As we age, the natural whiteness of our teeth tends to fade, due to our daily lifestyles, habits, and diets. Our teeth can also become stained by food and beverages that we consume every day. Smoking can also have a significant impact on the colour of our teeth. Thankfully, whitening treatments can restore the natural whiteness of your teeth, while boosting your confidence and making your smile appear brighter. But how long does it last?
Evidence shows that a slight deterioration of the whitened shade would most likely occur within three years, but the effects of the teeth whitening treatment may last up to 12 years. However, the results may differ from patient to patient, due to individual lifestyles and habits. Maintaining your white smile is as easy as obtaining a regular hygiene routine and scheduling frequent dental appointments to “top up” the shade of your teeth. In doing this, your teeth could become permanently white.
Your dentist will advise you on the proper routine to follow to maintain your newly whitened smile. This advice would include telling you not to consume any dark coloured foods and drinks for at least a week after the whitening treatment, as well as the importance of brushing and flossing twice a day.
Tooth coloured composite, ceramic or porcelain tooth restorations, such as fillings, veneers, crowns and bridges, are not affected by tooth whitening, as they remain the same colour and cannot be lightened with bleach. Therefore, if you have had any restorations, you will need to consider what your smile would look like if your natural teeth get lighter while the restorations do not. This is something that your dentist will discuss when running through options for your particular case.
To schedule a teeth whitening session with a dentist who is dedicated to giving patients the beautifully bright smile that they desire, contact Corne Smith Dentistry, your Cape Town, Claremont dentist.