Teeth whitening is one of the most popular... This text opens a new tab to the PubMed website... cosmetic dental procedures in the world! This simple procedure will help:

• You look younger
• Your smile look healthier and picture-perfect
• Boost your self-esteem

But you're probably wondering: How long does teeth whitening last? In this blog, you'll find the answer to that very question and:

• How to preserve the effects
• What to eat after treatment
• And more!

Let's get started.

How long does whitening last?

The longevity of the whitening effects is determined primarily by two things:

• Your habits
• And the type of treatment

Habits

Certain habits like using tobacco products will turn your perfect pearly whites to yellow quickly. Also, your diet could lead to tough, unsightly stains. Some of the top stain-causing foods and drinks include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Marinara sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Soy sauce
• Dark fruits (blueberries and cherries)
• Fruit juices
• Colas
• Curry

And: Your oral health routine plays a major role in the lifespan of the whitening effects. Floss daily, brush at least twice a day and regularly visit your dentist for check-ups.

Type of whitening treatment

There are so many varieties of teeth whitening treatments on the market. You can get in-office teeth whitening, but you can also find many at-home kits in stores and online. The DIY kits seem super convenient because you can do it from the comfort of your home, on your own time. But they're nowhere near as effective as in-office treatments. At-home kits generally only remove surface stains, and the bleaching agent's concentration is much lower. This means fewer stains will be removed, and your results are likely to be short-lived. And: You'll likely spend more money over time, paying for more products. On the other hand: In-office teeth whitening removes intrinsic and extrinsic stains. In other words: It lightens your smile up to eight shades in one go! In-office teeth whitening is done by a professionally trained cosmetic dentist, who'll ensure:

• You're completely safe and comfortable during the treatment
• You leave with stunning results

One of the top-leading treatments used by dentists is Opalescence Boost... This text opens a new tab to the Opalescence website..., which can last up to a year or longer. Opalescence whitening gel contains potassium nitrate and fluoride to make the application extra comfortable. And: The results can be noticed in as little as an hour after your visit.

What can I eat after teeth whitening?

Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks for 48 hours after your treatment because teeth are susceptible to staining after bleaching. Consuming these will reverse some of the whitening efforts. Instead, you should only consume foods that are lightly colored, such as:

• Grilled chicken
• Fish (like tuna)
• Turkey
• Egg whites
• White rice
• White onion
• White potatoes (peeled)
• White cheeses (like Feta and Mozarella)
• Bananas
• White bread

Looking for a cosmetic dentist?

Dr. Stead Willis offers high-quality teeth whitening in our Durham dental office. Dr. Willis will help you get a brilliant white smile in just one short appointment! Schedule a consultation for teeth whitening today. Schedule a visit Or:

• Call us at {{office1-phone}}
• Email us at {{office1-email}}

Stead Willis DMD is located in Durham, NC... This text opens a new tab to our Google listing..., and proudly serves the surrounding communities of Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Burlington.