Professional teeth whitening treatments can whiten your teeth by up to eight shades and lift even stubborn stains in as few as one treatment, which makes them a great way to achieve your ideal smile before an upcoming special event. However, the process will leave your smile susceptible to new stains for a few days afterward. Here’s a guide to how professional teeth whitening treatments work and how to ensure your results can last for as long as possible.
How Do Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Work?
Professional teeth whitening treatment typically comes in one of two forms, those being:
- An in-office procedure: Your dentist can whiten your smile in about an hour at their office. To perform this procedure, they will place barriers in your mouth to protect your soft tissues before applying a few coats of whitening agent to your teeth. They’ll then treat your smile with an ultraviolet light to activate the bleaching effect before sending you on your way to enjoy your brightened grin.
- A take-home kit: You can brighten your smile at home in about two weeks with a professional whitening kit. This will come with customized dental trays and a tube of powerful whitening gel. You’ll only need to apply the gel to the trays and wear them over your teeth for about an hour daily for about two weeks to lift stubborn stains and discoloration.
Which Foods Should I Avoid After Teeth Whitening?
Your teeth may be temporarily sensitive after teeth whitening treatment, and they’ll need some time to replenish the minerals in your enamel. During this period, your smile will be especially vulnerable to developing new stains, so it will be important to avoid richly colored foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, colas, berries, and dark sauces. It’s best to stick to mild, white foods without much sugar, acid, or spices such as:
- Oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed veggies
- Chicken
- White fish
- Lukewarm water
- Milk
After a few days, you should be able to enjoy darker foods and beverages in moderation without noticeable effects on your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to keep your teeth shiny and bright after having them whitened.
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem earned his dental degree at Temple University and completed a General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Williamstown offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To learn more about the teeth whitening process, contact his office online or dial (856) 818-9998.
