Cosmetic Dentistry Insight: Why Do Whitened Teeth Fade?

Cosmetic Dentistry Insight: Why Do Whitened Teeth Fade?

Having teeth whitening in Manchester is one of the most popular treatments across the region. Why? The desired look can be achieved in a single sitting, and the cost is quite reasonable compared to other cosmetic dentistry work. However, for some, the results fade sooner than expected.

It’s only natural to be a little disappointed when you see the confident gleam of your teeth disappear to be replaced by the old shade. That frustration is often due to not knowing the cause, which is what we’ll be looking at here.

Professional whitening treatments can last up to three years if you care for your teeth properly, so you obviously want to be at the upper end of that scale. So, sit back as we cover why it happens, why it accelerates and what you can do about it.

Why Do Whitened Teeth Fade?

People who go and book themselves in for teeth whitening in Manchester aren’t getting something that makes their smile stain-proof. All the treatment does is get rid of your current discolouration, so anything that comes after that is going to start fading the look you get.

Your teeth are porous, meaning they absorb pigments from what you eat and drink. You’re actually more vulnerable to staining in the 48 hours after whitening, which is why dentists say to avoid the food and drink shown below.

After that first 48 hours, your teeth return to normal, but you’ll still need to try to avoid things that stain from that point onwards. Read our article on how teeth whitening works to find out more about the practicalities of the treatment.

How Can I Make Teeth Whitening in Manchester Last Longer?

Ok, so we get to how to stop the fading from happening. It’s important to know that nothing is going to completely stop the look from fading. That said, you can slow it down significantly, meaning you can get the most out of the money you spend on your smile makeover.

●     The First 48 Hours Matter Most

As we mentioned, our teeth are at their most vulnerable right after whitening, as your pores in your enamel stay open for about two days. That means it’s even more important to avoid staining foods, so you should stick to things like chicken, pasta, rice, and white fish. Basically, anything light coloured.

●     Watching Those Staining Drinks

After your teeth have recovered slightly after those first 48 hours, you have to start keeping a close eye on what you’re drinking. You can continue to drink tea and coffee, so long as you rinse your mouth afterwards or drink through a straw. The less it touches your teeth, the better.

●     Get Your Cleaning Routine Right

You need to ensure your cleaning routine is right in the time after having teeth whitening in Altrincham or Cheadle. That means brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a good fluoride toothpaste.

You can use a whitening toothpaste if you have one, but just be careful, as some formulas can be a touch abrasive and wear down enamel.

You should also be booking yourself in for a dental hygienist appointment, so you can catch any areas you’ve been missing. Regardless of whether you’re using a home kit versus getting an in-chair treatment, care like this is needed if you’re going to keep that great new smile for longer.

How Can I Tell When It’s Time For a Top-Up?

At some point, you’re going to need to go back to your dentist in Manchester to get a whitening top-up. The question is, how can you tell when that point has arrived? Well, most notice their teeth starting to fade towards the end of the first year.

However, there are some signs to watch out for:

• Your teeth look noticeably duller in photos compared to right after treatment
• Yellowing is creeping back in around the edges of your teeth
• You’re drinking more coffee or red wine than you were before
• It’s been over a year since your last whitening session

You don’t have to wait until your teeth are back to their original shade. A lot of patients come back as soon as they notice the brightness fading, which means the top-up is quicker and less intensive than the original treatment.

Trust the Experts to Help You Protect Your Smile

It’s important to go into having your teeth whitened with the right expectations. Your teeth will typically look great directly after, but keeping them that way involves following your dentist’s advice. Do what’s required and you’re much more likely to see your results lasting longer.

At Ringway Dental, we’ve carried out hundreds of whitening treatments across our Altrincham and Cheadle clinics, so we know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to making results last.

If you’re ready to move forward, get in touch with us today. We’ll help you work out exactly what your smile needs.

FAQs About Teeth Whitening in Manchester

Q – Can I drink coffee through a straw to avoid staining after whitening?

A – It helps, but it’s not foolproof. The straw cuts down on how much coffee hits your front teeth, which is where staining shows up most. You’ll still get some contact, but if you’re drinking coffee every day, it’s worth doing.

Q – Can whitening toothpaste reverse fading?

A – Not really. It can tackle surface stains and keep things looking decent for a bit longer, but it won’t get you back to the brightness you had right after professional treatment. If the fade’s noticeable, you need a proper top-up.

Q – How much does a top-up treatment cost?

A – Less than the original treatment, as there’s usually not as much work involved. We can tell you the exact figure when you come in, but you’re looking at roughly half what you paid the first time round.

Q – Is it normal for some teeth to fade faster than others?

A – Yeah, it happens. Teeth don’t all absorb stains at the same rate – it depends on where they are in your mouth and how porous the enamel is. Your front teeth usually fade quicker because they’re catching more of what you drink.

Q – Is it possible to whiten your teeth too often?

A – You can overdo it. Whitening too frequently damages enamel and ramps up sensitivity. Most dentists say leave at least six months between treatments, though that varies depending on your teeth.

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