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Teeth whitening in Clyde, NC, is one of the most coveted cosmetic dentistry procedures because it can give any plain-looking smile a Hollywood finish. As fulfilling as the results of teeth whitening may be, they don’t last a lifetime, so dental professionals can explain how to keep your smile beaming and bright for as long as possible by brushing, using a straw, not smoking, and adopting other at-home practices.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Tooth enamel absorbs staining substances in foods and beverages, turning your teeth yellow. In-office whitening deals with this problem by bleaching the outer layer of your teeth. After you pick the shade you want for your smile, your dentist will apply a gel over your teeth and let it sit while exposing it to UV light. Once the procedure is over, you’ll have a natural-looking and luminous smile that can last up to three years. However, the time it takes for your teeth to return to normal largely depends on how you take care of your mouth at home.
How to Make Teeth Whitening Last Longer
Brush and Floss Every Day
Learning to care for your teeth at home is the first step towards long-lasting teeth whitening results. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any food remains or substances that stick to your teeth and might tarnish them. Tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle to reach every corner of your smile, and clean your tongue. Floss and mouthwash can deal with any bit of plaque and tartar left, so add them to your teeth cleaning routine, too.
Use a Straw
Aside from adequately brushing and flossing your teeth every day, using a straw to enjoy your favorite drinks can be a great way to keep your teeth white for longer. Many beverages contain tannin, a compound known for giving teeth a worn-out look. If you still need an energy boost when you start your day or want to enjoy dinner with your friends, you don’t need to give up coffee and wine. Using a plastic or metal straw will do the trick and prevent your smile from coming into contact with drinks that dye your teeth.
Don’t Smoke
Like certain foods and drinks, cigarettes contain nicotine and tar that stick to your teeth and make them look ill and blemished. These substances also affect the health of your mouth, as they weaken your gum and pearly whites and expose them to cavities. By quitting or reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke daily, you won’t have to whiten your teeth again for a long time.
Schedule Regular Dentist Visits
As a final piece of advice, visiting your dentist for check-ups once every six months will do wonders for the health of your teeth and the results of your teeth whitening procedure. If a dental professional uses cleanings to remove accumulated plaque and tartar, your teeth will look polished and keep their whitish appearance for longer.
Looking for Teeth Whitening in Clyde, NC?
Teeth whitening can turn your smile into a stain-free jewel for a very long time as long as you adopt some at-home practices, such as brushing, flossing, using a straw, and not smoking. We provide top-quality in-office teeth whitening services, so call us today and schedule a visit to learn more!