Throughout life, teeth can become stained and take on shades of yellow. This is not usually the result of poor hygiene, but rather a compilation of staining beverages, age, medications, and lifestyle. The good news is that when you are ready to regain those pearly whites, you can do so with a professional teeth whitening appointment.
A visit to your dentist for an in-chair whitening appointment can almost effortlessly send you on your way with a brighter smile in no time.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
It depends. Yes, it is most definitely a frustrating answer, but it is the truth. The length of time your whitening treatment will keep shining depends. It could last a year or two. Maybe even three. Though it could also only last about six months.
Giving your teeth a fresh start from all their staining means you can’t keep doing what you’re doing if you don’t want them to be stained again. The better you treat your teeth after your professional whitening appointment, the longer it will last.
What Stains Teeth?
Teeth can be stained over time. In fact, sometimes it happens so slowly you don’t even realize it. This can be the result of the foods and beverages you consume, lack of oral health, bad habits, poor treatment, genetics, and more. Let’s take a closer look at the things that cause teeth to stain:
- Acidic foods and those with heavy dyes.
- Beverages such as coffee, soda, red wine, grape juice, and the like.
- Failure to brush and floss properly or get professional dental cleanings.
- Certain medical conditions, diseases, and medications.
- Smoking and chewing tobacco.
Enamel also begins to wear down as you grow older, causing your teeth to appear stained and discolored.
Lifestyle Changes to Keep Your White Teeth
There is no time better than right now to start making lifestyle changes that will help keep your mouth - and your teeth - healthy. And, if you choose to get your teeth whitened, you will most definitely want to put these changes into practice so that you can reduce the chance of re-staining your teeth -- and prolong the whitening.
- Let go of the tobacco. Whether you chew it or smoke it, it’s time to quit.
- Reduce your consumption of staining beverages. In other words, think twice before regularly consuming that morning coffee.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings -- and make it a point to show up for them.
- Develop good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly.
- Avoid foods that have heavy dyes in them or overly acidic foods. If you do, immediately brush your teeth or, at the very least, rinse your mouth.
Talk to your dentist during your teeth whitening appointment to see if there are any other recommendations for maintaining that bright smile for as long as possible.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
If you have more questions about teeth whitening or you are ready to get started, schedule a consultation with Smiles on the Upper Westside. Contact us today at 212-222-5225 . We have several different whitening systems to choose from and we are confident you will find the best one for your teeth.