Are you feeling self-conscious about the state of your smile because your teeth are tinted more yellow or brown than pearly white? One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your grin, and if yours is stained, you’re less likely to make a favorable impression.
Fortunately, your dentist offers professional teeth whitening services that can improve your appearance and boost your confidence. However, you might require multiple applications to achieve the desired outcome. Continue reading to learn more about how many treatments you might need to lighten your smile!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
It’s natural to want to improve your looks by brightening your enamel, but many patients are unsure how topical treatments reduce the appearance of discoloration. Though results tend to vary by product type, most whiteners are designed to function similarly.
For instance, they usually contain a bleach, like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which undergoes a chemical oxidation reaction when it encounters stains on your enamel. This process reduces the size and concentration of the pigmented molecules, thereby reducing their impact on your appearance.
How Many Teeth Whitening Sessions Will I Need?
Many dentists offer both in-office procedures and customized take-home kits that can provide professional results from the comfort of your living room. Whichever method you choose, it’s natural to want to know how many applications you’ll need to finally see the bright white hue you’ve always dreamed of having.
However, the answer depends significantly on your individual circumstances. Your dentist can let you know how many treatments they recommend after examining your mouth and discussing your goals during your initial consultation. For instance, those with more severe discoloration are more likely to require repeated applications, while those with slightly off-white teeth might be satisfied with a single in-office visit.
How Can I Maintain the Results?
Once you finally achieve the ideal tone, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to maintain your recent cosmetic enhancement. You can usually expect professional teeth whitening to last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, though you can help extend its longevity by:
- Minimizing your consumption of darkly pigmented foods and drinks.
- Brushing and flossing twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Schedule periodic touch-up whitening appointments.
- Have a routine checkup and cleaning with your dentist every six months.
Your dentist can let you know how many repetitions they think you will need to achieve your smile goals during your initial consultation!
About the Practice
Patients at Bell Dental benefit from a team of dentists eager to help them build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Whether you require routine preventive care or want to enhance your appearance with cosmetics, they offer services that can help you achieve your goals. Their caring approach is combined with advanced technology to provide accurate treatment results intended to last. If you want to brighten your grin, you can request a consultation on the website or by calling (502) 749-2355.