At Guildford Dental, we are proud to be able to offer at-home teeth whitening kits to help you achieve a brighter smile in your own time. Today, our Surrey dentists discuss teeth whitening at home and how often you should whiten your teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening
As you age, particularly if you smoke or regularly drink dark-coloured beverages such as tea, coffee, or red wine, you may notice that your smile is not as bright as it once was. Even with diligent oral hygiene routines, stains can still accumulate. In many cases, professional teeth whitening can be a good option to help to lighten and restore your smile.
Keep in mind, that even with professional whitening, a good at-home dental care routine, along with attending regular oral hygiene appointments are important when it comes to maintaining the results of your whiter smile.
How often should I whiten my teeth?
The general recommendation is that patients only whiten their teeth only once a year—whether professionally or with an over-the-counter kit. If you whiten your teeth too often it can cause them to develop a translucent appearance and can also increase sensitivity.
Whitening once a year can keep sensitivity from becoming a problem while helping you maintain a white, natural-looking smile. Typically, the effects of professional-grade whitening kits available from our dental office last about a year before you will need a touch-up.
How can I keep my teeth bright and white?
After you whiten your teeth, you'll want to take certain steps to help the treatment last. If you smoke, now is the best time to quit. You might also consider cutting back on dark-coloured beverages or switching to a whitening toothpaste to help you maintain your smile. Talk to your dentist about what type they recommend.
You should also visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
Teeth Whitening in Surrey
With our at-home whitening kits, you may be able to achieve a brighter and whiter smile. If you and your dentist decide that at-home teeth whitening is a good choice for your smile, you will have two visits to our office to get the process started.
At the first appointment, your dentist will take molds of your teeth for your custom whitening trays. At the second appointment, we will ensure the trays fit correctly and provide you with the tools and instructions you need to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home.
When you discuss whitening with your dentist and always let them know when you last whitened your teeth before doing another treatment.