Professional whitening can produce brilliant results when you properly care for your teeth. However, it would help if you exercise caution about what you eat and drink in the hours immediately following your procedure.

 

To avoid causing discoloration to your freshly whitened teeth, many dentists recommend following a "white diet" for the first two days after the procedure. 

 

After your dentist whitens your teeth, they will be slightly porous due to the bleaching chemicals' effects. The dentin under your tooth enamel becomes exposed temporarily, meaning it is easier for acidic and highly pigmented foods to absorb into your teeth.

 

In the crucial first 48 hours after teeth whitening, you should consider following these recommendations to protect your teeth from becoming discolored.

Foods Recommended After Teeth Whitening

• Lean Proteins
• Grains and Bread
• Non-Pigmented Dairy
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Water

Food and Drinks to Avoid in the First 48 Hours After Professional Whitening

• Red and White Wine
• Any Acidic Foods or Drinks
• Tea and Coffee
• Soft Drinks
• Chocolate and Candy
• Dark-Colored Fruits
• Yellow Pigments like Turmeric
• All Tobacco Products

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Professional teeth whitening may last as long as one to three years if you take the time to care for your smile. Contrast this with available over-the-counter strips and gels that need constant reapplication and may burn your gums.

The Dentist's Additional Tips to Keep Your Newly-Whitened Teeth Bright

Be sure to brush and floss as your dentist recommends. If your teeth are sensitive after whitening, tell your dentist so they can prescribe rinses and special toothpaste to help you feel better.

 

Avoid smoking or using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes. Nicotine can yellow your teeth prematurely, and the stains may resist whitening.

 

It would be best if you quit using tobacco altogether. This recommendation can be a challenging proposition, but there are many resources in the community to help you overcome it.

 

Ensure you keep all scheduled appointments with your dentist and hygienist for professional cleanings and comprehensive exams. We can help you preserve your investment in whitened teeth by keeping them clean.

Preserving Your Brilliant Smile

After you have invested your time and money in whitening your teeth, it is understandable that you would want to do everything you can to keep them bright. Follow your dentist's recommendations of what to eat and drink in the first few days after teeth whitening for the best results. In addition, check our expert tips for other ideas on prolonging the effects of your teeth whitening procedure.

Call Blossom Dentistry

You don't have to live with a yellowed, aging smile. We offer expert in-office and at-home whitening and can help you learn how to keep your teeth brilliant for as long as possible. Please call our Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC, office at 202-922-2900 for more information or to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening services.

Very few people have naturally white teeth. Foods and beverages, medications, genetics, aging, poor dental hygiene, and tobacco use can all play a role in how bright - or how discolored - a smile is. Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry treatments like teeth whitening can give everyone the enhanced smile they’ve been dreaming of. 

Advantages of Teeth Whitening

Having a smile you feel good about flashing is likely one of the biggest benefits of teeth whitening treatment, but it surely isn’t the only one. With professional whitening, you will have: 

• A better level of oral health. 
• Even whitening and no missed spots.
• Greater confidence. 
• Quick results. 
• A safe experience under the care of dental professionals.  

Different Teeth Whitening Options

Teeth whitening treatment is quite a broad statement as there are different methods - each quite different from the others. For instance, you can purchase your teeth whitening treatment over-the-counter as you pick up the ingredients for tonight’s dinner. Or, you can book an appointment with your dentist to have a professional treatment in their office. 

Below is an overview of the different teeth whitening options available. 

In-Office Teeth Whitening. Professional teeth whitening is done in the office under the care of your dentist so that this powerful treatment is administered safely. It yields incredible results - fast. Don’t be surprised if your teeth are many shades lighter in just one visit. 

At-Home Teeth Whitening. Whitening at home using professional treatments purchased from the dentist often gives you great results, too, but at a slower rate. This is perfect for those looking for in-between treatments or for those with just minor extrinsic staining. 

Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening. The level of bleach you find in over-the-counter products is a fraction of what you get from your dentist. They may be able to give you a slightly whitened appearance with extended use, but this usually isn’t the case. 

The Cost of Teeth Whitening in Washington, D.C. 

The cost of teeth whitening in Washington, D.C. can vary based on the treatment you choose. Though, most generally, these treatments cost anywhere between $250 to $1200 - or more. It all depends on a few factors. 

The chosen whitening treatment will impact the cost. There are different types of whitening treatments available, as we mentioned above, and each one is at a different price. Plus, some whitening treatments may require more than one visit (depending on how stained the teeth are and your desired outcome) which can drive up the cost. 

Your dentist may require you to undergo a dental cleaning, diagnostic x-rays, and a dental examination before whitening treatment. While this may not always be required, you may want to consider the additional cost just in case. 

Teeth Whitening at Blossom Dentistry

If you are interested in gaining a bright smile, then reach out to the professionals at Blossom Dentistry for a consultation. This is the best way to find out just how much a teeth whitening treatment will cost in Washington, D.C. based on your personal needs. 

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 202-922-2900. 

Professional teeth whitening is a safe, effective way to brighten your smile. In-office teeth whitening provides immediate, dramatic results, while take-home treatment provides noticeable results over time in the convenience of your home. 

Teeth whitening treatment is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures. Over time, teeth can easily become discolored or stained from beverages, foods, tobacco use, and medications. But bleaching treatments can remove these stains to give you a whiter smile. 

When it comes to teeth whitening, a common question that arises is how long after teeth whitening can I eat? Here’s what you need to know about eating following teeth whitening treatment. 

When Should You Eat After Teeth Whitening?

As far as the timing is concerned, there are two timelines you need to follow after teeth whitening treatment. The first is to wait at least 4 hours before eating anything. The reason for this is that the bleaching agent that is applied to your teeth must have time to work. Effective bleaching takes a few hours, so waiting to eat allows for more dramatic results. Water should be the only thing you consume in the first few hours following teeth whitening. 

Foods and Beverages to Avoid in the First Few Days

The second timeline to be aware of is the first few days following your whitening treatment. You should avoid consuming certain types of foods and beverages for at least 24 hours after teeth whitening, and as long as 72 hours. This includes teeth staining and highly acidic items like coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, tomato sauce, soy sauce, fruit juice, alcohol, blueberries, blackberries, and artificially dyed foods and beverages. After whitening your teeth are more susceptible to staining and may also be more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. 

What Should You Eat After Teeth Whitening?

There are many foods that are safe to eat after teeth whitening, primarily white foods and beverages. Recommendations include white meat, white rice, pasta, white bread, egg whites, white cheeses, peeled potatoes, cauliflower, milk, and any other white or lightly colored foods. These are the best foods and beverages for the first 24-72 hours, after which you can consume other items more freely. 

Consider Avoiding Certain Foods and Beverages Permanently

For lasting results you may want to avoid teeth-staining foods and beverages permanently. It may be difficult for you to give up some of your favorite things, but your teeth will stay whiter for a longer period of time if you can. If you aren’t willing to give certain items up completely, consider reducing the amount you consume. Otherwise, at-home touch up kits can help you keep your teeth white in between professional whitening treatments. 

Blossom Dentistry Provides Teeth Whitening Treatment 

We provide both in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments that are highly effective, yet gentle on your teeth. Not only are store-bought products less effective, they are also more likely to cause sensitivity and potential damage to your teeth. Whitening toothpastes tend to be highly abrasive, which can wear down the enamel on your teeth. Whitening strips contain harsh bleaching agents that often make teeth feel sensitive at the time of treatment and afterwards. Our whitening products provide dramatic results with minimal after effects. 

Do you want a brighter smile? Call 202-922-2900 today to schedule an appointment. 

It is not uncommon to want to have a bright white smile. After all, yellow or stained teeth aren’t so pearly white, are they?

Teeth start out white, but slowly, with time, they become stained and discolored, leaving us with the feeling that we are lacking something. Things like certain foods and beverages, medications, genetics, and so forth can cause teeth to change color. It happens. Thankfully there is something we can do about it.

If you are looking for beautiful white teeth that will help you feel more confident, you have a couple of options.

Whitening Products

There are so many whitening products on the market, some over-the-counter and others professional. These usually come in the form of toothpastes and trays of gel. While they may last for a short time, they are not a permanent solution.

It is highly recommended if you are going to opt for this type of teeth whitening, that you do so using the professional option. This is done under the care of your dentist.  It can be done in one visit or take home custom trays can be made specific to your tooth anatomy and the whitening is done at home for two weeks.  The results last longer than the over-the-counter options too.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is a type of flexible resin that is placed over your tooth and contoured to look like natural tooth. It is beneficial to reduce staining and to cover things like chips or gaps that can all be done in one appointment. Composite bonding isn’t the strongest option so you still need to be careful when what you bite down on, but it can make a great difference in the look of your teeth.

Some people turn to composite bonding as a more affordable alternative to veneers.

Porcelain Veneers

If you are looking for the top-of-the-line option for teeth whitening, look no further than porcelain veneers. This is the best step you can take to obtain the smile you have always wanted. Not only are they durable, but they are also able to transform even the most stained teeth. It can literally let you leave the dentist’s office with an entirely brand new, bright white smile.

For patients who need a more affordable option but still want the top of the line smile, a combination of veneers, bonding and whitening can be done.   It is common to cover a few of your front teeth in veneers and use temporary professional whitening for the rest.

Porcelain veneers are more of an investment due to their durability and the nature of their long lasting material much stronger than composite bonding , but they do last much longer. If you take care of them with good oral hygiene and you don’t try to test their strength by, say, opening bottles with your teeth, they can last you a really long time.

Teeth Whitening at Blossom Dentistry

If you are ready to get your teeth whitened or you have questions about the processes, then Blossom Dentistry is here to help. So whether you are looking for something temporary like in-office bleaching, or you prefer cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers, you can be on your way to a bright white smile.

Call Blossom Dentistry today at (202) 922-2900. Or, book an appointment online.

Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedures. Having white teeth is just one physical characteristic of an attractive smile. There are many different ways to whiten your teeth, but some are more effective than others. You can try natural remedies like baking soda and peroxide or drug store products like whitening toothpaste and bleaching strips. But professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist’s office provide the most dramatic results.

If you’re considering paying for professional teeth whitening, you may be wondering, how long does teeth whitening last? Here’s what you can expect and how to maintain your results for as long as possible.

How Long Teeth Whitening Results Last on Average

You can expect your results from professional teeth whitening treatment to last an average of 1-3 years. Your personal experience will vary based on a variety of factors such as your diet, your habits, and any at-home touch up treatments you use in between in-office treatments.

How to Maintain Your Results

To achieve longer lasting results, there are some steps you can take:

• Brush your teeth. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day to remove food residue and plaque. Keeping your teeth clean helps to prevent staining and discoloration. When dyes in foods don’t have anything to cling to, they are less likely to lead to permanent stains.

• Floss your teeth. It may not seem as important as brushing, but flossing your teeth removes food particles and plaque from the spaces in between your teeth. These places can also become stained and discolored, especially if there is already plaque on the teeth for dyes to cling to.

• Go to the dentist every 6 months. Dental cleanings will help keep your teeth looking white as well. Professional dental cleanings remove plaque that build up on the teeth that brushing doesn’t reach. The process also involves polishing the teeth to make the surface smooth and less likely to be stained.

• Avoid teeth staining foods, beverages, and habits. There are some things you may eat and drink and some habits you may engage in that will cause your results to diminish faster. Consider the list below.

Foods, Beverages, and Habits to Avoid for Whiter Teeth

The following items should be avoided for longer lasting teeth whitening results:

• Red wine. The deep red or purple color of wine can stain your teeth so they may not stay white as long following treatment, especially if you drink red wine regularly.

• Dark or bright colored soft drinks. Brown or bright colored soft drinks, including sports drinks, can stain your teeth and make them look dull sooner.

• Blueberries, cherries, pomegranate, and blackberries. Many berries contain bright pigmentation that can stain teeth if you eat them regularly.

• Coffee and tea. Both coffee and tea, some of the most popular caffeinated drinks can stain your teeth, especially if you drink them daily.

• Bright colored fruit juices. Grape juice, cherry juice, and any bright colored fruit juices can also stain your teeth and diminish your results more quickly.

• Smoking and vaping. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and even vaping can stain your teeth and reduce the length of time that your teeth whitening results last. Chewing tobacco can have the same effect.

• Constant sipping or snacking. If you don’t want to avoid the foods and beverages above, try to drink them in one sitting rather than sipping all day. It would also help to brush your teeth after consuming them.

Blossom Dentistry Provides Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment 

Do you want a teeth whitening treatment that will last? Professional teeth whitening from Blossom Dentistry provides dramatic results in just one in-office treatment. We also provide take-home treatment for those that would prefer to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own home. Take-home whitening comes with custom-fit trays you can wear at night. You can also use the take-home treatment as a means for touch-ups between your in-office treatments. This combination will help your teeth stay white for longer.

Call 202-922-2900 today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment. We look forward to helping you get a whiter smile with lasting results.