Can Teeth Be Whitened Permanently? Blog (2024)

August 1, 2022

What Is Teeth Whitening?

It is a procedure for improving teeth’ color by upping their whiteness and brightness. Teeth whitening in Danbury, CT, is perhaps the most common cosmetic procedure in dentistry. Many factors can lead to teeth staining, meriting teeth whitening treatments. Some of the reasons you may want to whiten your teeth are:

  • Poor oral hygiene – leaving stubborn residues of plaque and tartar on teeth surfaces
  • Enamel thinning – exposing more dental dentin that is typically duller than enamel
  • Food stains – particularly if you are fond of darkly pigmented foods like red wine, coffee, tomatoes, and berries
  • Medication and underlying health problems

What Is the Standard Procedure for Whitening Teeth?

When you approach a dentist in Danbury, CT, about teeth whitening, the go-to treatment protocol entails enamel bleaching. The procedure is popularly known as professional teeth whitening. It involves using special whitening agents to bleach teeth enamels. The dentist will apply a coat of the whitening products to your teeth’ and then use a laser to activate the bleaching process. After a few seconds, (s)he will rinse off the initial application and then apply a fresh one. The goal will be to monitor the degree of whitening, achieving your desired outcome.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Even though professional teeth whitening has incredible success rates, it does not offer permanent results. Your teeth will remain white for about 6 – 12 months before you need retreatment. The results last longer if you intentionally care for your teeth to maintain their whiteness and brightness.

How Can You Whiten Your Teeth Permanently?

If you want a permanent teeth whitening solution, visit us at Danbury Smiles – George Landress, DDS, MAGD, to explore different treatment options. Other than enamel bleaching, we can brighten and whiten your smile through the following cosmetic approaches:

  • Composite bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that entails coating teeth with a tooth-colored putty-like resin. A dentist will roughen your teeth’ surfaces before applying putty-like resin. Once the resin is on your teeth, harden it with a laser to bond. Teeth whitening with composite bonding lasts longer than enamel bleaching, serving you for about 5 – 10 years.
  • Dental veneers are alternatives to composite bonding. Instead of composite resin, dental veneers feature tooth-colored porcelain. Porcelain is a sturdier and more natural-looking material than composite. The dentist will prepare your teeth by trimming the enamels for your teeth whitening procedure. The goal is to remove a sizeable portion of your tooth to create room for the dental veneer. Afterward, the dentist will use the impressions of your teeth to create a veneer. Installation entails bonding the veneer to your tooth using dental cement and a laser to cure it. Teeth whitening with dental veneers lasts longer than other alternatives, usually 10 – 15 years.

Which is the Best approach for Whitening Teeth?

When you want to transform your smile by whitening your teeth, you must take the time to consider all your available options. All the treatment protocols for whitening teeth effectively upping your teeth’ brightness and whiteness. Some of the concerns you should address before making your decision are:

  • Longevity of the treatment – there is no permanent solution to teeth whitening that can last you all your life. Instead, you can choose the approach that gives you many years of service before needing retreatment or replacement.
  • Duration of the procedure – if you are looking for a quick fix to your dental discoloration, you will not appreciate the long protocol necessary for getting dental veneers. Instead, consider enamel bleaching or composite bonding.
  • Cost – the three approaches that can whiten your teeth have different prices. Talk to your dentist about finding an affordable teeth whitening treatment, whether or not you have dental insurance.
  • Versatility is the plus side of choosing dental veneers and composite bonding over enamel bleaching. Ideally, these two approaches can correct flaws in your smile, other than your teeth’ color. Getting veneer teeth or composites can also improve your smile in shape and size.
Can Teeth Be Whitened Permanently? Blog (2024)

FAQs

Is it possible to permanently whiten teeth? ›

Longevity of the treatment – there is no permanent solution to teeth whitening that can last you all your life. Instead, you can choose the approach that gives you many years of service before needing retreatment or replacement.

Can teeth whitening last forever? ›

Although teeth whitening is not permanent, it can last for many years. In-office whitening treatments typically last up to 3 years; professional at-home whitening treatment is less long lasting, but it results in much longer-term results than over-the-counter whitening treatments, toothpastes, and whitening strips.

Can teeth always be whitened? ›

You'll need treatment for issues like gum disease or cavities before you whiten your teeth. The natural color of your teeth and how white you want then to be. Whitening can only lighten your teeth so far. Veneers or crowns might be the only way for you to get truly white teeth.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

Are there teeth that Cannot be whitened? ›

Yet, if your teeth stains are underneath the enamel of your teeth, known as intrinsic (internal) discoloration, then the bleaching agent won't be able to remove them.

Can transparent teeth become white again? ›

If treated early, your dentist can fix translucent teeth, but it cannot be fixed if your enamel washes away completely.

Does permanent teeth whitening exist? ›

Teeth whitening isn't permanent.

What is the most permanent teeth whitening? ›

Dental veneers are a great way to permanently whiten your teeth, so no more white strips and no need for whitening treatments. A dental veneer is a thin piece of porcelain material that is placed on top of natural teeth. They are bonded to the tooth with a cement-like material to ensure a stronghold.

What is the longest lasting teeth whitening method? ›

Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening

Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results. While the whitening results are great, you should also consider the cost.

Can old teeth be whitened? ›

But many people wonder whether it's still possible to get their teeth whitened after they've built up decades of stains. Fortunately, there is no age limit for teeth whitening.

What disqualifies you from teeth whitening? ›

Teeth Whitening Disqualifications

Cavities, gum disease, fillings, crowns, and bridges may disqualify you from treatment. Other conditions and circ*mstances that may bar a patient from teeth whitening treatment include: Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Being under the age of 16.

Why isn't whitening teeth permanent? ›

The reason is that even after a whitening treatment, the enamel of your teeth remains porous. This means that staining will still occur as you go. However, professional teeth whitening has been known to produce results that last up to a year or longer. It depends on how well you care for your teeth.

Why does nothing whiten my teeth? ›

If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.

Can toothpaste actually whiten teeth? ›

Indeed, no toothpaste actually whitens. All toothpaste can do is remove stains from the surface of a tooth. And according to a recent survey by Consumer's Union, the best toothpaste for removing stains was one of the cheapest on the market.

Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth? ›

Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.”

Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.

Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›

Patients with the following conditions or circ*mstances may not be the best candidates: Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age.

What is the least harmful way to whiten your teeth? ›

Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

Can rotten teeth be white again? ›

Because the discoloration is inside the dead tooth's enamel, it will take a more involved process to get the results you want. Whitening treatments for dead teeth often involve the use of professional-strength bleaches or drilling a small hole into the back of the tooth to insert a whitening agent.

Can you whiten teeth that have lost enamel? ›

Even though you can't reverse enamel erosion and shouldn't whiten at home to reduce yellowing, you can still change the look of your smile. The dentist can bond a tooth-colored material to the damaged area to create a smooth, pearly white finish.

Can you whiten permanently stained teeth? ›

Brushing and cleaning alone can rarely remove them completely. If you have intrinsic dental stains, you should seek professional treatment at Dental Studios. In-office or at-home tooth whitening can help, as can other treatments, like veneers.

Can you reverse white teeth? ›

Demineralization creates white areas of decalcification of the enamel on teeth, resulting from the accumulation of bacterial plaque. This is caused by poor oral hygiene and is seen in people who wear braces. The white spots are early cavities that can be reversed if treated quickly.

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