Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that lightens and removes discolorations and stains from the teeth. One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures today, teeth whitening offers a bright smile that gives the impression of good health, beauty, and youth. It works to get the tooth up to 10 shades lighter and can whiten discolored teeth caused by staining from taking in certain food and drinks, and even from aging.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

No, this is not permanent. There are various methods of teeth whitening, with each one giving different results and with some methods more effective than the others. A thorough bleaching from your dentist is bound to have better results than bleaching your teeth with kits of using whitening toothpaste at home. But no such procedures gives permanent results, although some can get rid of prominent surface stains for good.

Professional teeth whitening involves the use of a whitening gel with the active ingredient carbamide peroxide. A rubber shield is first applied to protect the gums from the gel before the gel is applied on the surface of the teeth and left for some time. As the gel’s active ingredient is being broken down, oxygen gets into contact with the enamel which brightens the teeth.

There are some cases where a laser light is used to activate the whitening gel and increase its effectiveness. In these instances, the dentist will usually shine the light onto the teeth after the bleaching gel is applied. The combination of heat and light from the laser works to activate the gel’ active ingredient for better and faster results.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

On average, a professional whitening procedure is last for about two years. However, this can vary depending on the state of the teeth, the kind of whitening procedure and the kind of environment the teeth are exposed, among many other factors. The kind of initial staining will help determine the outcome and the duration of the whitening results. There are cases when more than one whitening session is required to get the desired results.

Following the whitening procedure, some follow up care might be required to further brighten the teeth to its desired shade and to ensure that its effects stay longer. Talk to a reputable dentist in your area to learn more about teeth whitening, and how it can help you achieve that bright and healthy smile that many people hope for.

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