How to Make Your Teeth Whitening Results Last Longer
Teeth whitening is a beneficial treatment to brighten your smile, but knowing how to make your results last longer can make a huge difference in your treatment’s longevity. At Sage Dental, we offer teeth whitening in Jacksonville that brightens your smile with professional treatments that outperform anything you can do at home. Today, we are going to give you the ultimate guide to making your teeth whitening results last even longer with proper aftercare, along with your top tips and tricks, so you get the most out of your teeth whitening services.
How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?
Professional teeth whitening differs from at-home whitening mainly in the ingredients used to whiten teeth. For professional teeth whitening, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide is typically used to help break down stains to their base level, leaving a white surface. A special light or laser will also be used to activate the mixture for the best possible results, and a protective barrier will be placed over the gums to prevent the mixture from contacting them during the process. Typically, results are seen after the first application; however, your dentist will most likely schedule multiple sessions to achieve your desired shade. Professional teeth whitening Jacksonville services by Sage Dental are much more impactful and longer-lasting than anything you’d get from the store due to the process behind professional teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare for Longevity
The first 24 to 72 hours are crucial for maximum longevity and the best results from your teeth whitening service. After a teeth whitening service, your tooth’s enamel is much more porous than it is typically for up to 72 hours, making it extremely important to avoid stain-causing foods and beverages. This porous timeframe is a natural part of the teeth whitening process, as the chemical mixture opens the enamel to remove stains, but it also means the enamel is highly susceptible to new staining in the days after. We’re going to share some of our top tips for aftercare to help extend the results of your Sage Dental teeth whitening service.
Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages
The main thing you should be aware of is that stain-causing foods and beverages should be avoided during the first 72 hours after getting your whitening service done. This includes avoiding foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine, soda, soy sauce, or tomato sauce. Your dentist will explain that being on a “white diet” is best after your service, which is a restrictive diet that excludes pigmented foods. You should eat foods such as fish, rice, poultry, and bananas, for example.
Avoid Smoking and Vaping
Both smoking and vaping, which include nicotine and tar, will re-stain your tooth enamel quickly. This is along the same lines as avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages, as your enamel is much more porous during this time and absorbs stains more easily than it usually would.
Opt for a Straw
Straws are a great way to avoid liquids from coming into contact with your teeth. If you can opt for a straw when drinking beverages, it will help reduce surface staining, as the beverage doesn’t come into contact with the front of your teeth, where staining would be visible. This is also a habit that might be best to continue even after 72 hours to avoid unnecessary staining on your teeth, especially when you are drinking colored or dark beverages.
Manage Sensitivity
The first few days, when your teeth are extra porous, can cause extra sensitivity, which can be managed in a few different ways, such as using a desensitizing toothpaste. This sensitivity is completely normal following a teeth-whitening appointment and is only temporary.
Daily Habits for Teeth Whitening Longevity
After receiving your teeth whitening in Jacksonville, you’ll want to maintain certain daily habits to help keep the results even longer. Here are some of our top tips from Sage Dental Jacksonville to help you maintain those results and keep your teeth whiter, longer.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Standard dental hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, will help maintain the white look of your teeth. Ensure you brush your teeth twice daily for at least 2 minutes each time and floss daily. We recommend brushing your teeth after consuming stain-causing foods and beverages to prevent stains from setting in.
Consider Using Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste isn’t a reliable option for getting your teeth white initially; however, it is an excellent option for maintaining the whiteness after a professional treatment. We recommend using whitening toothpaste 1 to 2 times a week to keep your teeth’s shade without causing abrasion. If you find that using whitening toothpaste is causing sensitivity, discontinue use and switch to a sensitive toothpaste for daily use.
Maintain Hydration
Hydration is vital for dental health and whitening as it helps saliva flow and natural enamel cleaning. It also helps rinse away any leftover food or drink that may sit on your teeth and cause staining.
Maintaining Your Professional Teeth Whitening Results at Sage Dental
At Sage Dental Jacksonville, we offer a variety of services to keep your teeth bright long after you leave our office. You can schedule your check-up appointments with us to ensure that your teeth stay white and glowing following your initial appointment. Regular cleanings every 6 months will also help prevent buildup and new staining on your teeth, maintaining their brightness. We personalize your teeth whitening plans to ensure they fit your needs and deliver the results you desire. If you are interested in teeth whitening in Jacksonville, contact us at Sage Dental so we can get you a consultation and initial appointment. We are here to deliver the results you want with our professional teeth whitening services in Jacksonville.
