Teeth whitening has fast become one of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry in the past few years. Numerous at-home and professional options are available for people who want whiter teeth. One of the first questions people ask about teeth whitening happens to be, “Is teeth whitening permanent?” It’s understandable to want lasting results from whatever you invest time and money into.
When it comes to teeth whitening, no method is considered permanent. You can do things to ensure the whitening services you pursue last as long as possible. Yet, at some point, you will likely need to have things touched up to retain your desired appearance. Call Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD at 410.834.4284 to learn more about our professional teeth whitening services today.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
The concept of teeth whitening is obvious. Stained or dull teeth are restored to their original bright, shiny whiteness. The process is where more nuance comes in. Many different methods of teeth whitening are available for consumers today. All of them are valid options for getting the look you want for your teeth. Explore four of the top choices for teeth whitening.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
This form of whitening is conducted at a dentist’s office. In-office whitening involves bleaching the enamel coating on teeth to produce a whiter appearance. The process used during in-office teeth whitening is much stronger than other forms of whitening. Not only will it produce quick results, but it will also tend to last longer. In-office teeth whitening is relatively inexpensive though it is not something insurance will cover. Expect to pay for these services on your own.
At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening
This next option is in-between in-office and at-home teeth whitening. You are responsible for applying the whitening. However, the treatment has been agreed upon in consultation with your dentist. Often, the at-home professional approach is for stubborn stains that need extended prescription treatment that a visit to the dentist’s office will not resolve.
Over-the-Counter Whitening
Tons of teeth whitening products are readily available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. These range from special kinds of toothpaste to whitening strips. They are often inexpensive with the trade-off that results may not be as spectacular or instantaneous. Getting the most out of over-the-counter whitening products usually requires dedication. You may need to use a product for weeks before realizing noticeable progress.
Dental Veneers
This last option is the longest-lasting of the four whitening methods. Dental veneers are shells placed outside teeth to restore their appearance. This method provides instant whitening though it is the most expensive of the teeth whitening options on this list.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Teeth whitening is not considered permanent. That remains true whether for both at-home and professional teeth whitening. Dental veneers do not last forever, although you can expect to get at least ten years out of them. However, veneers are not an option for tackling the entire mouth at once. They work better as fixes for individual teeth that are discolored or stained.
The longevity of teeth whitening does differ based on what route you go. For instance, comparing at-home vs. professional whitening is not much of a contest. Professional services tend to produce quicker and more lasting effects. Still, longevity alone is not the only factor in deciding at-home vs. professional whitening. It would be best if you considered costs and your long-term plan. No matter how you go about whitening your teeth, you can prolong the impact by doing a few things:
- Brushing twice per day
- Flossing regularly
- Use whitening toothpaste recommended by your dentist
- Attend regular dental visits
- Avoid foods and beverages that stain teeth, such as coffee and red wine
If you have any questions or concerns about teeth whitening, be sure to talk to your dentist. They can help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you and, if so, what method will work best.
Get Professional Teeth Whitening Today at Dental Designs of Maryland – White Marsh, MD
Professional teeth whitening is one of the best and most affordable ways to improve your smile. Dental Designs of Maryland offers in-office and take-home teeth whitening options to help you get the brighter, whiter smile you’ve always wanted.
In-office teeth whitening is the quickest way to achieve dramatic results. We use a potent whitening gel that is activated by a special light. The process takes about an hour, and you will leave our office with a smile several shades brighter. Our experienced professionals will work with you to find the best whitening solution for your needs and preferences. Find professional teeth whitening options today by calling 410.834.4284.