How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last? Will I Need More Treatment?
There’s nothing like the confidence of a bright white smile. Teeth whitening dramatically transforms the smile in as little as one treatment from Drs. Charles and Patrick Casey, and can even be repeated to achieve and maintain the desired results.
When considering teeth whitening, it’s important to understand that results are not permanent; but, patients can enjoy a brighter smile for several months or more. Just how long teeth whitening lasts for our Montreal, QC, patients and when they should repeat treatment depends on several factors. Read on to find out more!
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The length of time teeth whitening lasts varies from patient to patient and largely depends on how the patient cares for their teeth among other factors.
With this in mind, whitening results range from six months to two or three years. Patients who practice good aftercare will enjoy a whiter smile longer than those who don’t change their habits.
What Affects Teeth Whitening Results?
The teeth become discolored primarily from eating and drinking certain foods and drinks that can cause discoloration more rapidly. Coffee, red wine, dark-colored berries, and spaghetti sauce are some of the most common culprits.
Besides certain foods and drinks, the teeth can also become discolored from tobacco use and poor oral hygiene.
Patients who continue to regularly consume deeply pigmented foods and drinks, smoke, or fail to maintain proper oral hygiene after teeth whitening are more likely to see discoloration return within six months or so of treatment.
Prolonging Teeth Whitening Results
With good aftercare, teeth whitening results can last for about two years, sometimes longer. We recommend that our Montreal patients practice these aftercare tips to prolong their whitening results:
- Practice good oral hygiene: The teeth should be brushed at least twice a day for a full two minutes and flossed at least once a day to thoroughly remove plaque.
- Use a whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste can help maintain professional whitening results when used as directed.
- Avoid certain foods and drinks: Avoiding certain foods that are more likely to cause discoloration, like coffee, red wine, and dark berries, can help prevent stains.
- Brush or swish with water after eating: If possible, brushing the teeth after eating can help remove food debris and reduce stains. If brushing isn’t an option, swishing water over the teeth can be helpful.
- Stop tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco rapidly stains the teeth. Quit smoking or the use of tobacco products to prolong whitening results (and improve your health).
- Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings: Regular dental exams and cleanings are important for catching oral health problems and preventing plaque and tartar buildup, which can discolor the teeth.
When Should Treatment Be Repeated?
Teeth whitening treatment can be repeated to maintain results. It’s common for patients to undergo teeth whitening once a year to keep their teeth continually vibrant.
How often and when a patient chooses to repeat teeth whitening depends on their needs and goals. For some, twice a year is best while others may need less than once a year to maintain results.
Schedule a Consultation
If discolored teeth make you want to hide your smile, teeth whitening may be right for you. To find out if you’re a candidate, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with one of our Montreal dentists today.