Millions of people around the world are worried about the appearance of their smiles. Aside from crooked or uneven teeth, discoloration is one of the biggest issues. Fortunately for most, there’s an easy fix. Teeth whitening treatment is a minimally invasive and effective solution that provides patients with long-term results.
How Often Should You Get a Teeth Whitening Treatment
After a professional teeth whitening treatment, you can expect your teeth to retain their color for up to five years. Depending on your teeth, we typically recommend that patients get maintenance treatments every 1–5 years.
This interval strikes a balance between maintaining a bright smile and minimizing the disruption caused by frequent whitening treatments. However, the frequency of treatment varies due to factors such as lifestyle, oral hygiene, and dietary habits.
After your initial session, you should schedule a checkup every six to twelve months at first to keep an eye on the color and health of your teeth. We recommend frequent dental cleaning appointments as this can prolong the results and prevent a buildup of plaque, which can cause discoloration.
Tips to Help Your Teeth Whitening Treatment Last
Substances like wine and tobacco can contribute to tooth discoloration, and being mindful of these can help maintain a brighter smile. Certain foods such as berries and tomato-based sauces also affect the appearance of your teeth.
Limiting the consumption of these staining substances or practicing good oral hygiene immediately after their intake can mitigate their impact on tooth color. Bruh your teeth right after the consumption of any of the before mentioned foods.
Smoking is a major contributor to yellowing and should be avoided not only for oral health but also for overall well-being. Quitting smoking can be challenging, but various support systems, such as counseling, nicotine replacement therapies, or support groups, can help.
If you come to Cornerstone Dental for teeth whitening treatments, we’ll speak to you about your habits and diet and identify changes you can make to prolong your whitening results.
Foods That Keep the Teeth White
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like celery, carrots, and apples act as natural abrasives. They remove surface stains while stimulating saliva production, which aids in cleansing the teeth.
Strawberries contain malic acid, which can naturally whiten teeth by breaking down surface stains. Dairy products, rich in calcium and phosphorus, contribute to enamel strength and help maintain a brighter smile.
Additionally, cheese promotes saliva production, assisting in the removal of debris. Nuts, high in protein and beneficial fats, can contribute to stronger teeth while mildly exfoliating surface stains.
Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are abundant in minerals, so they support overall oral health. Incorporating these teeth-friendly foods into your diet helps you to maintain a naturally brighter and healthier smile.
Oral Hygiene Recommendations
Regular and thorough brushing, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, helps you to prevent dental problems and discoloration. Brush for at least two minutes, reaching all surfaces of your teeth, and pay attention to your tongue and gums.
Flossing daily removes plaque and debris from between your teeth, preventing stains. Consider using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. After consuming items that have the potential to stain your teeth, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth if possible.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening treatments involve a personalized system. At Cornerstone Dental, Dr. Wright takes an impression of your teeth to craft a custom tray, akin to a mouth guard.
This tray ensures a snug fit and an even distribution of the whitening gel. After the initial appointment, you receive the whitening gel and detailed instructions on usage. The gel usually contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrates the enamel to break down stains.
The system allows for flexibility, and you wear the tray for a specified duration each day. While individual results vary, most of our patients experience the maximum whitening benefits within 10 to 14 days.
Some may even notice initial improvements almost immediately. Our approach combines professional guidance with personalized and convenient application.
Should I Get a Dental Cleaning Before Teeth Whitening Treatment?
If you haven’t had your teeth professionally cleaned, coming to the clinic for a dental cleaning before your whitening appointment makes sense. Our system works best on teeth free of plaque. You can often have both appointments at the same time, so the time commitment required is minimal.
How Long Does It Take?
After the initial visit in the office, teeth whitening involves minimal time, so it’s easy to integrate into your lifestyle. During the treatment, you can continue with your daily activities.
We’ll provide you with a list of activities and substances to avoid. Foods and substances that stain the teeth shouldn’t be consumed during the whitening process to optimize results.
Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene practices and following any post-treatment instructions can enhance the effectiveness and comfort of the whitening experience. Avoid intense physical activities that may cause excessive sweating or heavy breathing, as this can lead to increased saliva production. As a result, the efficacy of the whitening gel could be affected.
Is Teeth Whitening Treatment Safe?
Contrary to misconceptions, reputable and professionally administered whitening methods are safe and do not strip layers or cause permanent damage to the enamel. Scientific research has found no long-term adverse effects associated with professional whitening treatments.
However, caution should be exercised with illegal or cheap whitening products, as these can pose risks to oral health. Always seek the advice of a professional to be sure safe and effective whitening materials are used.
Professional supervision also personalize your treatment plan and helps in avoiding overuse or improper application that might lead to temporary sensitivity.
What Is the Best Age to Start?
The best age to start whitening is a matter of personal preference. We don’t typically recommend this treatment to children, especially if their permanent teeth have not yet fully erupted. However, there is no strict age limit for whitening in adulthood.
Some patients may opt for treatment in their early teens if they have completed orthodontic treatment and are concerned about discoloration. Conversely, people in their 40s, 50s, or beyond may also choose this treatment to address age-related stains.
Wherever you choose to go, you should discuss your general health to make sure you’re a suitable candidate as well as the requirements for maintenance treatments, so you understand the kind of commitment you’re making.
Who Can't Have Their Teeth Whitened?
Although most types of staining respond well to whitening, people with intrinsic stains, which originate from within the tooth, may not achieve the desired results. Intrinsic stains can be caused by certain medications or developmental conditions.
Pregnant or lactating patients are generally advised to postpone whitening, as the safety of whitening agents during these periods is not well-established. Those with untreated cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues should address these concerns before undergoing whitening to prevent potential complications.
Furthermore, people with heightened tooth sensitivity may need special arrangements to prevent discomfort during the whitening process. If you have multiple dental issues, Dr. Wright can help you come up with a customized treatment plan.
Are You In Need Of Teeth Whitening Services In The Martinsburg Area?
If you are considering teeth whitening services you owe it to yourself to speak with an experienced dentist as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us onlineor call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at304.267.6059to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patientsthroughout the Martinsburg areaand look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
