Teeth whitening in London is the most effective way to achieve a brighter, fresher-looking smile. Before our patients proceed with whitening their teeth, they often ask us how long this treatment lasts.
The answer depends on a few things - for instance, if you’ve had teeth whitening and straightening or still have misaligned teeth. Read on to learn the answer to this question and five ways to keep your smile sparkling brightly for years to come.
How long does teeth whitening last?
It depends on the treatment you choose. We offer POLA whitening, which can last for around three years before your teeth return to their original colour.
We always offer teeth whitening and straightening together. Why? Because misaligned teeth are more likely to become stained, as the gaps between your teeth may be harder to reach with your brush and floss. After straightening your smile, it will be much easier to keep it perfect.
Aside from this, a perfect pearly-white hue depends on how you care for your teeth. Here are our top five ways to get the most out of your whitening treatment:
Steer clear of certain foods and drinks
Avoid dark-hued foods and drinks such as wine, curry, cola, tea, soy sauce, berries, and tomatoes. The chemical compounds in these products – and their high acidity levels – mean they’re sure to stain your teeth. This will show up clearly on a freshly whitened set.
If you can’t avoid staining drinks, try and consume them through a straw to limit contact with your teeth. Always look for alternatives wherever possible – swap cola for water, for instance.
You can also try to limit the consumption of sugary and acidic drinks and snacks at mealtimes, as this will prevent frequent acid attacks on your teeth.
Eating crunchy vegetables and chewing gum between meals will encourage saliva production, washing away acids and bacteria.
Book a dental hygienist appointment
We know our stuff about teeth whitening in London, and we will never whiten your teeth unless they’re free of decay and disease.
Regular dental hygienist appointments are the best way to keep your teeth free of stains in the first instance. If you already have some staining and decide to whiten your teeth, visiting the hygienist every three to six months will ensure they retain their perfect new colour.
During your dental hygienist appointment, you will receive a thorough teeth clean and extensive oral health advice to help you maintain the shade of your smile from home.
Nail your brushing technique
Between one dental hygienist appointment and the next, brushing is the thing that will keep your teeth plaque-free.
Remember: always use an electric toothbrush if possible. The bristles rotate faster than a manual toothbrush, which allows you to brush away surface stains before they have a chance to establish themselves.
Remember to wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush, especially where sugary and acidic foods and drinks are concerned. Your enamel softens when it comes into contact with bacteria – brushing too quickly after eating can damage this vital protective layer.
Give up smoking
This point might sound obvious, but we can’t emphasise how much of a difference it makes.
If you smoke after teeth whitening, remember that the staining will come back – and it won’t take long for this to happen.
Many people are switching to vapes, although these can contain nicotine which will eventually cause some degree of staining.
We recommend giving up completely, if possible. The NHS offers useful advice and information to help you quit.
Top-up your treatment from home
When choosing teeth whitening in London, you will often have the option to purchase top-up whitening gels. You can apply these at home when your smile needs a brightness boost.
At M Dental, we take impressions and give you some custom-made bleaching trays that fit over your teeth. You can use these whenever you like and get POLA top-up gels directly through us to keep your teeth at their optimum shade.
Where to get teeth whitening in London
At M Dental, we have used teeth whitening and straightening to transform hundreds of smiles - yours could be next!
If you’re ready to start your journey towards a brighter, whiter smile, just book a consultation at our small, patient-friendly, modern dental practice located in Canada Water.
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