How white will my teeth get after I whiten and how long will it last? - Bissell Dental Group (2024)

FAQs

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.

The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Things that will stain your teeth quickly and make your whitening short-lived include: – Smoking.

Whitening strips vary in the number of treatments needed before you see results. Some strips provide superior results, which can last for up to 6 months. Whitening strips are one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments for whitening teeth at home. Some brands are easier to use and more effective than others.

Your teeth will continue to lighten for a couple of days even after you stop a whitening session.

Besides feeling a chemical burn, you may also notice inflammation or white spots on gums during the whitening process. However, if used correctly, the irritation is temporary and you shouldn't experience the pain of a hydrogen peroxide burn.

As long as you stop the bleaching treatment quickly, the good news is that gum irritation usually resolves on its own after a few days. Saltwater rinses will help relieve discomfort during recovery. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can dull the irritation or burning feeling.

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.

One of the most effective ways to whiten teeth permanently is through professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dentist. These treatments use potent bleaching agents that penetrate deep into the enamel, breaking down stains and discoloration.

Potential Long-Term Risks

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

Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.

Should I brush my teeth after teeth whitening? ›

As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.

It's tempting to think that leaving them on longer will yield a more dazzling smile, but this isn't necessarily the case. Overextending the application time can lead to increased tooth sensitivity without delivering significant additional benefits.

A single whitening treatment can generally brighten your smile as many 9 shades from your starting tooth color. However, this level of brightness is not right for everyone.

The most common approach dentists use for brightening teeth is professional teeth whitening. It entails bleaching teeth enamel to remove surface and intrinsic stains.

First, stop the treatment: Remove the tray or the whitening product. Don't wait until the burning gets worse! Then, rinse your mouth: Rinsing with warm saltwater swishes away any lingering bleaching product and soothes the irritation.

Here's the thing: while these gums do contain whitening agents, they don't actually do much to whiten your teeth. This is because the amount of whitening agent put into each piece of gum is so small.