How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth

Jul 12, 2021 | Dental Information

Teeth whitening procedures are very popular and many people turn to this option to achieve a brighter smile. Whiter teeth can help boost your confidence and will provide you with a smile you’ll be proud to show off. If you are considering whitening your teeth, there are a few things you must be aware of, including how often it needs to be done. This is a common question and the answer is not a simple one because it will depend on aspects like how you will be getting your teeth whitened and the causes behind your stained and discoloured teeth. Knowing these answers will help you determine how often you need to whiten your teeth.

If you are considering professional whitening by a dentist, the results will generally last up to a year and sometimes even longer. This option will provide you with the longest lasting results, so you will be able to enjoy your brighter teeth for a long period of time and won’t have to repeat the process for a while. Professional at-home whitening kits are also available and this, too, will provide you with results that will normally last about a year. These kits can be taken home from your dentist’s office so that you can complete the procedure in the comfort of your own space and you likely won’t have to do it again for about 12 months. There are also pre-packaged home whitening kits that can be purchased from a store and this option will require more treatments than the professional ones. It is very important that you follow the directions included in store bought kits and it is recommended that you not use these products more often than twice a year, as it can affect the enamel of your teeth.

Once you figure out how you will be whitening your teeth, you must consider the nature of the stains you have on your teeth, which will fall in one of two categories; intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic stains or discolourations are underneath the enamel of your teeth and whitening products will not always be able to remove these types of stains. Extrinsic stains or discolourations, on the other hand, are on the surface of your teeth and whitening products will be able to remove these types of stains easily. Your dentist will be able to help you determine the kind of discolouration you have on your teeth and will recommend the best course of action based on your situation specifically. Teeth whitening procedures work best after a complete cleaning, so it’s best to discuss this matter with your dentist who can provide you with their professional opinion regarding teeth whitening procedures and how often it should be done.

Slipacoff Dental can help with all of your dental needs. If you are looking for a reputable family dentist in the Sarnia area, give our office a call now!