5 Ways to Maximize Your Teeth Whitening Results

Suppose you’ve been unhappy with your stained teeth and have finally scheduled your professional whitening appointment with your family dentist. You’re excited about the prospect of a brighter, more attractive smile, but you’re also wondering how effective the treatment will be and how long the results will last.

Fortunately, after you leave the dentist’s office, the effectiveness and longevity of your whitening treatment are largely in your hands. Here are five things you can do before and after your appointment to keep your teeth white and bright for as long as possible.

Benefits of Professional Whitening

A whitening treatment at your dentist’s office is a solid investment in maintaining your smile and appearance. Although a whitening kit from a pharmacy or discount store may seem more budget-friendly, the cost savings usually don’t stack up to the results you can only get from a professional whitening. Here’s how the at-home and in-office options stack up:

In-Office Professional Whitening

• Pro: Your dentist’s solution contains higher concentrations of whitening components, like hydrogen peroxide.
• Pro: You can achieve results immediately after your appointment.
• Pro: The results last much longer than store-bought kits, which can last 1-3 years.
• Con: You can expect to pay much more for professional treatment, which can start at $300.
• Con: Strong whitening agents may cause temporary tooth sensitivity.

At-Home Whitening Kits

• Pro: You’ll pay much less for a kit at the store.
• Pro: You can purchase your whitener and use it at home at your convenience.
• Con: They’re not always safe. Some kits can erode your enamel.
• Con: The effects don’t last as long as professional whitening.
• Con: There’s more risk for error, such as uneven white sections.
• Con: Gum irritation is possible, especially if you don’t use the product correctly.

As previously stated, a professional whitening treatment can last up to three years. However, the longevity of your white smile depends on several factors, including the consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages, smoking, your oral hygiene routine, and the extent of tooth discoloration before treatment.

If you want your pearly white appearance to last, here are several steps you can take to get the most out of your in-office whitening:

1. Schedule a Professional Cleaning Beforehand

It’s best if your dentist can work with a clean slate. A whitening treatment involves penetrating tooth enamel to remove stubborn stains. This process becomes more difficult when there’s excessive plaque or tartar buildup. With a thorough exam and cleaning, your tooth surfaces are easier to work on.

An examination and cleaning can also help the dentist detect issues that may interfere with a successful whitening treatment, such as a crack or chip that requires repair. If your dental provider identifies this issue, they won’t proceed with whitening until it’s resolved.

2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Afterwards

A professional whitening procedure is not a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Your revitalized teeth still need the same good dental hygiene as before. Regular brushing, daily flossing, and twice-yearly visits to the dentist will not only help prevent plaque buildup but also help preserve the appearance of your bright smile.

Good dental habits also help you stay ahead of new stains as they appear. Using a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week can help protect your enamel’s color without weakening the enamel surface.

If your treatment is causing temporary tooth sensitivity, it’s still recommended that you maintain your toothbrushing routine. To ease the discomfort, try desensitizing toothpaste, which your dentist can recommend. Remember, however, that one application won’t cure your sensitivity overnight. It takes a little time for your toothpaste to work. Although you may notice a difference after a couple of days, it typically takes at least a week to see substantial improvement.

3. Rinse After Meals

You’ll likely continue to consume dark-colored foods and beverages after your professional whitening. You don’t have to give up the foods you love to maintain your revitalized look. After eating, take a few extra minutes to brush or rinse immediately. Doing so helps reduce staining from foods such as beets, coffee, dark berries, and wine.

4. Limit or Avoid Tooth-Staining Foods and Beverages

Rinsing or brushing immediately after meals and snacks may become less of an issue if you limit or avoid consumption of staining foods and drinks. Foods and beverages like beets, dark berries, coffee, and wine can penetrate enamel and make teeth appear dingy or dull.

Be mindful of foods with high acid levels, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes. The natural acids make it easier for pigments to penetrate the enamel.

The good news is that you don’t have to go cold turkey on the foods and drinks you love, even if they have the potential to stain. You can use a straw for acidic and dark-colored beverages, or make a greater effort to rinse or even brush your teeth after meals.

5. Keep Up with Your Dental Checkups

A professional whitening or any other cosmetic procedure doesn’t give you a pass from going to your next dental checkup. Regular exams, X-rays, and professional cleanings ensure your new smile stays looking its best.

At Beckham Square Family Dental, we take pride in our professional whitening treatments and other cosmetic services, including dental bonding and veneers. You can also count on us for preventive checkups and restorative procedures that help you and your family look and feel your best.