A lot of people are eager to brighten their smiles these days due to Hollywood stars constantly displaying their pearly whites on red carpets as well as the degree of confidence that it gives you. Being able to show off beautiful teeth is one thing, but just how long does such a treatment last?
Before you commit to any sort of dental procedure, do your research, and speak to a dentist near you for more information.
Teeth Whitening in North London
Teeth whitening is a treatment that falls under the branch of cosmetic dentistry. This process is designed to illuminate your smile by applying a special chemical mixture to the surface of your teeth.
There are two main methods of teeth whitening that you can explore, and they are professional and do-it-yourself teeth whitening.
Professional teeth whitening, also known as in-office teeth whitening, is when you visit a dental clinic to receive this process. It only requires a single appointment and typically lasts anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour.
First, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth. They may also take a series of dental x-rays to establish a baseline of your oral hygiene. Once your mouth is cleaned and all the plaque and tartar have been removed, the whitening gel will be applied to your smile and left to sit on your teeth for a certain period. The whitening agent itself typically contains hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen carbamide. A special UV or LED light is employed to activate the whitening process. Then, it will be wiped off.
These actions are repeated until your desired shade of white is achieved.
DIY or at-home teeth whitening treatment is another option you may wish to explore. Although the effects are not as immediate as professional whitening, they can be more affordable. This method of treatment can include the following:
1. Whitening strips, toothpaste, or trays.
2. Rubbing lemon peels on your teeth.
3. Oil swishing.
4. Brushing with charcoal.
Many dental practices also offer their patients take-home kits. Impressions will be made of your teeth to create a tray that fits your smile. They’ll also provide you with a whitening gel that you administer into the tray. You’ll typically need to repeat this treatment twice a day, for a couple of weeks in order to see results.
To learn more about in-office or at-home teeth whitening, get in touch with a dentist in North London. They’ll be able to identify whether you’re an ideal candidate for this treatment or if another course of action would be more suitable.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
And now we’ve come to the main question: how long does teeth whitening actually last?
First and foremost, it depends on the state of your oral hygiene. Everyone is different. That said, the results of professional teeth whitening will last longer than DIY methods, approximately a few years or so. This is because the whitening solution used by your dentist is stronger than store-bought treatments.
Teeth whitening is not permanent, but there are certainly some things you can do to help preserve the beauty of your smile. This includes avoiding foods and drinks that leave behind stains such as berries, soy sauce, coffee, wine, and tea, not smoking, and brushing and flossing your teeth after eating.
Are you interested in receiving teeth whitening near you? We’ve got you covered! Our staff here at Wharncliffe Family Dental are happy to address all your questions and concerns about the process. After all, you deserve to love your smile. We look forward to working with you!