It's a fact that a flashy white grin may make you feel more confident and make an impact. But with coffee, wine, and other stain-causing culprits in our everyday lives, achieving that pearly white smile can feel like an ongoing battle. So, you might be wondering, "Does teeth whitening remove stains permanently?"
Unfortunately, the answer isn't a simple yes or no. Although teeth whitening is a very efficient way to get rid of stains and brighten your smile, how long the effects last depends on a number of things. At Arlington Dental Excellence, we're committed to giving you dental treatment and assisting you in getting a smile that you love.
What are the Various Types of Teeth Stains?
Throughout different stages of life, your smile may encounter three types of stains that can affect its brightness and appearance.
Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains impact the enamel, the tough outer layer of your teeth that shields the underlying dentin. These stains develop as your enamel interacts with various substances consumed daily, such as berries, red wine, or nicotine. Over time, these substances leave behind their color on the enamel, causing discoloration. The good news is that external stains are limited to the enamel's surface and stay superficial. Because of this, they are the most easily treated using at-home teeth-whitening products.
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains originate within the tooth, affecting the dentin beneath the enamel. They can arise due to factors like health conditions, certain medications, or trauma to the tooth. Unlike extrinsic stains, intrinsic stains penetrate deeper, making them more challenging to treat. However, products containing whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can be effective, and professional whitening treatments may offer even better results.
Age-Related Stains
As you age, natural changes in your body also impact your teeth. With time, enamel tends to thin, revealing more underlying dentin. This dentin typically takes on a darker, yellow-brown hue, affecting the overall color of your teeth. Age-related staining occurs within the dentin, much like intrinsic stains, and thus responds similarly to whitening treatments designed to penetrate and lift stains from this deeper layer.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments 
Now, let's explore the different teeth whitening options available:
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening offers several options for removing stains, primarily effective for extrinsic discoloration. Products containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide may also help with intrinsic or age-related stains but can increase teeth sensitivity.
Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Switching to whitening toothpaste and mouthwash containing abrasives to gently scrub away stains and bleaching agents to tackle deeper discoloration can gradually whiten teeth over time.
Tooth Whitening Gel and Trays
These products, available over the counter or custom-made by dentists, use peroxide-based gels in trays fitted to teeth. Custom trays are more effective and safer for gums but are pricier.
Tooth Whitening Strips
Pre-applied with whitening gel, these strips adhere directly to teeth for easy application. Careful placement prevents gum irritation, especially with higher peroxide concentrations.
Whitening Pens
These convenient pens allow precise application of bleaching gel directly onto teeth, making them ideal for on-the-go whitening without risking gum sensitivity.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening offers a more potent approach when performed by a dentist. In-office treatments involve concentrated bleaching agents applied directly to teeth, often activated by light or laser. These procedures deliver faster and more dramatic results compared to over-the-counter options. Additionally, dentists can provide custom-fitted whitening trays with a professional-grade bleaching gel for at-home use. This method offers more control and flexibility than store-bought options.
Does Teeth Whitening Remove Stains Permanently?
Teeth whitening results can differ widely depending on individual habits and the chosen whitening method. Professional in-office bleaching, recognized as the fastest and most effective approach, generally maintains its results for 2 to 3 years. This procedure, lasting one to two hours at a dental office, uses potent whitening agents while ensuring the protection of your gums through close monitoring.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare
Following these tips from Arlington Dental Excellence will help you extend the lifespan of your whitened teeth:
- Practice meticulous oral hygiene: You should floss once a day and wash your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each.
- Minimize stain-causing foods and drinks: Limit your intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and other pigmented beverages. If you do eat them, make sure to rinse your mouth out with water.
- Quit smoking: Smoking not only stains teeth, but it also causes gum disease and other oral health issues.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings: Professional dental cleanings help to maintain the whiteness of your teeth by eliminating plaque and surface stains.
- Consider touch-up treatments: Maintaining a white smile may need professional whitening sessions or sporadic touch-ups with whitening toothpaste, depending on your needs and lifestyle.
Consulting Arlington Dental Excellence for Your Whitening Journey
At Arlington Dental Excellence, we understand the desire for a beautiful, white smile. Our skilled dentists will evaluate your particular circumstances, suggest the best teeth-whitening method (in-office or take-home), and provide maintenance advice for your newly whitened teeth.
Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your teeth whitening goals and achieve a smile that shines confidently!
FAQs
Do stains come back after teeth whitening?
After whitening, it's crucial to stick to clear liquids for a few days. This allows the pores in your enamel to reseal, forming a protective barrier. Clear liquids help prevent stains from easily re-entering the dentin layer, ensuring the effectiveness of your whitening treatment is maintained.
What vitamin deficiency causes teeth discoloration?
Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining optimal teeth and gum health. It plays a significant role in reducing plaque-causing bacteria, which are known to cause gradual tooth discoloration. If you notice stains on your teeth or experience reddened gums, it could be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly common among individuals following vegan or vegetarian diets.
Can you get rid of permanent teeth stains?
Professional teeth whitening is highly effective for surface stains (extrinsic), but certain products can also address deep dental stains (intrinsic). In-office bleaching typically takes around one hour to complete. At the same time, take-home whitening treatments usually involve daily sessions lasting between 30 to 60 minutes, spanning up to six weeks for optimal results.
