Do your teeth look dull, dingy, or discolored? Are you tired of wasting your time and money on storebought whitening products that overpromise and underdeliver? Professional whitening from your dentist may be the solution. Available in both take-home kits and fast, effective in-office treatment, you could remove up to eight shades of stains in as little as one hour!
How Many Whitening Sessions Will I Need?
When many patients inquire about professional teeth whitening, they are naturally curious about the cost. Although there is typically a flat fee for this treatment, the price can vary depending on how many you’ll need. The good news is that most patients only require one session to get the results they want. With take home kits, your dentist will supply you with enough bleach to last about two weeks, which should give you the same results as one in-office treatment.
How Often Can I Whiten My Teeth?
The danger with both professional and over-the-counter whitening treatment is that it is possible to overdo it. Bleaching your teeth too frequently can cause extensive sensitivity and damage. Thus, your dentist recommends only doing it every six months or longer. Unfortunately, with OTC kits, it could take well beyond six months to achieve noticeable results, which could easily harm your smile in the process. With professional care, you can get the changes you want faster and more safely, saving you time, money, and your teeth!
How to Make Your Whitening Results Last
While it’s not recommended to whiten your teeth more frequently than every six months, there is still plenty you can do to keep your smile looking its best between treatments. First, you should avoid any darkly pigmented foods and beverages for the initial three days after treatment. This will help prevent new stains from developing while your teeth recover. After this period has ended, be sure to limit your consumption of these foods, and never smoke or chew tobacco, as this can stain teeth, too.
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily will also help reduce the risk of discoloration, as will visiting your dentist every six months for your regular preventive exams and cleanings. This is also an excellent time to refill your whitening gel if necessary!
Remember, while the number of whitening sessions you’ll need will vary depending on how badly discolored your teeth are, most smiles can improve by up to eight shades in just one hour-long appointment or a two-week treatment at home. To learn more about professional whitening and if it’s right for you, speak to your dentist today!
About Dr. Brong
Dr. Nicholas Brong earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and is a proud member of the Minnesota Dental Association, American Dental Association, and SPEAR Education. To schedule an appointment for professional teeth whitening with Dr. Brong at Zumbro Family Dental, visit our website or call us today at 507-288-1066.
