How long does teeth whitening last?
Posted on 01/10/2024
Many people are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth. Many things can lead to yellowing or staining, leaving you feeling self-conscious about your smile. Thankfully, Short Pump Dental in Henrico, Virginia offers options so that you can hold your head up high with a bright, white smile again. However, if you opt for teeth whitening, you might want to know how long it lasts.

One of the first things our cosmetic dentist at Short Pump will tell you if you question how long teeth whitening lasts is that it depends. Different factors can dictate whether it lasts a long time or a very short time. On the longer end, when you have teeth whitening treatment, it can last as long as two to three years or as short a time as six months.

Factors in Teeth-Whitening Longevity

Generally, the way you care for your teeth and what you eat and drink can have an impact on the length of time your whitening treatment lasts. If you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene, it can adversely affect not only the whiteness of your teeth, but it can also cause your teeth to break down and chip away at the enamel. Using harsh dental care products and even brushing too hard can also deteriorate your teeth-whitening results faster.

Unhealthy habits like smoking can cause your results to fade faster. Eating dark foods and drinks and those that are acidic can also cause your teeth whitening to fade faster. Our cosmetic dentist in Henrico advises you to avoid anything that could stain your teeth, at least for a while, after your treatment.

Your teeth whitening may last longer or shorter based on the type of method you use. Having professional treatment at the dentist’s office is the best way to ensure your teeth remain white for a longer time as long as you continue with the proper care. On the other hand, if you choose an at-home teeth-whitening kit, you can expect your results to last a far shorter time and require touch-ups more often.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?

If you want to have teeth whitening done with our cosmetic dentist at Short Pump, you may wonder how long the procedure takes. Although it depends on the level of yellowing you have, the treatment should take around one to two hours. However, you may have a longer appointment if your teeth are very stained. The dentist will use a higher, stronger concentration to ensure your results.

Be Realistic About Your Results

Even with the best cosmetic dentist in Henrico, it’s important to be realistic about your teeth-whitening results. They are never permanent; you may notice yellowing after a few months or even after a year, two years, or three years. It’s impossible to avoid all food and drink that can stain your teeth, so you might need touch-ups over time to retain your results.

If you wish to whiten your teeth, our cosmetic dentist in Henrico at Short Pump Dental can deliver results. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.