Is Teeth Whitening Always an Effective Treatment?

Generally, the results of teeth whitening are influenced by at least three factors, which are evaluated in advance by the dentist:

• The patient's age
• The type and nature of tooth stains
• The initial tooth color

Teeth whitening is generally guaranteed in almost every situation. Exceptions include discolored teeth and stains caused by the ingestion of certain medications (for example, tetracycline found in some antibiotics). In such cases, it is possible to correct yellow, dark, or permanently stained teeth by applying aesthetic coatings or prosthetics to the affected teeth.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

The duration of the tooth color obtained after whitening is almost entirely dependent on the individual habits of the patient. Generally, smokers and regular consumers of pigmented beverages will be more prone to rapid yellowing. Teeth whitening treatment does not have a permanent effect, and on average, with appropriate precautions, the color tone remains unchanged for a year. The best way to maintain the effects of teeth whitening is to follow a combined care program with a dentist.

How to Prolong the Effect of Teeth Whitening?

In the days following the treatment, it is recommended to adhere to certain rules to prolong the effect of teeth whitening:

• Maintain proper oral hygiene.
• Avoid smoking. Additionally, limit the consumption of tea, coffee, and alcohol. Moreover, using a straw to prevent direct contact between the pigments in colored beverages and whitened teeth can be a good solution.
• Avoid consuming foods that contain pigments or acids, such as beets, tomatoes, cherries, strawberries, cabbage, blueberries, raspberries, and vinegar.
• Perform professional dental cleaning at least twice a year.