Summer is nearly here - for many of us, that means family barbecues, summer parties, festivals, and long days in pub gardens. But if you have a discoloured, stained smile, the prospect of summer socialising might fill you with more fear than it does joy!
Teeth whitening treatment is a simple yet effective way to elevate the appearance of your smile, lifting surface stains and restoring its sparkle. But you might be wondering, how long does teeth whitening last?
In this blog, we will discuss the different types of teeth whitening, factors that affect the longevity of the treatment, and tips to maintain the results.
What types of teeth whitening are there?
At New Smile Fulham, we know that your dental treatment needs to fit around your life, not the other way around. That’s why we offer two types of teeth whitening - in-surgery and at-home treatment - to suit a wide range of patients.
Enlighten whitening is our in-surgery choice. It uses a carbamide peroxide bleaching gel that increases the permeability of your teeth. It encourages oxygenation, which breaks down stubborn stain molecules.
If you opt for power whitening alongside your home-based treatment, we use an LED accelerator to speed up the process and create longer-lasting and more impressive results.
Boutique whitening is a professional at-home teeth whitening system that can only be prescribed by a dentist. The system is designed to fit in with your lifestyle, as you can choose from a day formula (which requires 1.5 hours wear time per day) and four overnight gels which will whiten your teeth overnight as you sleep.
What factors affect your whitening results?
No matter how effective the whitening, there are a number of factors that affect the longevity of your results. You should bear these in mind in the months following your treatment, as it could help you maintain your pearly-white smile for longer!
Consuming certain foods and drinks can cause staining on the teeth. Drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as foods like berries and tomato sauce, can stain teeth and shorten the lifespan of teeth whitening.
Proper oral hygiene can help prolong the effects of teeth whitening. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash can help maintain a bright, white smile.
Tobacco use: Smoking and using tobacco products can cause yellowing of teeth and can shorten the lifespan of teeth whitening.
As we age, the enamel on our teeth becomes thinner, making them more susceptible to staining.
Some people may naturally have teeth that are more prone to staining and may require more frequent teeth whitening.
How long does teeth whitening last?
The duration of teeth whitening varies depending on the individual's oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle factors. Generally, in-surgery teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to two years, while at-home treatments may last up to six months.
With proper maintenance, the effects of teeth whitening can last even longer.
Seven tips to maintain your teeth whitening
At New Smile Fulham, we want your teeth whitening results to last as long as possible. Here are seven of our tried and tested ways to maintain the new shade of your teeth for as long as possible:
Avoid foods and drinks that can stain teeth. As mentioned earlier, certain foods and drinks can cause staining on the teeth. To maintain a bright, white smile, avoid consuming these items or try to limit your consumption of them.
Brush and floss regularly. Proper oral hygiene can help keep teeth clean and prevent staining.
Use a straw: When drinking beverages such as coffee or tea, use a straw to minimise contact with the teeth.
Rinse your mouth after consuming staining foods and drinks. After consuming foods and drinks that can stain teeth, rinse your mouth with water to help remove any residue.
Quit smoking. Not only are tobacco products harmful to your overall health, but they can also cause teeth to become yellow and decayed.
Consider touch-up treatments. If your teeth are starting to look a little dull or discoloured again, we recommend booking in a touch-up treatment to help prolong the effects of your teeth whitening.
Where can you get teeth whitening in Fulham?
If you’re looking for a perfect pearly-white smile in time for summer, look no further than New Smile Fulham! We offer expert, long-lasting teeth whitening and have no waiting lists for treatment, so you can get started right away.
If you want to learn more about whether whitening is right for you, book a consultation to speak it through with a friendly member of our team!