How Long Will Professional Teeth Bleaching Results Last?

Many adults consider teeth bleaching to eliminate stains and discoloration. The unsightly blemishes can ruin your smile and even keep you away from social settings. If you do a professional teeth-whitening procedure, you want the effects to last a long time. Before you try a method, you should understand how different processes work. Some are more effective than others.

Reasons people seek teeth bleaching treatments and products

The naturally white color of teeth can be difficult to maintain. Poor oral hygiene can discolor teeth over time. Also, certain foods and beverages can stain teeth. Getting whiter teeth appeals to many people for aesthetic reasons. For some, it is the idea of having a nicer smile. Others believe teeth-whitening products will improve their self-image and self-esteem.

The in-office treatment process

Many dental offices offer teeth bleaching options to whiten teeth. With these methods, the dentist can change the color of a patient’s teeth by several color shades if necessary. To do this, the dentist uses a solution in a gel form that includes around 25% to 35% hydrogen peroxide. This gel goes onto trays or mouthpieces, which the dentist places into the person’s mouth. Heat or light activates the chemicals and breaks down the molecules in the teeth that cause the discoloration. This process usually takes less than an hour.

Take-home methods

Patients can choose at-home teeth bleaching treatments as well. These work similarly to in-office methods. However, the person will put the trays in their mouth every night before going to bed and remove them in the morning. The patient will follow these steps for several weeks or months before seeing results.

Long-lasting results

Professional teeth bleaching has advantages over store-bought products. These include whitening strips and kinds of toothpaste. Treatment in a dentist’s office usually leads to whiter teeth for a longer period of time. Most patients experience visibly whiter shades for up to three years or more. At this time, the person can return to the dentist’s office for another round of treatment. Each round will require one or two visits.

Factors that determine the success of teeth-whitening

Every patient is different, so not everyone will see the same results. People who bleach their teeth must be diligent about practicing good oral hygiene. This includes twice-a-day brushing and daily flossing. It can also be helpful to use mouthwash every day. Patients who do teeth bleaching should limit drinking beverages such as cola, coffee, and tea. Keeping regular dental appointments will also help the patient maintain whiter teeth longer.

The right move for a beautiful smile

Keeping teeth white is a challenging prospect, especially as you age. Eventually, wear and tear on the teeth will start to result in discoloration. Teeth bleaching products and treatments are available to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth. While you can choose toothpaste and whitening strips, you should talk to your dentist about in-office bleaching procedures. These are faster, more convenient, and can give you the effects that you want for longer. Call your dentist today and set up a time to get started.

Request an appointment here: https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at (505) 634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

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