A beautiful smile is the best accessory. Unfortunately, factors such as staining and discoloration may cause you to feel less than confident flashing a grin. The good news is that professional teeth whitening can safely and effectively restore your smile to its natural luster. If you’ve had a treatment and are wondering when to go back, here’s what you need to know. 

How Often to Get Treatments

Most dentists recommend getting professional teeth whitening once or twice a year. You might schedule treatments before special events, such as a wedding or birthday. During your annual or bi-annual visit, the dentist or dental hygienist will also evaluate the condition of your teeth, gums, and mouth and clean the teeth to remove plaque and irrigate the gums. If they notice any issues, such as decay or infection, that need to be addressed, they may recommend additional procedures to keep your smile healthy as well as beautiful. 

You can also do at-home touch-ups throughout the year. These touch-ups should only be done with kits prescribed by your dentist because some drugstore brands can be ineffective. Home treatments won’t produce the same dramatic effects as professional bleaching, but they can remove surface stains and maintain brightness.

Factors That Can Affect Treatment Frequency

You may not need teeth whitening as frequently if you maintain good oral hygiene at home and visit your dentist regularly for cleaning. You can also improve the effectiveness of treatments by avoiding or limiting food and drinks that stain your teeth, such as red wine, tea, and coffee. Not smoking is also essential to ensure your teeth are white for as long as possible.

Although professional whitening treatments are safe, they may cause some sensitivity. If you experience uncomfortable sensitivity to temperature or your gums start bleeding or become inflamed, you may need to get less frequent treatments. Your dentist may also recommend anti-sensitivity toothpaste.

For professional teeth whitening in Kailua-Kona, HI, turn to Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS. Dr. Yokoyama and his team provide a broad range of cosmetic dentistry services to help you achieve a beautiful smile and stellar confidence, from teeth whitening to porcelain veneers and dental implants. You’ll also enjoy complimentary amenities like hand wax treatments and aromatherapy eye masks. Call (808) 322-0101 to schedule an appointment at this dental spa, or visit the website to learn more about what they have to offer.