Many people would prefer to have a whiter, brighter smile than they currently have. So, one option they often go to is teeth whitening treatment. But how white can your teeth get with teeth whitening treatment? We’ll answer that question and more in this article. Keep reading!
Types of teeth whitening
There are two main categories of teeth whitening: in-office professional treatments and at-home options. In-office treatments performed by a dentist use higher concentrations of whitening agents (usually about 15-43% peroxide) and can yield more dramatic results in a single 30- to 60-minute session.
At-home options, like whitening strips, gels, or toothpastes contain lower concentrations of active ingredients (usually about 3-20% peroxide) and typically require multiple applications over a longer period to achieve noticeable results.
It’s also important to mention that these treatments only work on natural teeth. Dental implants, veneers, crowns, and bridges cannot be whitened with these products.
How white will my teeth get with teeth whitening?
Even if you have yellow teeth, teeth whitening can help you achieve a much whiter smile. Your teeth can get quite a few shades lighter depending on the treatment you get. Teeth can generally get three to eight shades brighter with in-office teeth whitening treatment, while they can get one or two shades lighter with at-home whitening strips or gels, and one shade lighter with tooth whitening toothpastes.
Maintaining whitening results
The longevity of your teeth whitening results varies depending on your individual lifestyle factors and oral hygiene habits. On average, professional in-office treatments can last up to 3 years, while at-home options may maintain results for a few months. If you want to prolong the effects of your teeth whitening, here’s what you can do:
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Quit smoking and avoid tobacco as it contains tar and nicotine, which are both highly staining.
- Continue using whitening toothpaste to maintain the results.
- Get regular dental cleanings at your dentist’s office (most people need cleanings every six months).
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to maintain good oral hygiene.
Potential side effects
While teeth whitening is generally considered safe when performed under the supervision of a dental professional, some people may experience temporary side effects. The most common side effects include tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, which usually subside within a few days after treatment. Research also suggests that getting your teeth whitened many times or using teeth whitening kits for longer than recommended can cause your tooth enamel to be permanently damaged.
To avoid these side effects, follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re using at-home whitening treatments and follow your dentist’s instructions if you’re using at-home whitening products.
Alternative option: Veneers
While whitening treatments can make your teeth far whiter than they are, they can only go so far. If you want really white teeth, you may want to think about getting veneers, as they are thin shells that go on top of your teeth, and you can pick the shade you want. They are also a good option if you have other imperfections you want to fix on top of discoloration, like chips, cracks, and small teeth.
How white is good for my teeth?
If you want to whiten your teeth, you’ll likely still want it to look natural. In Dr. Ruiz’s book, Supra-Gingival Minimally Invasive Dentistry, he dedicates time discussing the ideal whiteness for a patient’s smile. His simple approach is to give patients two options — “Natural White” and “Hollywood White.” In special cases, particularly for younger patients who already have “Hollywood White” teeth, they are offered “Extra White.” Teeth whiter than this can end up looking artificial.
Your dentist can help you determine the right shade and the level of whitening that is achievable and appropriate for your individual case.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for teeth whitening in Burbank, CA
Teeth whitening can do wonders for your smile, but just make sure you know what to expect. And if you want to consult a dentist who can help you choose the right shade, come visit our office, Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc, for teeth whitening in Burbank.
At our office, you will enjoy a world-class dentistry that utilizes the latest techniques and technology, led by Dr. Ruiz, a leading researcher, educator, and dentist who has trained over 3,000 dentists worldwide. Check out our Google reviews and schedule an appointment with us!
