Here are some of the most popular whitening treatments and how long they usually last.

Whitening Toothpaste

Using a whitening toothpaste twice a day will start to produce noticeable results anywhere from two to six weeks later. Most brands of whitening toothpaste will provide results for up to three to four months.

Whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that work to polish or whiten teeth, such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and mild abrasives.

Some studies have found that using whitening toothpaste excessively – for multiple months in a row – can actually cause some damage to tooth enamel. The mild abrasives found in these brands work to scrub stains from tooth enamel. But prolonged use of these types of abrasives can actually start to wear down enamel, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay.

To reduce this risk, whitening toothpastes should only be used as directed.

Whitening Mouthwash

Rinsing once daily with a whitening mouthwash should produce noticeable results after 90 days of continuous use. Whitening mouthwashes usually contain hydrogen peroxide.

This type of treatment option works best when trying to sustain the results provided by another type of treatment. Whitening mouthwashes work better at preventing stains from setting after undergoing other treatment options, rather than providing outstanding results on their own.

Whitening Strips

The most common and effective at-home treatment option, whitening strips vary in the number of treatment needed before you begin to notice any results. Some strips, especially prescription strength strips patients receive from their dentist, can provide quick results that can last for up to six months.

Whitening strips offer the most effective over-the-counter option on the market. These products use peroxide to bleach teeth and remove stains. However, when used incorrectly or when overused, they can cause damage to the health of your teeth.

However, when used correctly, high-quality brands of whitening strips can remove most stains by bleaching teeth to appear brighter and whiter.

Whitening Pens

Whitening pens can take anywhere from two to seven days before any results can be seen. They only provide minimal results that usually don’t last very long.

Whitening pens are plastic tubes that contain whitening gels that are used for spot stain removal. The gel washes away quickly after application, so you can’t eat or drink anything for about an hour after use.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments provided by Dr. Lawrence at our cosmetic dentistry in McKinney, TX offer outstanding results that last.

If you maintain a quality oral hygiene regimen, an in-office procedure can provide results that last anywhere from one to three years.

Teeth whitening treatments are quick, easy, and can be completed in just one office visit.

If you’ve been wanting a smile that dazzles, contact our office today to learn more about what teeth whitening can mean for boosting your confidence.