A discolored smile can be a major cause of social discomfort and self-consciousness. Tooth whitening is a great way to improve the look of your smile and eliminate this source of self-consciousness. Once you’ve had a tooth whitening procedure, though, how long does it last?

Tooth Whitening by a Cosmetic Dentist

If you have your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist, the results are likely to last much longer than if you whiten your teeth using an over-the-counter product. The whitening agents used by your dentist are stronger, create better results in a shorter amount of time, and tend to last longer.

If the staining on your teeth is extrinsic staining, meaning that it only affects the surface of your teeth, your tooth whitening treatment should last several years. Some people even find that their teeth are satisfactorily white as much as ten years after the whitening treatment. Others require periodic touch up whitening treatments, particularly if their staining is due to dietary factors.

Intrinsic staining, or staining that is a natural part of your tooth enamel, might not last as long, and will require additional treatments. Some intrinsic statement cannot be treated with tooth whitening and must be addressed with porcelain veneers or crowns.

Keeping Your Teeth White

How long your tooth whitening treatment lasts also depends on how well you take care of your teeth afterwards. If you drink a great deal of coffee and tea, or if you smoke, your teeth will become stained more quickly than if you abstain from these common staining culprits. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as keeping to your regular schedule for visits to the dentist, will also help your teeth remain bright and white long after your tooth whitening.

To find out more about tooth whitening, how it can help your smile, and how long it will last for you, please contact a dentist who provides teeth whitening in Fort Worth.