Everyone dreams of having the perfect smile. We’d all love to look into the mirror, and see straight, pearly white teeth gleaming back at us.
Thankfully, modern technology has afforded us the ability to make these dreams a reality. At home whitening products such as gels and strips, dental procedures and teeth whitening kits are just some of the most used tools to help brighten teeth, reduce stains, and boost self-confidence. Not to mention the sheer accessibility to teeth straightening products like EZ Smile! But the question remains – how long does teeth whitening last? And is teeth bleaching permanent?
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Unfortunately, regardless of the method chosen, teeth whitening is not permanent. However, you can continue to whiten your teeth and avoid stained or yellow teeth. The problem is that many of our most loved food and drink such as red wine, coffee, soft drinks, and various fruits, are likely to stain teeth over time and reduce the longevity of teeth whitening results.
So, how long do teeth stay white after whitening? Firstly, the results will depend on your genetics, oral hygiene habits and the type of teeth whitening procedure that has been used. However, on average, teeth will stay white anywhere from six months to two years after undergoing a whitening procedure.
At EZ Smile, our ultimate goal is to boost our clients’ confidence by providing a million-dollar smile. On top of our exceptional clear aligner teeth straightening products, we’re pleased to offer additional whitening gels that further enhance your smile!
So, without further ado, we’ll run you through which method of teeth whitening is the most effective, answer how long does teeth whitening last and explain how you can extend the longevity of your pearly white smile.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Firstly, let’s understand what teeth whitening is and take a look at the science behind the procedure.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure involving the bleaching of teeth to lighten the colour by removing stains and marks. Most teeth whitening products contain peroxide, usually either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. When the peroxide is applied to teeth, it penetrates the enamel and removes the staining compounds through a process called ‘oxidation’. This then allows the molecules within teeth to reflect light once again, providing the desired whiter exterior.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
So, you’re wondering, “how long does cosmetic teeth whitening last?”. Firstly, it should be noted that this is dependent on the type of procedure undertaken. However, your lifestyle habits can also have a stark effect. If good oral habits are present, the dental procedures undertaken to improve your smile, will last longer.
It is important to note that two types of tooth discolouration or stains are relevant:
- Intrinsic stains (internal): caused by aging, medication, infection etc. These stains are hard to eliminate but can be removed.
- Extrinsic stains (external): caused by food, smoking, drinking. Teeth whitening measures are most effective in removing these types of stains.
To combat teeth stains, there are two main methods of teeth whitening – laser whitening and the teeth whitening gel method.
Laser Whitening
One of the newest crazes within the dental industry is the laser whitening treatment. Laser whitening is a method of teeth whitening that is completed within a cosmetic dentistry office. To achieve the desired results, patients generally need a couple of return appointments.
Laser whitening involves applying a bleach-based formula to the teeth before a penetrating laser is used to ‘activate’ the bleach on the teeth. As a result, in-office laser whitening products are typically higher in hydrogen peroxide concentration compared to in-home kits.
Laser Teeth whitening can be considered quite a risky procedure and, as such, is considerably more expensive than other methods. Authorised professionals must conduct the procedure to reduce the potential to develop mouth sensitivity or permanent damage
So just how long does teeth whitening last? If the laser whitening treatment is conducted successfully and the client takes preventative measures to extend the longevity of white teeth, the new colour can last up to two years.
Teeth Whitening Gel Method
The teeth whitening gel method involves using a mouthguard moulded to fit your unique dental structure and hold the bleaching gel. This method can be done entirely through your own application at home or alternatively through in-office consultations where preferable.
Bleaching gel is much more affordable, convenient, and flexible compared to the laser whitening treatment, making it an attractive proposition for anyone who is considering undergoing teeth whitening. On that note, EZ Smile recommends that anyone experiencing a teeth straightening procedure should also combine this with bleaching gel to realise maximum results. If you’re going to have straight teeth, you’ll be even more confident and happy if they’re pearly white too!
EZ Smile’s Clear Aligners are comfortable and efficient, cost 70% less than traditional braces and usually only need to be worn for four to eight months! On top of our clear aligners, we’ve designed a teeth whitening treatment that can be easily applied while wearing your aligners. EZ Smile’s teeth whitening gel only needs to be applied for up to thirty minutes over a maximum of nine consecutive days and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
EZ Smile’s bleaching gel soaks into the teeth and sensitively removes stains out from the pores. Follow these instructions to realise maximum results:
- Uncap EZ Smile gel syringe and replace it with the syringe tip in the box
- Apply 0.5mL of gel inside each aligner – be careful not to overfill; less is more!
- Place aligners back into the mouth and apply mild pressure for even spread
- Leave aligners inside the mouth for 30 minutes
- Rinse your mouth and aligners out with warm water
- Repeat this procedure daily until the desired result is realised (maximum nine consecutive days)
Our teeth whitening gel is the perfect complementary product for those looking to achieve the perfect smile at affordable rates.
How Long Do Teeth Stay White After Whitening?
So how long does teeth whitening last with EZ Smile’s teeth whitening gel? As long as you keep refilling your gel stock and follow the instructions correctly, the teeth whitening gel method can keep your teeth white for a number of years.
Despite the proven success of the teeth whitening gel method, it is recommended to maintain strong oral hygiene habits to extend the longevity of your pearly white teeth.
When considering how long does teeth whitening last, it should be said that unless you completely cut out acidic foods and sugary drinks, your teeth will slowly return to shades of yellow as time goes on because of the modern diet, which is heavy in processed foods.
Below are some tips to follow if you’re serious about maintaining the whiteness of your teeth:
- Avoid food and drinks that stain as much as you can. It is recommended to keep away from strongly coloured foods, tea, coffee, red wine, and soft drinks where possible.
- Avoid smoking or vaping. The inhalation of smoke and vapour consistently is sure to yellow your teeth over time and reduce the effectiveness of teeth whitening procedures.
- Drink through a straw. This will reduce your teeth’s exposure to staining liquid.
- Eat more high calcium foods. Foods that fall under this category such as apples and yogurt will help ‘scrub’ your teeth.
- Continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Flossing and mouthwash are also recommended to kill bacteria and plaques. As an added measure, it would be sensible to use whitening toothpaste a couple of times a week to build on the progress you’ve already made.
- Continue to visit your dentist and receive touch-ups a couple of times a year. These professional cleanings will do wonders for the longevity of your teeth.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Teeth whitening is largely safe, although there is a slight chance that your gums can become sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, even more so if you already suffer from sensitivity. Moreover, some home tooth whitening kits have chemicals inside them, which can harm tooth enamel and increase sensitivity.
Hence, it is vital that you complete research online and understand the contents of the gel or other method that you’re using. EZ Smile’s teeth whitening gel consists of glycerin, water, 18% carbamide peroxide, propylene glycol and menthol– chemicals that are both safe and highly effective at achieving the end results.
To ensure the safety and the health of your mouth, make sure that your mouthguard is correctly aligned. All mouthguards used in combination with teeth whitening gel should be individually sized to specifically fit your own teeth. Failure to do so can induce tooth sensitivity, which can be permanent depending on the severity of the damage. People that already suffer from tooth sensitivity should consult with a dentist before starting a tooth whitening procedure. When is teeth bleaching permanent? Never, however; teeth damage can be!
Choosing the Right Teeth Whitening Procedure
So, how long does teeth whitening last? It is entirely dependent on the procedure undertaken and whether you supplement those steps with healthy oral hygiene habits and continued care over time.
However, when comparing the two methods, it is clear that the teeth whitening gel method is not only the safest option but is also much cheaper and equally as effective when it comes to final results.
If you’re looking to better your smile, whiten your teeth or just build self-confidence, you can start the journey today with a quick, free 30-second consultation with EZ Smile! As an Australian owned business with local customer support, we deliver directly to your doorstep and provide easy to follow instructions and support throughout. Get straight teeth with EZ Smile Clear Aligners, and then ensure they stay pearly white with our whitening gel!