Teeth whitening is a process that leaves your choppers pearly white. But is teeth whitening permanent? Unfortunately, it is not. This is because everyday food and drinks stain the teeth over time. The only way to keep your teeth white is to regularly visit your dentist for teeth whitening or the use of teeth-whitening products that bleach your teeth.
So, how long does teeth whitening last then? It depends on the method, but it usually lasts from a few months to a few years. The safest and best method is to use high-quality whitening toothpaste. The results are not immediate, but your teeth will get whiter over time as you use them and you won’t risk damaging your enamel by using baking soda or bleach.
Types of Teeth Whitening
Internal Bleaching
This is the method that your dentist uses when a root canal was infected or similar. This method requires a few appointments, but your tooth will stay white for years, provided that you take care of it. This method involves drilling a small hole into your tooth and then putting a bleaching agent into the tooth.
Obviously, this method is only good when you only need one tooth to be bleached, especially if it got dark from an infection. If you want to bleach all your teeth, you will have to do it from the outside. In that case, the next few methods will be for you.
In-Office Bleaching
The exact method and cost vary when you have your teeth whitened by a dentist, but in general, it involves the use of protection for your gums. This method can last for a few months to a few years, but the results are immediate, especially if you have multiple appointments.
Take-Home Bleaching
This method is good because you don’t have to waste time going to the dentist’s office. It may also be a bit cheaper. You get a custom tray for your teeth that you have to use over a course of two weeks and you can choose how much whitening you want to do.
Make sure that you take care of your gums with this method because it can damage the tissue. The results last as long as in-office bleaching if you do it right and if you take care of your teeth.
Baking Soda
This is a well-known method that has immediate results, but it can be very damaging to the enamel. The tiny particles found in baking soda scratch the surface of your teeth, which is not a good thing. It does leave your teeth white and it is very cheap, but your teeth may get damaged in the long run.
Whitening Toothpaste
Using high-quality whitening toothpaste is the best method because it is safe and it strengthens your teeth. You have to be patient when you use this method and you may want to combine it with bleaching to get immediate results and to keep your teeth white over a long period. Your teeth will stay white as long as you brush your teeth regularly and visit your dentist on a regular basis.
The Reason Why Tooth Whitening Is Not Permanent
Your teeth get stained over time as you consume coffee, tea, tobacco, and other things that may stain your teeth. Even if you take complete care of your teeth, age can still make them yellow.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening is not permanent and your teeth will always get yellow over time. That is why you have to use whitening toothpaste and have your dentist bleach your teeth from time to time if you want to keep your whites pearly.