How Effective Is Teeth Whitening and How Long Do Results Last?
If yellowed, discolored teeth make you want to hide your smile, professional teeth whitening may be right for you. Teeth whitening can lift years of discoloration from the teeth to reveal a more vibrant and radiant smile.
Teeth whitening from the Bethel Dental Group effectively removes stains in as little as one dental visit. Treatment can also be repeated to reach and maintain the desired results. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at how long teeth whitening lasts for our Accra, Ghana, patients and how effective it is at lifting stains and transforming the smile.
How Effective Is Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a highly effective way to quickly lift years of extrinsic (surface level) dental stains commonly caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco use. It is not effective at treating deep, intrinsic stains, which are typically caused by dental trauma, certain medications, and overexposure to fluoride.
Our Accra patients can see years of dental discoloration removed in as little as one appointment using the Philips Zoom!® teeth whitening system. Philips Zoom! uses a concentrated hydrogen peroxide-based whitening solution to safely and gently remove stains from the surface of the teeth. The solution is applied to the teeth and a special light is applied to enhance whitening results.
In as little as one 45 minute session, patients should expect their teeth to be at least one to three shades lighter. Those with lighter stains may see even more improvement.
How Long Do Results Last?
Teeth whitening is not permanent but with proper care, professional teeth whitening results can last about a year and sometimes longer. However, it’s important to understand that the actual length of time teeth whitening results will last is greatly dependent on patient aftercare.
Continuing to eat or drink foods that are known to stain the teeth or neglecting oral hygiene can affect teeth whitening results and lead to rapid discoloration. Taking steps to prevent staining can help prolong whitening results and keep the smile looking its best.
Tips to Prolong Your Teeth Whitening Results
Proper care and maintenance is important to making the results of teeth whitening treatment last as long as possible. You can help prolong the results of your teeth whitening by:
- Avoiding foods and drinks that can stain the teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and tomato sauce
- Brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with water if you’re unable to brush after eating foods that are likely to stain the teeth
- Practicing good oral hygiene habits including brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco
- Scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Using take-home whitening kits between in-office treatments
Schedule a Consultation
Teeth whitening is a fast, effective way to remove years of surface stains and rejuvenate the smile. Those who have deep stains may benefit from other treatment options like veneers.
To find out if professional teeth whitening is right for you or to learn about other treatment options, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at the Bethel Dental Group in Accra.