If you know someone who just whitened their teeth, you can’t help but notice the difference in the way they walk and talk. They seem happier and more confident and they can’t stop smiling. Maybe you’re wondering if it’ll do the same for you. Or maybe you finally took the plunge and had your teeth whitened and have experienced the boost in self-esteem firsthand. Either way, the next step is doing all you can to keep those teeth as white as can be so you can keep that positive feeling as long as possible.
Our team at Sublime Aesthetic Professionals specializes in helping you look and feel your best. When it comes to whitening your teeth, we offer you an advanced, one-of-kind at-home whitening system that rivals results you’d get in a dentist’s chair. However, regardless of the method you choose for brightening your smile, the results fade over time. Here’s how you can optimize the results of teeth whitening and extend them even longer.
Skip the drugstore kits
Teeth whitening kits in drugstores don’t even come close to the results you’ll get from a professional. Our team is highly trained in every facet of aesthetics and knows how to get optimal results safely and efficiently.
We use a powerful but safe whitening agent made with hydrogen peroxide. We call this procedure Liquid Smile, and it’s unlike any other whitening product on the market. With our exclusive Grand Forks pen, you simply paint the solution on at night — no trays or strips to deal with. After a couple of applications, you’ll notice at least one shade difference. In a couple of weeks, you’ll be up to five shades lighter and brighter. No dentist office, no messy kits.
Brush regularly
It’s always important to follow the rules of good dental hygiene, but if you’ve just had your teeth whitened, it’s even more critical. To prevent stains from taking hold again, The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or more often if the bristles look frayed.
Don’t give in to the temptation to use a hard-bristled toothbrush to scrub off stains. Stick with soft bristles, because hard bristles can damage your gums.
Don’t forget to floss
In addition to stains on the surface of your teeth, discoloration can be caused by bacteria that grow in between them. If left there, it turns into plaque and tartar and gives your teeth a dingy look. That’s why it’s important to floss at least once a day, either before or after brushing, to remove food and bacteria between and around teeth.
Take your pick: dental floss picks, pre-threaded flossers, or powered air or water flossers.
Avoid foods that stain your teeth
Everything that comes into contact with your teeth has the potential to stain them. Of course, some have a higher potential than others. Here are some of the worst culprits.:
- Berries
- Coffee and dark tea
- Colas
- Mustard
- Beets
- Red wine
- Tomato or soy sauce
You don’t have to avoid these foods just because you’ve had your teeth whitened, but you can help prevent staining and protect your pearly whites by brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth immediately after you consume them.
Don’t smoke
Tobacco will turn your teeth yellow or brown faster than any food or drink. For advice on quitting, along with helpful resources and 24/7 support, go to Smokefree.gov.
Touch-up from time to time
No matter how diligent you are in following these tips and guidelines, over time you may notice the brightness fading and the yellow returning. That’s okay, Liquid Smile is so easy and painless, you can touch up your teeth whenever you need to. Most people can keep their whitened teeth looking fresh and bright for about six months before they reach for the pen again.
If you’d like to brighten your smile with teeth whitening, come see us at Sublime Aesthetics Professionals today by using our online scheduling tool or calling our office in East Grand Forks, Minnesota.