How long do whitened teeth last?

When it comes to teeth whitening treatment, there are a lot of options to get you the sparkling white teeth you have always desired. This includes strips, gels, and dental office procedures that promise to remove surface stains and brighten your smile. When people go for any of these options, they often wonder and ask questions like “Does getting your teeth whitened last forever?” or “How long do whitened teeth last?”

The truth is, no matter the type of teeth whitening process you undergo, it really can’t last forever. With at-home products, you only get minimal results that last for a few months. Professional whitening treatments are more long-lasting and they may extend for as many as 2 years. Read on to find out more specific information about how long you can expect the effects of teeth whitening treatments to last for you.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Generally, how long teeth whitening treatment will last depends on the whitening method you’re using. As expected, professional whitening produces longer-lasting results compared to whitening your teeth on your own.

Your lifestyle and habit also affect how long your teeth whitening results will last. The type of discoloration matters as well. For intrinsic discoloration (staining caused by trauma, infection, medications, or aging), the stain is internal, and whitening may not last for so long. If the staining is extrinsic (external stain caused by food, smoking, or drinking), whitening will be more effective especially if you follow dental recommendations after the procedure. Here’s how long you can expect whitening to last based on the method you use.

How long does teeth whitening treatment last professionally?

Professional teeth whitening is also known as in-chair or in-office whitening treatment. A professional dentist performs this procedure at a dental clinic using strong concentrations of teeth whitening formula. In some cases, they may combine the whitening formula with heat or light to accelerate results. However, even professional whitening treatment isn’t permanent. On average, results last for between 1-3 years depending on various factors as highlighted above.

How long does it take to whiten teeth? After the 1-2 hours appointment, you can expect a significant difference in the color of your teeth. As an alternative to in-chair whitening, your doctor may give you an at-home whitening kit. This is a special tray custom-made for your mouth. The tray has a whitening agent placed in it and is worn daily for weeks (2-3 weeks in most cases). When used diligently, an at-home whitening kit can help brighten your smile. Results may last for up to a year or longer depending on your oral hygiene afterward.

How long do other teeth whitening methods last?

While professional teeth whitening treatment is the most effective way to brighten your smile and it guarantees the longest results, it isn’t the only way. There are other popular methods of teeth cleaning that may not involve visiting a dental office. But bear in mind that these options may not last as long as professional whitening.

Whitening toothpaste

The truth is, most whitening toothpaste doesn’t do a very good job of whitening the teeth. For the toothpaste to work, it needs to contain a whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide. Since many so-called whitening toothpastes doesn’t have this bleaching agent ingredient, they are not so effective. However, if your dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste contains hydroxide, it can brighten your smile. But you have to use it diligently for about 2 to 6 weeks. The result of this method of teeth whitening can last for 3 to 4 months.

Whitening mouthwashes

Like whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwashes will only work if they contain hydrogen peroxide. You can use products like this daily to get rid of small degrees of surface staining. Results can last for about 3 months. However, instead of using it as a standalone treatment, whitening mouthwashes are best combined with other treatment methods to prolong their effects.

Whitening strips

A whitening strip is arguably the most effective over-the-counter whitening option you can consider. How effective the strip will typically depend on the brand you’re using. Most brands use peroxide bleach to remove stains while some strips combine this with LED accelerator lights for more efficient stain removal. Results can last for up to 6 months.

How can I permanently whiten my teeth?

Tooth whitening treatments are meant to remove or reduce stains on your teeth. They do not repel stains in a long term. This means it is not possible to whiten your teeth permanently. The best you can do is try to prolong results as long as possible.

Good oral hygiene after your treatment is necessary to maintain your teeth’ color. You have to brush twice daily and floss regularly to keep your teeth brilliantly white. As a patient, you should also ensure that you drink a lot of water after your meals to help rinse your mouth of any residual food that may cause staining and other forms of damage over time.

We recommend you schedule regular visits to a dental clinic for regular checks on your teeth. This will help detect potential issues quickly and treat them on time.

One of the best ways to prolong the results of your professional teeth whitening is to combine it with other at-home whitening options. For instance, your dentist may recommend a whitening toothpaste that can help keep your teeth pearly white for longer. Finally, avoid foods and drinks that are likely to stain your teeth. Some wine, juices, and smoothies color your teeth. If you must drink them at all, then you should use a straw so the stain bypasses your teeth. Smoking and eating any food that can cause staining is also not recommended.

Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening treatments?

In some people, teeth whitening does not result in perfectly white teeth. In most cases, it only reduces the severity of the stain. This is particularly true for cases where the staining is more internal than external such as staining caused by aging, medication, or medical conditions.
Genetics could also be a factor. Some people’s teeth are naturally less white compared to others. Since whitening only returns your teeth to their original color, you may still notice that it isn’t as white as you want them to be.

When is the best time to whiten your Teeth?

Although Whitening can be done anytime, the best time of the day to get the procedure done is just before bed. This way, you don’t have to worry about eating or drinking and how it could potentially affect your teeth. Whitening your teeth right before bed helps to prevent restaining immediately since your teeth become more susceptible to stains right after a procedure.

How often should I get my professional teeth whitening?

People often wonder and ask questions like “Can you get your teeth professionally whitened more than once?” or “How many times a year can I whiten my teeth?”. Generally, In-office teeth whitening should only be done once a year. You can combine this with at-home touchups in between your yearly treatment.

Note that every patient has a slightly different schedule. When you visit our dental office in London Ontario, the dental professional can give you recommendations on how long you should get your teeth whitened as well as ways to prolong results. Teeth whitening with a cosmetic dentist remains the most effective method of teeth whitening with the longest-lasting results.

Visit us at Sbenati Dentistry, our dentist office in London Ontario to restore your perfect smile by getting your teeth whitened today.  Contact us or Call us (519) 474 – 0220.

Source:

https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/whitening

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-whitening/
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2015/961403/