How to Maintain Your Teeth Whitening Results

White, gleaming teeth can significantly improve the overall look of your smile; healthy teeth and gums are crucial, but radiant teeth can take your aesthetic and, consequently, your self-assurance to the next level. 

What Are My Teeth Whitening Options?

Choosing a teeth whitening system that is right for you is critical so that you get the results you want and you can be as comfortable as possible. Each of the following options brightens your smile, but the way they achieve this and the type of application differ. 

Bleaching 

Bleaching is an excellent option for those who want a brighter smile with a more gentle treatment. Targeting stains on the enamel of the teeth (the hard, outer coating), bleaching treatments use hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to break down the stains and gradually make them less apparent. This method is generally regarded as the safer, less expensive option. 

At-home Whitening 

We’re not talking about bleach strips you can buy at the drugstore; at-home whitening in this context combines the comfort of whitening at home, except your whitening trays are custom-made at your dentist’s office. With customized trays, you can be assured that your teeth are getting the full force of the whitening treatment (no more bleach strips slipping off your teeth!). 

In-office Whitening with Venus White® Max Whitening System

This two-hour treatment is the most powerful of the group, which can show improvements 2-4 shades whiter. After your treatment, you will be sent home with six additional syringes of the whitening gel to continue your stellar whitening process. 

How To Maintain Your White Teeth

Be Careful What You Eat and Drink

No matter the choice in treatment, you most likely will want to keep those teeth white. We’re all susceptible to stains on our enamel, but it all starts with what we eat and drink. Certain foods and drinks increase the chance of staining, such as: 

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Dark chocolate

It’s best to avoid these foods to protect your teeth from staining. Alternatively, you can use a straw for certain beverages or be diligent about brushing your teeth after you eat or drink. 

Avoid Tobacco Products 

We all know the overall health risks of tobacco, but it can also wreak havoc on your oral health as well. Nicotine from cigarettes and certain tobacco products can severely stain your teeth, so for aesthetics (and health), it’s best to kick the habit.

Brush and Floss Daily

Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy–and white!–smile. Plaque build-up is a primary culprit of a dingy smile, and it can create more significant oral hygiene issues down the road. Brushing and flossing at least twice daily keeps the plaque to a minimum and clears out stain-creating food and bacteria. 

Simple Whitening Maintenance

You can also supplement your whitening routine with a gentle whitening toothpaste used a few days a week. This can help maintain your whiter smile without damaging your enamel. 

See Your Dentist Regularly

Last but not least, always keep up with your regular dental visits. Not only will this help keep your teeth healthy, but your dentist can keep an eye on your enamel health. Over-whitening can weaken the enamel, but your dentist can advise you on how often it’s safe to whiten your teeth. 

Your Riverside and Inland Empire Dental Experts

Dr. Chad Tomazin, DDS, is committed to providing comprehensive dental care marked by kindness and honesty and has proudly served the Inland Empire community for years. If you want to learn more about our teeth whitening options or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomazin, call us today at (951) 686-3666.