How to Make the Most of Your Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures — 19% of Americans have had the treatment. While teeth whitening can’t keep your smile bright forever, you can extend the results with a few simple steps.

At SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, emergency dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, offers professional teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits. She often advises patients on how to maintain their bright smiles after treatment. Here are a few tips to keep your smile Hollywood-worthy.

What is professional teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is an outpatient treatment that removes stains from the surface of your teeth. Results vary, but many people see a significant improvement in the brightness of their smile.

During the procedure, we apply a gel to the surface of your teeth and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, a special light is directed at the gel, triggering a whitening reaction. This breaks down the molecules responsible for tooth stains, making your smile appear brighter.

For many people, a single application results in a much brighter smile, but more severe stains may require additional treatments. Teeth whitening typically takes an hour or less.

3 tips for keeping your smile bright

Professional teeth whitening results often last four to six months, but you can extend them even longer with these simple tips:

1. Use a straw

Certain beverages, like coffee, dark soda, and red wine, can stain the teeth. You don’t necessarily have to give up your diet cola habit,  but drinking it through a straw instead of directly from the can minimizes the contact with your teeth and helps keep your smile bright.

2. Practice good oral hygiene

After teeth whitening, brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens the tooth enamel, reducing the risk of decay. It also helps make teeth more resistant to acids and other chemicals that can cause staining.

In addition, floss your teeth at least once a day and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. While these practices don’t directly brighten your smile, they help prevent plaque and bacteria buildup, which can make teeth appear yellow.

3. Keep up on preventive oral healthcare

Professional teeth whitening gradually fades over time, but you can help slow this process with regular dental checkups. Schedule professional cleanings and oral exams every six months. If you have gum disease or another condition that increases the risk of tooth discoloration, more frequent visits may be necessary. 

Schedule professional teeth whitening today

Don’t let stains and plaque buildup keep you from smiling. Professional teeth whitening is quick, effective, and provides lasting results. Call SolidSMILES Dental today for a professional teeth whitening appointment, or book your visit online.