Is teeth whitening permanent? This is one of the biggest questions we get about cosmetic dentistry at Clinton Dental Center, and it is the one that seems to surprise our patients the most. The truth is that dental bleach will not permanently whiten and brighten teeth, but it can lead to a brilliant smile for several years in the future. Let’s take a closer look at how cosmetic whitening works so you can determine if this is a good service for you.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
At-home whiteners like Crest White Strips typically last for six months or less, depending on the foods you eat and how frequently you brush your teeth. These products may seem affordable at first glance, but they still result in $100-$150 a year in whitening expenses, for results that aren’t as strong as professional whitening.
At Clinton Dental Center, we use a process called Zoom! teeth whitening, which can last for several years with proper care. Zoom! works through a combination of a special gel and light that react with one another and eliminate surface stains. The results are instant, and most patients see an improvement of seven or eight shades through the Zoom! line.
Good Aftercare Makes All The Difference
The way you care for your teeth after your dental bleaching will dramatically extend the lifetime of your bright white smile. Most professional whitening services that you can get from a dentist’s office will come with an aftercare packet that you can use to touch up in between bleaches. This will be a pen, a gel, or a special toothpaste that you can apply to keep your smile looking its best.
Aside from the dentist-approved aftercare plan, your eating and hygiene habits will also impact the length of your teeth whitening. Avoid these teeth staining foods to maintain your white smile:
- Wine
- Coffee
- Tea
- Dark Sodas
Drink water regularly to keep your mouth flushed, and practice proper oral hygiene to prevent your teeth from yellowing. Note that your teeth will be particularly sensitive to stains for the first two days after whitening. Avoid acidic foods and drinks that weaken your enamel, and you can keep your teeth looking amazing.
How To Get Permanently White Teeth
Teeth whitening may not result in a permanently white smile, but there are other cosmetic dentistry procedures that will. You could opt for porcelain veneers to reshape your smile and bright your entire appearance at the same time. Contact Clinton Dental Center today at [phone_formatted] to discuss your options and find out which procedure is just right for you.
