Many of us desire to keep our teeth looking beautiful and want to Extend Dental Whitening for longer, which is why we opt for professional teeth whitening treatments. However, as time goes by and we neglect the aftercare advised by our dentist, we may notice that our teeth gradually lose their radiant shade. This can lead us to question the duration of teeth whitening and how long we can expect our pearly whites to maintain their luster after undergoing treatment.
What is the duration of dental whitening and how to Extend Dental Whitening?
Teeth whitening treatments are a popular cosmetic procedure that can give you a brighter, more confident smile. However, the duration of the treatment can vary depending on several factors. The longevity of teeth whitening depends on the technique used, the amount of enamel present, the level of care and maintenance, and the individual’s dietary and lifestyle habits.
Typically, teeth whitening can last between six months to eight years, but it is not recommended to undergo continuous whitening treatments. Overdoing it can cause damage to the enamel, making it weaker and more prone to staining.
To maintain the brightness of your teeth after a whitening treatment, it is essential to follow a proper oral care routine. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and avoiding foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
10 tricks to Extend Dental Whitening
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Use sensitivity creams or neutral fluoride immediately after treatment to seal and “harden” the enamel surface:
To achieve optimal results during the teeth whitening process, it is recommended to use a regular or fluoride-free toothpaste. This is because the whitening gel penetrates through the small pores in the teeth, which can become more susceptible to staining. Therefore, it is crucial to seal these pores after the whitening treatment to prevent dark foods and pigments from entering and causing discoloration.
Think of it like applying a top coat of clear nail polish after a manicure to protect the color and prevent chipping. At this stage, the toothpaste is not used for sensitivity, but rather to provide anti-stain protection. This is one of the most important tips to remember to help prolong the duration of your teeth whitening treatment.
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Eat strawberries
Despite their red color, strawberries are a natural food that contains an element that can help keep our teeth white without causing harm. As a result, they can be an excellent option for prolonging the duration of teeth whitening treatments.
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Adjusting to clear beverages.
The consumption of certain drinks on a regular basis can be the biggest culprit in damaging our teeth whitening efforts, so it’s recommended to find substitutes. For instance, if you’re accustomed to drinking cola, consider switching to transparent drinks like lemon soda. Likewise, if you’re a fan of black tea, try opting for green or white tea instead. Similarly, red wine can cause darker stains on the teeth, so try swapping it out for rosé or white wine. Although it may take some time to adjust, making these changes can become a healthy habit in the long run.
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Use dry texture lipsticks
Lipsticks that are strong and very creamy in color can create unsightly orange or yellow layers on the edges of teeth, especially on resin fillings. It is recommended to switch to a more suitable brand that doesn’t make your teeth look yellow when you laugh. Long-lasting lipsticks that have a drier texture work well and resist even during eating. It is important not to sacrifice the color of your teeth for the color of your lips, and finding the right brand of makeup is key, not necessarily the most expensive ones.
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Drink water or brush our teeth immediately after consuming dark foods and beverages.
There are instances where it’s difficult to avoid consuming dark drinks due to habit, necessity, or social gatherings. However, there are ways to prevent the staining effects on our teeth. Drinking water or quickly brushing our teeth without toothpaste after consuming these drinks can help prevent the stain from adhering to the dental surface. It’s similar to when a stain lands on a white T-shirt, and it’s crucial to wash it right away. The same goes for our teeth to maintain their white appearance.
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Use whitening creams every 6 months or every year and only 1 small tube
Use with precautions.
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Never use baking soda or lemon for dental cleaning
Avoid all household tricks as they weaken the enamel surface.
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Performed every 6 months or every year deep cleaning with the dentist:
Removing extrinsic stains such as plaque and dental tartar around the teeth is important to prevent the accumulation of new stains. If these stains are left untreated, it’s similar to a snowball effect where more plaque accumulates and new stains are more likely to stick, leading to the development of tartar and other dental problems.
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If you are definitely not able to maintain habits:
One option to consider is undergoing a treatment with veneers or ceramic lenses. These solutions are the most effective in resisting pigmentation, as they are created in a laboratory and have a hard surface that can withstand stains. A varnish is also applied to these solutions to provide added shine. It is important to note, however, that if this treatment is deemed necessary, it may require dental carving and careful consideration should be given to whether the procedure justifies this irreversible process.
