Teeth whitening treatments can make a big difference to the appearance of your smile, but the results aren't permanent. Depending on the type of treatment you choose and how well you care for your teeth, it could be anywhere from several months to two years before your smile starts to fade.
To get the best results from teeth whitening and lower the risks, it's important to see a dentist before you try any products yourself. They can discuss your professional whitening options and give you advice about how to maintain your white smile for longer.
How can I keep my teeth white?
Teeth whitening can cover up stains that have built up on teeth, but it doesn't protect you against further discolouration. If you don't take good care of your teeth and avoid common sources of tooth stains, your teeth could soon turn yellow or darken again.
Try to avoid dark or strongly-coloured food and drink (such as tea and coffee, red wine, beetroot and berries). If you don't want to cut these out entirely, rinsing your mouth with water, drinking liquids through a straw and not holding them in your mouth should reduce contact of staining pigments with your teeth.
Practising good oral hygiene can also help to keep your teeth free from plaque and prevent stains from forming. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and following a healthy diet. A dental hygienist can also remove some surface stains during your regular dental visits.
If you smoke, quitting or cutting down will also reduce tooth staining and plaque build-up, not to mention lowering your oral health risks and improving your overall health.
How white can I make my teeth?
Results from teeth whitening can vary from person to person, depending on the method used and the type and extent of discolouration. Some over-the-counter whitening products may produce little or no change, while professional whitening can brighten your teeth by up to several shades.
In-chair whitening at a dental clinic can produce superior results to over-the-counter whitening products. This is because dental professionals are approved to use higher concentrations of whitening gels than are available to the public. You'll also see instant results, compared to a week or longer for home treatments.
Take-home whitening kits provided by a dentist can also be more effective and reliable than those bought from stores, as your dentist can provide a custom-fitted tray to ensure even coverage and prevent spills.
It's important to be aware that not all types of discolouration can be fixed with chemical whitening treatments. If your teeth have discoloured due to trauma, medication or some other causes, your dentist may discuss alternative treatments such as dental veneers.
Book a consultation for teeth whitening in Bracken Ridge
Want to know more about teeth whitening and whether it could be the right choice for you? Call Bracken Ridge Dental today on tel:(07) 3261 2405(07) 3261 2405 to book a consultation with our cosmetic dentists and discuss your options. You can also book an appointment online.
By: Bracken Ridge Dental