How to Maintain Your Results After the Best Professional Teeth Whitening

We see you loving your fresh and newly bright teeth—it seems like you just had your teeth professionally whitened and were done well by the best cosmetic dentist. Having whiter teeth can instantly make your days a bit more uplifting and can also radiate into other people’s lives. And although it doesn't last forever, you can always maintain it constantly to still keep it in its pristine condition.

Before we talk about maintenance, let’s first explain what the best professional teeth whitening actually is. Typically, there are two types: in-chair whitening treatments done by a dentist, and take-home kits you can use yourself.

From the wording itself, in-chair whitening is a treatment done in a dental chair—and it means that it is done by a dentist using high-concentration gels made of peroxide sped up with the use of LED lights. The result of this session is so effective and is only done in one session that lasts for an hour. Your dentist afterwards might advise you to use a wearable kit with a milder gel to maintain your whitened teeth for several days.

Over-the-counter kits, on the other hand, have whitening strips that can also make your teeth instantly white, although for a much shorter period of time and with less effect than dentist-grade whitening.

The chemical used in teeth whitening called peroxide works by breaking the stains apart so that your teeth will return to their lighter, almost default shade. And while this is not permanent, it can also mean that you can start anew to better maintain your teeth so the results can be evident for longer periods. This also means that how long these teeth whitening options last will largely rely on how regularly you take care of them.

Our teeth are porous—this means that they will be exposed constantly to the pigments found in our food, drinks, and habits. And because whitening sessions can make your teeth vulnerable, the enamel in them becomes more absorbent straight after, so returning to the amount of what you consume in your eating and drinking habits can immediately lose the whiteness. Over time, if you have not cared for your whitening procedure, the stains will creep back in at a faster pace. So, whatever your motivation may be, it’s best that being mindful of your investment by protecting it will surely keep that treatment plan worth the expense.

They say that the first two days after your session are the most crucial part of the aftercare because your enamel is vulnerable to new stains. Sticking to what they call the “white diet” by avoiding foods with colour and sticking to light foods first, like fish, dairy products, rice, potatoes, and the like. For drinks, you might need to stick to water first and keep it at room temperature, as your teeth will be sensitive during these days. Lastly, whenever you brush your teeth, a soft-bristled brush with a non-abrasive toothpaste will help your enamel settle in with your newly whitened teeth.

And because this is an investment, a lifetime routine is the only way to keep your smile white for a long time, and we do not mean giving up all the things you love but making a smart choice on how you enjoy them. For instance, using a straw when you sip your favourite coffee and other iced beverages and even keeping yourself hydrated every time after you drink by drinking and rinsing your mouth with water. At the same time, regularly brushing and flossing your teeth should still be a part of your routine. Opt to use a fluoride toothpaste and choose another non-abrasive one to maintain the brightness of your teeth. Touch-up trays are useful, especially when you are going to special occasions like weddings, to maintain the shade of teeth that you prefer.

Taking a few simple precautions does wonders to keep your teeth white, just like the time you did the procedure. Some solutions, like adding milk to your brewed coffee, drinking your wine or liquor along with your meals, and rinsing with water afterwards, will protect your teeth and keep the impact of staining low.

Of course, one of the worst culprits in making teeth yellow is smoking, so if you do smoke, you might want to quit, as whitening won’t stop the re-staining, especially if you are smoking on a regular basis.

Ultimately, as long as you brush your teeth regularly, rinse with water, and floss, you can still enjoy eating and drinking the things you love as long as you are mindful of how to maintain it and keep it as white as possible.

Routine dental checkups still happen and, at most times, are scheduled during your next dental appointment, which is every six months. Professional cleanings are still important, as stains and plaque can also contribute to the colour outcome of your teeth. Top-ups are one of the things that keep your shade in a stable, white colour. And if sensitivity comes after whitening, your dentist can give you recommendations on what to use so that you can feel its effectiveness, depending on which desensitising agent is recommended.

Professional teeth whitening is a brilliant way to give your confidence a boost—but the real magic is in how you maintain it. At the same time, keeping your teeth white does not mean that you need to give up the food and drinks that you love—it only means that you have to be mindful of how it will impact your newly whitened teeth. With the right care, your smile will not only look like the Australian summer sun but also the way it should. Go on, show the world how much you deserve this smile.