At-home teeth whitening can be a great treatment option for a brighter smile, but how often should you do it? In today's post, our North Delta dentists talk about how often you should whiten your smile and how to make the effects of treatment last as long as possible.
Why would I whiten my teeth?
As you age, particularly if you smoke or drink dark-coloured beverages like soda, tea, or red wine, you may notice your teeth aren't as white as they used to be. Even if you take great care of your teeth, time can take its toll and you may find that your teeth have stained or dulled over the years. Professional teeth whitening can be a good option to help to lighten and restore your smile.
A solid at-home oral hygiene routine, along with attending regular dental appointments, will be critical elements to keep in mind while maintaining your whiter smile.
How often should I whiten my teeth?
We recommend to patients that they avoid whitening their teeth too often, as over-whitening can cause sensitivity issues and make your teeth appear translucent. We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home.
This should keep sensitivity from becoming a problem while helping you maintain a white, natural-looking smile. Typically, the professional-grade whitening kits available from our dental office last about a year. This means you shouldn't require a touchup for that amount of time.
How can I keep my smile white?
After you whiten your teeth, your goal will be to avoid staining or discolouration in the future. If you smoke, now is the best time to quit. Cutting back on dark-coloured beverages such as cola or coffee can also help maintain a brighter smile. There are good options for whitening toothpaste as well. Talk to your dentist about which type they recommend.
Teeth Whitening in North Delta
With at-home teeth whitening options from your dentist at Scott 72 Dental Centre, you can effectively eliminate years of discolouration and stains from your teeth. If you and your dentist decide at-home teeth whitening is a good choice for your smile, you will have two visits to our office to get the process started.
At the first appointment, your dentist will take molds of your teeth – these are for your custom whitening trays. At the second appointment, you will try the trays on to ensure they fit correctly and your dentist will provide you with the tools and instructions you need to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home.
When you discuss whitening with your dentist and always let them know when you last whitened your teeth before doing another treatment.