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There's nothing like the boost of confidence that comes with a bright, white smile. If you've just whitened your teeth or you're thinking about it, you're probably wondering how long does teeth whitening last.
The answer to your question depends on a few things, from the type of whitening method you use to your everyday habits. If you continue drinking a lot of coffee, smoking or eating food with a lot of strong dyes, your teeth might go back to being discolored sooner than you thought.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains
First thing we need to have a clear understanding of is the type of stain affecting your teeth. This staining can determine the effectiveness of whitening treatments.
There are two types of staining:
Extrinsic Stains: These are surface-level stains caused by dark beverages, foods, and tobacco use. They are easier to remove and respond well to most whitening treatments, from professional procedures to over-the-counter strips.
Intrinsic Stains: These stains are embedded within the tooth, often resulting from trauma, aging, or certain medications like tetracycline. Professional whitening treatments are generally more effective for intrinsic stains as they penetrate deeper.
While some methods can really easily whiten the extrinsic stains, it might be harder to whiten the intrinsic type of stain. It’s best to consult with your nearby dentist on what method of whitening your teeth is best for you.
3 Types of Teeth Whitening Methods
Now that we’ve covered what types of stains are there, we will take a look at the types of teeth whitening methods.
In-office whitening
This method is done by dental professionals and it has the quickest, most noticeable results. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a dramatic difference in a short amount of time, with results that can last up to a year or more with good care.
Over-the-counter products
These include whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste. While more budget-friendly, they tend to be less powerful and are best for touch-ups or minor brightening. They’re ideal if you want to maintain results between professional treatments.
Custom-made whitening trays
These trays are tailored to fit your teeth and provide a balance between professional and at-home treatments. They’re effective and allow you to whiten on your own schedule while achieving longer-lasting results than over-the-counter options.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening results can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on the method and individual habits. You might think that it doesn’t really matter if you do it at home or at a professional. But it does because professional whitening can last longer than whitening your teeth at home.
So, how long does professional teeth whitening last? Professional in-office whitening offers the most lasting results, often up to a year or more with good care.
Custom-made at-home trays last around 6 months to a year, while over-the-counter products like strips and toothpaste may only maintain results for a few days to weeks.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing with whitening toothpaste and using a whitening mouthwash, helps prolong results. Regular dental checkups are also important for keeping teeth bright.
What can Affect the Duration of Teeth Whitening?
Four things can affect how long your teeth will be bright, and they are:
Type of Whitening Method Used
Dietary Habits
Oral Hygiene Practices
Lifestyle Factors
1. Type of Whitening Method Used
The type of teeth whitening method you choose significantly impacts how long the results last:
In-office professional whitening: Treatments performed by dental professionals often use stronger bleaching agents, which can deliver dramatic results that last up to a year or more with proper care.
At-home whitening kits: While convenient and more affordable, these kits typically provide results that last between 3 to 6 months.
Whitening strips and toothpaste: Over-the-counter products are less potent and may only maintain whitening effects for a few days to weeks.
2. Dietary Habits
Foods and beverages play a big role in how long your teeth stay white. Regular consumption of dark liquids like coffee, red wine, and tea can contribute to quicker discoloration.
Stain-causing foods, such as berries and dark chocolate, can also reduce the lifespan of your whitening treatment. Avoiding these foods or consuming them in moderation helps maintain brightness.
3. Oral Hygiene Practices
Another secret to extending the benefits of teeth whitening is maintaining proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly, using whitening toothpaste, and incorporating a whitening mouthwash into your routine can help keep stains at bay.
Professional cleanings and dental checkups are also crucial for sustaining results.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Habits like smoking or using tobacco products can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your teeth whitening results due to their high potential to cause staining.
Additionally, age plays a part; as enamel naturally thins over time, the dentin underneath (which is more yellow) becomes more visible, making teeth appear less white.
How to Maintain White Teeth?
To prolong the results of your whitening treatment, follow these tips:
Adjust your Diet: Limit your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks. Use a straw when drinking dark liquids to minimize contact with your teeth.
Oral Care Routine: Brush your teeth twice a day with a whitening or enamel-protection toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque that can lead to discoloration.
Whitening Maintenance: Use touch-up treatments, such as whitening strips or custom trays provided by your dentist, every few months to refresh your smile.
Does Teeth Whitening Have Any Side Effects?
While teeth whitening is generally safe, it can cause temporary side effects such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Using products with lower peroxide concentrations and custom-fitted trays can help reduce these risks.
Consult a dental expert if you experience prolonged discomfort.
Tips for the Teeth Whitening Aftercare
After your treatment, follow these aftercare tips to extend the effects of teeth whitening:
Avoid staining foods and drinks for at least 48 hours after a whitening session.
Choose enamel-protective toothpaste to help strengthen your teeth.
Use a straw when drinking dark beverages to minimize contact with your teeth.
Rinse your mouth with water after consuming stain-causing foods and drinks to reduce their impact.
Brush and floss regularly to remove plaque and prevent surface stains.
Incorporate a whitening mouthwash into your routine to help maintain brightness.
Limit or quit smoking and the use of tobacco products, as they quickly discolor teeth.
Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups to keep your teeth polished and healthy.
Use touch-up treatments with whitening strips or trays every few months as needed.
The Bottom Line
Teeth whitening can last from a few months to more than a year, depending on the method used and the aftercare practices you follow.
You can maintain a brighter, whiter smile for a longer period of time by selecting the proper whitening option and following a strict oral hygiene routine.
