
Common beverages, smoking, plaque buildup, and genetic factors can discolor your teeth. Professional teeth whitening can help make up for these issues, creating a brighter, whiter smile you can feel confident about. Whiter teeth can also create a more youthful appearance since stained teeth become more common later in life. While the results of professional teeth whitening tend to last fairly long, 3-6 months on average, you can save time and money by taking steps to extend them even further.
To get a whiter, brighter smile soon, schedule an appointment with our teeth whitening specialist at Nataly Vilderman DDS.
To keep your teeth as white as possible, schedule professional cleanings regularly. This may be the most important step in extending your teeth whitening results. In addition, it can help ensure positive dental health long-term. Dr. Vilderman lets you know your ideal schedule, but many people benefit from two professional cleanings per year.
The general rule of thumb here is anything that can stain your clothing can stain your teeth as well. Coffee, tea, and wine all contain natural chemicals called tannins. These chemicals cause color compounds to stick to your teeth. Even one cup of coffee daily can stain your teeth. Dark soft drinks, such as cola, can have a similar effect. If you don’t wish to give these beverages up, use a straw or cut back on your intake. Certain foods, such as cherries and berries, can also stain your teeth. Blend them into a smoothie to reduce these effects.
Brushing your teeth well at least twice each day and flossing properly at least once per day can help keep your teeth whiter longer by removing surface stains. These habits can also help guard against yellowing of the enamel and decay, which can cause changes in your teeth’s appearance and lead to significant damage over time. For additional benefits, consider using a whitening toothpaste once or twice each week. Or consider brushing your teeth with baking soda once or twice each month.
Depending on the type of teeth whitening treatment you’ve had, you might benefit from the occasional professional touch-up. More frequent touch-ups may be useful if you smoke or drink staining beverages often. Talk to Dr. Vilderman about whether these between treatment touch-ups make sense for you. Going overboard can damage your teeth, so don’t use intense teeth whitening at home between professional whitening treatments.
Call Nataly Vilderman DDS or book your appointment online to learn more about professional teeth whitening. Just one treatment can go a long way toward brightening your smile.