If you’ve ever used over-the-counter teeth whitening products to help remove stains and discoloration from your smile, you’re probably aware of how long it can take to get results. Even though white strips and gels promise affordable changes, it can be very difficult to see any noticeable difference unless you use them for many months. Naturally, people have the same concerns about professional whitening. But there’s good news: when it comes to creating beautiful smiles, professional whitening is in a league of its own. Here’s how many treatments you may need, and how soon you can expect to see amazing results!
How Many Whitening Treatments Will I Need?
When some patients hear how many treatments they’ll need with professional whitening, their initial reaction is disbelief. After all, when you’re used to needing to wear white strips for months to even notice a slight change, the difference can be staggering. The truth is, for in-office whitening most patients will only need one treatment that takes about an hour to complete. Even more incredibly, that one hour can lift up to eight shades of discoloration! While a professional take home treatment will still take about two weeks to complete, this is still comparatively brief compared to OTC products.
Important Whitening Considerations
It is important to note that while most patients will only need just one treatment, this will vary depending on your individual teeth. Some patients may need a second or third treatment, and due to the refillable nature of take-home kits, you may want to ‘touch up’ your results every so often as needed.
Another factor to remember is that whitening your teeth too often can damage them, so it’s important that you not bleach them frequently. For professional whitening, it is recommended that you only do it once a year after you have achieved your desired shade of white.
How to Make Sure Your Whitening Results Last
Once you have whitened your smile, it’s understandable that you’ll want to keep it looking its best for as long as you can. This can be done in a variety of ways, including:
- Sticking to a “white” diet (only white or colorless foods) for the first few days after treatment.
- Avoiding staining foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, and dark colored sauces.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.
- Visiting your dentist twice a year for your biannual exam and cleaning appointments.
Remember whitening your teeth too often is not recommended, so if you notice discoloration soon after your procedure, or if you have deep stains that were not removed with just one treatment, speak to your dentist about your options. Professional whitening is a fast, easy, and effective way to remove up to eight shades of discoloration from your smile, and with a little care, you can enjoy your results for years to come!
About Dr. Balington
Dr. Todd Balington earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and relocated to DFW in 2009, where he’s been helping patients smile ever since. If you’d like to remove up to eight shades of discoloration from your smile, schedule a consultation to discuss professional whitening at Denton Dental Center today! We can be reached on our website, or by calling 940-383-3300.