Professional teeth whitening is used by many patients to obtain the bright white smile of their dreams. Teeth whitening services can brighten your teeth by several shades, and it will make a noticeable difference in the appearance of your teeth. Over time, your teeth can start to yellow again, especially if you eat or drink foods that are prone to staining your teeth.
If you are considering a GLO teeth whitening treatment from Northern Virginia Orthodontics, you probably want to know how long it will last. Dive into all the details below to learn how long teeth whitening will keep your pearly whites looking fresh and bright.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening treatments come in several different forms, and the length they last really depends on the specific type of treatment you receive. Learn about the different types of treatments and how long they each last below.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments In-Office
The treatment that is going to give you the best results is an in-office professional treatment performed by your dentist. These treatments usually involve applying a bleaching gel to the teeth and using a laser light to accelerate the whitening process. These treatments work well, but they need to be performed by your dentist because they could cause damage to your gums if not done properly.
On average, an in-office professional teeth whitening will last anywhere from 1 to 3 years. To help keep your teeth whiter for as long as possible, you should avoid food and drinks that are prone to staining your teeth. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, dark-colored sodas, dark chocolate, and other foods with artificial colors or dyes. You should certainly try to avoid these items during the first few days after your whitening treatment. During this time, your teeth will absorb stains very easily.
At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening Kits
You can still get a professional teeth whitening service from the comfort of your home as many dentists today offer at-home options. These kits typically include custom trays that fit over your teeth. The whitening gel is placed into the tray, and you wear the tray over your teeth for the amount of time specified by your dentist. Usually, you will do this every day for a week or two. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to use the kit.
The results from these at-home kits typically last about a year. Although the results may not last quite as long as an in-office treatment, this type of kit can be a less expensive and more comfortable experience than receiving teeth whitening in a dentist’s office.
Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening Solutions
The least expensive method of teeth whitening is to purchase an over-the-counter teeth whitening product. There are many types of products available today that can be purchased at your local pharmacy or big-box retailer. These products range from whitening pens or strips to whitening toothpaste. While these products are less expensive than professional whitening products, the results are not as good. You will likely not see as much of a difference as you would with professional whitening, and the results will only last for 3 to 6 months in most cases.
Keeping Your Teeth White For Longer
Every patient wants their whitening results to last as long as possible, and there are some things you can do to make sure your teeth stay bright white. First, you should avoid food and drinks that can stain your teeth. Avoid things like coffee, tea, dark-colored sodas, and foods with artificial dyes. All of these things can cause your teeth to start yellowing sooner. Next, you should consider using at-home teeth whitening treatments between your office visits. Our team of experts at NVO can give you the best options for at-home treatments to use in combination with our in-office services. Using these at-home kits after your professional whitening can really help make your results last longer!
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Appointment Today
If you are ready to restore your smile to a bright white luster, Northern Virginia Orthodontics is here to help. We offer professional whitening services that will help get you the beautiful smile you have dreamed of. Our professional staff and welcoming office will ensure your comfort each and every time you visit. Schedule an appointment today for amazing results that last!