Are your teeth not as white and bright as you want them to be? If so, you may be considering the idea of visiting a nearby teeth whitening dentist to learn about your options. Without a doubt, professional teeth whitening treatments can be very effective! But how many sessions will you need, and how often should you whiten your teeth? This blog post provides some helpful guidance.
One Treatment May Be Enough
In-office teeth whitening treatments are designed to work very quickly. In fact, you should be able to achieve amazing results after just one appointment, which may take one hour or so. Thanks to an advanced bleaching formula, your teeth may become several shades brighter in that short period of time.
With professional take-home whitening kits, you might need to use them every day for about two weeks or so. Once your treatment time concludes, your teeth should be significantly brighter than when you started.
Some types of dental stains, such as those caused by certain medications, do not respond well to whitening formulas. More whitening is unlikely to help them. Your dentist can identify such stains and may recommend an alternative treatment, such as veneers or bonding to hide the discoloration.
Beware of Over-Whitening
Keep in mind that if your teeth are not your desired color after your whitening treatment, you should not head to the local store and buy an over-the-counter whitening treatment. Some OTC whitening products work by “sanding down” the enamel to remove stains. Using these items too much or too frequently can damage your tooth enamel. Over-whitening might even cause your teeth to take on a translucent appearance.
There is an exception to this. The whitening products used at Orbis dental group do not damage enamel. While they may cause a temporary increase in sensitivity, they are very safe to use. Ask our team about teeth whitening to learn more.
Depending on the whitening method used, it is usually best to whiten your teeth just once every 6 – 12 months.
Protecting Your Results
Because unwise whitening practices can pose a threat to your oral health, you should take steps to protect the results of your initial whitening treatment. To keep your smile bright, you should:
- Eat a reasonable diet. Try not to overindulge in highly pigmented items, such as coffee, black tea, and tomato sauce.
- Maintain your oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing can minimize new surface stains.
- Stay away from tobacco products. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can quickly discolor your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Getting your teeth cleaned and polished every 6 months can help them look their best.
How many teeth whitening sessions will you need? Probably just one! Talk to your dentist to learn how you can brighten your smile.
Meet the Practice
At Orbis Dental Group, we offer a range of cosmetic services, including in-office and take-home teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and more. If you have questions about how you can address dental discoloration, we would be happy to consult with you. Contact our San Antonio office at210-496-1919.