How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

One of the most popular treatments in dentistry is teeth whitening. This is not shocking considering that teeth lose their pearly white essence throughout the years. There are many reasons that can lead to stained teeth including consuming certain foods and drinks, smoking, and not being able to prioritize dental hygiene.

If you are amongst the majority of the population and have lost that vibrancy in your smile, we have good news for you! Teeth whitening is a perfectly safe and simple procedure that will get your shine back in no time. We understand that you might have some questions with regards to the process. We have highlighted the most common ones below.

Do you enjoy drinks such as coffee, wine, and tea? Perhaps you are more of a dark berry aficionado or you indulge in smoking tobacco. All of these things have strong capabilities of staining your smile. This is where teeth whitening comes in.

Teeth whitening is a process that aims to remove the stains on a smile. There are several different options available as teeth whitening processes.

Home whitening kits come in the form of gel or paste. These gels and pastes are applied to the teeth using options such as sticky strips or a brush. There are several different kit choices in the market which include mouthguards, UV light, and other tools.

It is important to note that while at-home whitening kits may be more affordable, they often do not cover the entire smile in the procedure. This means that the front teeth get bleached but not the hind pieces. The concentration of the whitening agents is also much lower than at a dental office. This translates into the process having to be repeated over a certain number of days or weeks in order for it to work.

The second option for teeth whitening is to get it professionally done at a dentist office. This leads to immediate results and covers the entire smile. An in-office teeth whitening procedure is safe, reliable, and non-invasive.

We always recommend opting for in-office teeth whitening versus at-home. The main reason for this is because each procedure is performed for your desired results. Our team asks a set of screening questions to assess that each patient is a good candidate oral health wise.

As much as we would love to give a precise answer, teeth whitening ranges in how long it lasts on a per person basis. On average, at-home teeth whitening can last anywhere between two to four months. In-office teeth whitening has the potential to last between a few months to a couple of years.

The length that your whitening will last will highly depend on how well you care for your teeth. It is important to avoid staining foods and drinks. Smoking is also a major enemy of white teeth and we highly recommend that you do not smoke in order to prolong the life of your smile’s shine.

In order to increase the length of your whitening efforts, avoid staining foods and beverages. If you do consume staining foods and beverages, rinse your mouth immediately after. You will also notice that your teeth will remain white for longer if you indulge in proper dental hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Food particles that get stuck in the teeth can cause havoc and ruin your smile.

As we mentioned above, smoking is a huge factor when it comes to staining teeth. It is also a major contributor to tooth decay and gum diseases. If you are a smoker, we truly encourage you to stop smoking or at least cut back.

Having a bright smile is a dream for many people. If you are hoping to get your smile to its original pearly white state, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We are happy to go over the details of the in-office procedure with you. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to help you smile proudly again!