Once upon a time, teeth whitening was considered a preserve of models, actors, and others in similar lines of work. However, this has greatly changed, and now the procedure is easily available to anyone who is chasing after a brighter smile. However, quite a number of people who try to whiten their teeth end up unimpressed by the results.

Although teeth whitening will typically produce results, there are a number of factors that have to be considered. Under certain circumstances, whitening will not work or may not be as effective as expected.

Type of Procedure Used

There are different ways in which teeth can be whitened, and the method used will determine whether or not the whitening will be effective. Whitening products that are available over-the-counter require repeated applications over a number of weeks before good results can be achieved. However, these products are not effective when dealing with deep stains. This is why some people don't believe that whitening works.

However, in-office treatments carried out by a certified professional have a greater chance of success. However, even these treatments will not work on dental restoration materials, e.g., fillings, implants, veneers, etc. Replacement is the ideal course of action for stained ceramic restorations.

Whitening Doesn't Last Forever

Another reason why some people believe that whitening doesn't work is the fact that the teeth can lose their whiteness with time. It's important to remember that whitening isn't meant to be a permanent procedure.

Teeth are typically stained by various agents ranging from cigarettes and wines to the food we eat and compounds found in water. Therefore, as soon as you expose your whitened teeth to these agents, they will start to lose their brightness once again. To have permanently white teeth, you'll have to have the procedure repeated.

How to Preserve Whitening Results

Although you may not be able to avoid staining your teeth after whitening, there are steps you can take to reduce the rate of staining. Obviously, avoiding foods that cause a high degree of staining such as sauces and coffee will help. Avoiding cigarettes is also highly recommended.

However, perhaps the best way to keep your smile whiter for a longer time is to maintain good oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing can be very effective in keeping stains at bay. Good oral health prevents cavities which can cause staining, and brushing will prevent stain-causing substances from sticking to your teeth.

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