Dr. Chang of Dental Restorative Group understands that many of his Cambridge patients desire a whiter, brighter smile. Whether you just seem prone to develop tooth stains (which can happen, thanks to genetics), you’re a former smoker, or you love foods and drinks that are known to stain like coffee, red wine, or pastas with red sauce, unwanted yellowing of your teeth can be professionally treated. Here in our offices, our team exclusively uses the Philips Zoom teeth whitening system, with both in-office and at-home treatment solutions.
How Long Will My Teeth Stay White
Probably the most common question that Cambridge teeth whitening patients ask is, “How long will my teeth stay white?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. While the strength of the Philips Zoom system may enable you to have teeth up to 8 shades whiter for as long as 12-24 months, there are several factors that may lead you to need maintenance treatments sooner rather than later. These include:
Genetics
It’s not fair, but some Cambridge residents are just genetically predisposed to having stains appear on their teeth. If you don’t eat or drink staining foods or beverages and don’t smoke, but still find that your teeth yellow easily, you can anticipate that your results may be shorter-lived than those of other patients.
Drinking Staining Beverages
How Staining Beverages Affect Whitening
So many great tasting beverages leave stains on our teeth. These include coffee, tea, sodas, and red wine. If your favorite drink stains your teeth, but you just can’t live without it, you’ll likely need teeth whitening treatments more frequently.
Eating Staining Foods Like Pasta with Red Sauce
Staining Foods Like Red Sauce
We know this is a hard one because pasta is so good! But that tasty marinara can re-stain your teeth, even after a professional whitening session with the Philips Zoom system. When indulging in these types of foods, make sure to brush your teeth as soon as you’re done eating, so you reduce the chance of staining your whitened teeth.
Smoking
Smoking and Teeth Whitening Results
You already know that smoking is a bad habit. We’re not going to lecture you on that. But when it comes to tooth aesthetics, we will tell you that if you’re going to invest in teeth whitening, you should be certain you’ve kicked the habit for good before you sign up for a session. The nicotine and tar from cigarettes stain teeth so easily, and Cambridge’s Dr. Chang wants you to get the best results for your investment.
Tips for Maintaining a Bright Smile in Between Treatments
While whitening sessions aren’t permanent, you can extend the longevity of their results by following a few simple practices. These include:
- Practicing proper oral hygiene, which means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash once a day
- Asking Dr. Chang for the Philips Zoom DayWhite Touch-up take-home whitening treatment so you can periodically treat your teeth at home
- Using the Philips Zoom Whitening Pen on any stains that you see pop up in between whitening sessions
- Switching to the Philips Zoom Sonicare DiamondClean electric toothbrush
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation
Before you can begin whitening your teeth, either during a session in our office or at home, you need to be evaluated by Dr. Chang to make sure you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening.
To schedule an appointment, call our Cambridge area office today at (617) 489-1470.
Related Reading
- 3 Tips to Maintain Teeth Whitening Results
- How Long Will Sensitivity in My Teeth Last After Teeth Whitening?
- 5 Teeth Whitening Mistakes That are Damaging Your Teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. With the Philips Zoom system used at our practice, teeth may be up to eight shades whiter for as long as 12 to 24 months, but genetics, staining foods and drinks, and smoking can all shorten how long results hold.
What makes teeth whitening results fade faster?
Genetics play a role, as do staining beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and red wine, staining foods like pasta with red sauce, and smoking. Patients with these factors often need maintenance whitening treatments sooner than patients without them.
How can I maintain my whitening results at home?
Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Dr. Chang can also provide the Philips Zoom DayWhite take-home touch-up treatment or the Zoom Whitening Pen for stains that appear between sessions, and an electric toothbrush can help too.
Should I quit smoking before teeth whitening?
Yes. Nicotine and tar stain teeth very easily, so it is best to have kicked the habit for good before investing in a whitening session. Otherwise stains are likely to return sooner and touch-up treatments will be needed more often.
Can I still drink coffee after teeth whitening?
You can, but coffee, tea, soda, and red wine will re-stain whitened teeth over time. Brushing your teeth as soon as you finish a staining drink or meal, and using touch-up products between sessions, helps your results stay brighter for longer.
Do I need an exam before teeth whitening?
Yes. Before beginning whitening in the office or at home, you need to be evaluated by Dr. Chang to make sure you are a good candidate. To schedule an appointment, call our Cambridge area office at (617) 489-1470.
