How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last, and What Are The Benefits? (2024)

Cosmetic Dentistry |3 min read

by Dental Health Care of Woburn

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last, and What Are The Benefits? (2)

If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth and would like them to be whiter, you are not alone.

In a recent survey by Statista, 80% of Americans agreed they would prefer a whiter smile.

Tooth whitening can be a great way to lighten the natural color of your teeth without causing any damage to your enamel.

With proper care, your teeth can retain their bright shade for quite a long time – but not forever.

This article will cover the following:

  • Why you might need teeth whitening
  • Teeth whitening methods
  • How long teeth whitening lasts
  • How to keep your teeth white

Why would I need my teeth whitened?

There are several reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. The most obvious, of course, is decay, which will yellow your teeth faster than anything else.

Very few people have perfect-white teeth, and our teeth usually become more discolored as we age (even with good dental care).

Certain foods and drinks can also stain your teeth, such as:

  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Red wine
  • Blackcurrant
  • Smoking can also stain teeth

Regardless of the cause, yellowed/discolored teeth can be a serious detriment to your confidence and social comfort.

Many people value a healthy smile highly in social and professional contexts, which can cause anxiety if you aren’t comfortable showing your smile to others.

Teeth whitening offers a fast, affordable, and safe way to reclaim your oral beauty and be proud of your teeth.

Different types of teeth whitening

There are five main variations of teeth whitening.

Different methods exist for different budgets and, of course, differing results.

  • Toothpaste
  • Whitening Strips
  • Pre-Made Whitening Trays
  • Custom-Made Whitening Trays
  • In-Office Whitening

With the in-office method, there are two main techniques: LED and Laser.

Both methods involve little to no pain, although patients may experience sensitivity and mild discomfort for a few days following treatment.

Either way, teeth whitening is a relatively fast procedure, showing results in as little as one appointment (although 3-4 appointments are usually necessary for full effect).

LED teeth whitening

After whitening gel is applied to your teeth, a blue LED light is used to activate the materials within, lightening your teeth over the course of 20-60 minutes.

Laser teeth whitening

Much like the LED route, an identical whitening gel is applied to your teeth to begin.

However, this method uses a pinpoint laser light to activate the gel instead of LED, which can make it faster if you only need to whiten a few teeth.

How long does teeth whitening last?

The short answer is, “it depends.”

The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as six months, and it varies from person to person.

It won’t last as long if you indulge in things that stain your teeth, such as:

  • Smoking
  • Dark liquids like red wine, coffee, and tea
  • Stain-causing foods like beetroot and berries

Brushing your teeth twice a day and practicing good oral hygiene will help keep your teeth whiter for longer.

You don’t have to cut these things out of your life entirely, but it’s best to cut back if you want to preserve the shade of your teeth.

How to keep your teeth white between top-ups

  • Good oral hygiene
  • Brushing and flossing
  • Whitening toothpaste
  • Regular dental hygienist visits
  • Avoiding sticky, stain-causing, and chewy foods
  • Using a straw for liquids that may stain

There is no better way to maintain your teeth than to practice good oral hygiene. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today!

Request an Appointment

  • Call us at 781-935-8810
  • Email us at reception@dentalhealthcareofwoburn.com

Dental Health Care of Woburn is located in Woburn, MA, and is proud to help patients from Woburn, Winchester, Burlington, Stoneham, Reading, Tewksbury, Wilmington, Lexington, Wakefield, and surrounding communities.

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How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last, and What Are The Benefits? (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last, and What Are The Benefits? ›

The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as six months, and it varies from person to person. It won't last as long if you indulge in things that stain your teeth, such as: Smoking. Dark liquids like red wine, coffee, and tea.

How long does teeth whitening last for? ›

Is teeth whitening permanent? Teeth whitening isn't permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person. The whitening effect won't last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth.

What is teeth whitening and its benefits? ›

Teeth whitening refers to a variety of processes that aim to make someone's natural teeth appear brighter and whiter. Teeth whitening methods include sanding down stains, bleaching, ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, and more. Many different teeth whitening products are available, and you can try many approaches at home.

How long should teeth whitening stay on? ›

Leave the trays in your mouth for 20-30 minutes when using 35% Carbamide Peroxide. You can increase the whitening time after a few sessions. In the case that you experience sensitivity, do not increase whitening time. Do not exceed a treatment time of more than 1 hour a day.

What are the long term effects of teeth whitening? ›

Potential Long-Term Risks

Permanent gum or tooth sensitivity. Damage to your dental roots. Enamel erosion. Uneven results.

Will my teeth go back to yellow after whitening? ›

The level of whitening obtained depends on the bleaching agent's concentration in the gel and how often you use the strips. Results can last for several months, but over time, factors like diet and oral hygiene may cause teeth to regain some of their original color gradually.

How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally? ›

When the dentist whitens teeth, your teeth can become sensitive to different foods that can stain. After 24-72 hours, you can resume your regular diet. The following are the things that you need to avoid after teeth whitening. Sugary foods can irritate your teeth and trigger the bacteria responsible for causing decay.

Is it worth having your teeth whitened? ›

According to some studies, having whiter teeth can make you appear younger, more attractive, more employable and more successful. Just think of the instant boost of confidence that could bring to your day-to-day life.

What are the pros and cons of teeth whitening? ›

Whitening Strips

Pros: Strips are inexpensive compared to most other methods. Cons: The strips only reach the front six teeth; they can irritate the gums; some users complain of sensitivity.

How to get white teeth in 1 day with toothpaste? ›

All you need to do is to put your regular toothpaste on your toothbrush and then add a little quantity of powdered milk on top of the toothpaste and then brush your teeth. Ensure to rinse your mouth properly after brushing. After a short while, you will notice that your teeth will become whiter than they use to be.

What happens if you leave teeth whitening on overnight? ›

If you've left your teeth whitening gel on for too long and are worried that it might have caused damage to your teeth, try not to fret. You may notice some slight sensitivity of the teeth, white spots on the gum or white flecks on teeth, or numbness on the gumline.

How long will my gums stay white after teeth whitening? ›

Soft tissue or gum irritation caused by teeth whitening gel is considered a chemical burn, very comparable to a sunburn. When a chemical burn occurs, the area becomes mildly sore, turns white, and will eventually flake off. The tissue will return to normalcy within twenty-four hours.

Can yellow teeth become white? ›

2. Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

Do teeth become weak after whitening? ›

Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.

Is getting your teeth whitened permanently? ›

Even though professional teeth whitening has incredible success rates, it does not offer permanent results. Your teeth will remain white for about 6 – 12 months before you need retreatment. The results last longer if you intentionally care for your teeth to maintain their whiteness and brightness.

Does teeth whitening have benefits? ›

Professional teeth whitening can provide many benefits, including making your smile look more attractive and boosting your self-confidence. Professional teeth whitening can also help remove deep stains that regular brushing cannot remove.

How often should you get teeth whitened? ›

Well, times vary depending on your diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits, but generally speaking, dentists recommend that you whiten your teeth every three months.

Does teeth whitening fade over time? ›

Repeat: Teeth whitening is not permanent. The results of teeth whitening do fade over time, so the bright white gleam slowly recedes. The teeth will not likely return to their initial pre-whitening shade, but they will not stay at their whitest without intervention.

Do teeth continue to whiten after teeth whitening? ›

Some people respond very well and teeth can get up to 3-4 shades lighter after just 5-7days of bleaching or up to 5 shades whiter with one ZOOM in office treatment. Others may not notice as much change. Your teeth will continue to lighten for a couple of days even after you stop a whitening session.

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