How Often Do I Need To Whiten My Teeth?

Do you want whiter and brighter teeth? Have the people around you been paying more attention to the stains on your teeth when you talk, affecting your self-esteem? You don’t have to continue to feel this way, as there is a way out. Teeth whitening is a possible way of getting rid of a bad dental appearance.

If you are considering a teeth whitening procedure at Charm Dental Richmond, this article will tell you what to expect from our dentists in Richmond, Katy, Humble & Spring, TX

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is an oral treatment that involves lightening teeth color with teeth whitening products. It can be done in a dentist’s office or home using over-the-counter agents.

Teeth discolouration is the primary reason people get their teeth whitened. It is usual for teeth to become stained due to lifestyle choices and other factors.

Teeth whitening is one of the cosmetic dental treatments you can get to improve your smile. However, your teeth do not have to develop a terrible stain before you get a teeth whitening near you. You can get teeth whitening to make your teeth look brighter than they currently are.

Reasons Why The Teeth Get Stained

Age is one factor in tooth discolouration. As we grow older, our teeth lose their brightness, and then the enamel (the surface of the teeth) starts to weaken. The enamel covers the dentin, which lies beneath it. The dentin is slightly yellowish and can become more evident if the enamel covering it becomes fragile or thinner. Over time, as the enamel begins to weaken, the teeth appear yellowish or brownish.

Food is also one of the biggest reasons for teeth discolouration. We often don’t realize the damage foods can do to our teeth, especially starchy foods like bread and pasta. You don’t need to restrict yourself from eating them, but you can limit their effect by practicing optimum dental care every time.

Beverages like coffee, wine, and tea also stain teeth. When you drink too much coffee or tea, your teeth are at a higher risk of staining.

Cigarettes/ tobacco and alcohol not only destroy your general health, but they also affect your teeth colour as well. Constant tobacco and cigarette smoking create dark stains on the tooth.

What Can I Expect From A Teeth Whitening Procedure?

First, you must understand that teeth whitening doesn’t work for everyone. If you have very dark stains, you might need other dental treatments, like veneers or crowns.

Nevertheless, it would be best to see a dentist near you first to ensure teeth whitening is the proper treatment. On the day of your appointment, the dentist will conduct dental examinations. Note that dental examinations are the first step before any dental treatment. They help ensure that the patient is healthy enough for the treatment and check for other dental problems that the patient might have developed or the tendencies to develop them.

Once the dentist has confirmed that you are eligible for teeth whitening, the treatment will begin. Next, the dentist will place a mouth shield inside your mouth to protect your gums and prevent the teeth whitening products from touching them.

Teeth whitening is painless, so you do not need to worry about pain or discomfort. However, if you have a phobia of dental treatments, your dentist can use a minimal sedative to make you feel relaxed during your treatment.

Next, the dentist will apply the teeth whitening products on your teeth and then shine a lamp on them to allow them to absorb the whitening products properly.

Read More – What Happens During the Teeth Whitening Process?

How Often Do I Need To Whiten My Teeth?

Teeth whitening is an excellent way to maintain a bright and attractive smile, but knowing how often you should undergo the procedure to avoid overdoing it is essential. The frequency depends on the whitening method, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle choices.

1. Professional Whitening Treatments

If you opt for in-office whitening, the effects typically last 5 to 6 months. Dentists recommend whitening your teeth twice yearly to maintain results while keeping your enamel healthy. However, this may vary based on diet and lifestyle habits.

2. At-Home Whitening Kits

Over-the-counter whitening kits are less potent than professional treatments. These usually require more frequent applications every 3 to 4 months to sustain brightness.

3. Whitening Toothpaste & Mouthwash

These products help prevent stains rather than drastically change tooth color. They are safe for daily use and work best as maintenance between whitening sessions.

4. Lifestyle & Stain Prevention

Limiting staining foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine will prolong the results. Smoking and poor oral hygiene can also lead to quicker discoloration, requiring more frequent touch-ups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it might interest you that the teeth-whitening products often used at the dentist’s office are more effective and safer than random products you can get from the store. If you must get teeth-whitening products for home use, you should seek the guidance of your dentist first.

Another exciting aspect of getting professional teeth whitening in Richmond is that the results can last for 5 to 6 months, which also means that you can whiten your teeth just twice yearly with professional teeth whitening.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)