When to Touch Up Your Whitening Treatment?

If you are happy with the results of your teeth whitening and want to maintain them for a long time, there is one crucial thing you must know – Your teeth require touch-ups on your whitening treatments because sometimes the effect may wear off if not taken care of properly. 

Touch-ups are simple and easy to do and don’t require much time or money. You can do them at home with a teeth whitening kit or go to the dentist and have them done professionally.  

Getting touch-ups done on your teeth only when necessary is the key. Here are some hints that indicate you require a teeth whitening touch-up.

1. Your teeth are no longer as white as they used to be. This is one of the most obvious signs that you require a touch-up on your whitening treatment. Likewise, if you see that your teeth begin to look yellow or discoloured, it is time for a touch-up.
2. You have not had a touch-up in a while. Even if your teeth still look white, it is vital to get touch-ups regularly. This will help maintain your results and prevent your teeth from discolouring again.
3. You are not happy with your teeth whitening treatment results. If you feel like your teeth are not as white as you would like them to be, a touch-up may be able to help.
4. You have been eating or drinking foods that can stain your teeth. If you have been consuming foods or beverages that cause teeth staining, getting a touch-up on your whitening treatment is essential.
5. You have been smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is the worst for your teeth. Getting regular touch-ups on your teeth whitening treatment is essential if you are a smoker.

How often should you get a touch-up on your teeth whitening treatment?

The frequency of your teeth whitening touch-ups will depend on a few factors. These include the type of whitening treatment you undergo, the severity of your staining, and how well you take care of your teeth. 

In general, it is recommended that you get touch-ups on your teeth whitening treatment every 6 to 12 months. However, you may need to get touch-ups more often if you have severe staining or are not taking good care of your teeth.
If you are unsure how often you should get a touch-up on teeth whitening treatment, it is best to speak to a dentist. They can assess your individual needs and recommend a schedule for getting touch-ups. 

What are the best ways to care for your teeth after a whitening treatment?

You can do some things to take care of your teeth and help maintain your results. These include: 

• Avoid foods and beverages that can cause staining. After whitening your teeth, you must avoid consuming foods or drinks that can cause staining. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured fruits and vegetables.
• Quit smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is not just bad for your oral health but your overall health too. If you are a smoker, you must quit the habit as soon as possible as smoking will not make your teeth whitening treatment effect last for long.
• Practice good oral hygiene. For example, brush and floss your teeth daily to remove any plaque or bacteria that could cause staining.
• Get touch-ups regularly. As we mentioned, getting touch-ups on your teeth whitening treatment is essential every 6 to 12 months. This will help maintain your results and prevent your teeth from discolouring again.
• See your dentist regularly. In addition to getting touch-ups on your teeth whitening treatment, you must see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Frequent visits to the dentist will give you healthy teeth and keep your teeth free from any problems that could cause staining.

If you are willing to do teeth whitening at home only, then click here to read our blog on its pros & cons.

Book Your Touch-up Session

Having your teeth whitened is an ideal way to improve your appearance and confidence. Consider a touch-up if you have already whitened your teeth and are now looking for options to maintain your results. Even slight discolouration of your teeth can affect the beauty of your smile. Hence, take action as soon as your teeth whitening results fade. Schedule regular touch-ups with the Gisborne Dental Group team of experts. Call us at (03) 4050 9030 or email us at info@gisbornedental.com.au. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long should teeth whitening last?

The length for which teeth whitening will last depends on several factors, including the type of whitening treatment used, the extent of staining present, and the individual’s dental hardness. In general, you can expect teeth whitening to last 6 months to a year. If you have significant staining on your teeth, or if your teeth are exceptionally soft and porous, you may need to touch up your whitening treatments more frequently than someone with less staining or harder teeth. However, even with regular touch-ups, you can still expect your teeth to stay brighter and whiter for a specified period.  

How can I maintain my teeth whitening results?

By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your teeth whitening results and keep your smile looking its best: 

• Avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, such as coffee, red wine, and tea.
• Brush your teeth twice daily with whitening toothpaste, and floss daily.
• See your dentist for professional teeth cleaning every six months. This will help remove any built-up plaque and surface stains that regular brushing may miss.

If your teeth start to yellow or stain again over time, you can touch up your whitening treatment at home with a whitening toothpaste or whitening strips.  

Does teeth whitening damage your teeth?

No, teeth whitening does not damage your teeth. Instead, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Many teeth whitening methods are available today, including at-home treatments and professional in-office procedures. At-home treatments typically involve using a bleaching gel or strips applied to the teeth for a specific time. Professional in-office methods usually use a stronger bleaching agent and can provide faster results. Both at-home and professional teeth whitening treatments are safe when used as directed. Some people may experience temporary side effects such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, but these typically go away after treatment is completed.