How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Looking to brighten and whiten your smile? Teeth whitening might be the perfect solution for you. 

As we age and indulge in certain foods and beverages, it’s normal for our teeth to become stained and take on a yellowish hue. 

However, if you’re not feeling confident about your smile and want to change that, there are plenty of options available. 

At-home whitening products like strips and gels, as well as professional treatments, are effective ways to enhance the brightness of your teeth and minimize surface stains.

How long does teeth whitening last? It mainly depends on the type of treatment you choose and how well you take care of your dental hygiene.

In this article, we’ll explore some key factors that influence how long your teeth whitening results will last.

Factors That Affect How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts

4 out of 5 patients at Yonge & Seven Dental Care want to know why their teeth are yellow and stained.

Let’s look at the reasons behind this.

There are two types of tooth stains:

• Intrinsic stains happen inside the teeth. Since these stains are deep, they are harder to treat and usually need professional whitening.
• Extrinsic stains are on the surface of the teeth. Common causes include drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, smoking, and eating strongly colored foods like turmeric, soy sauce, and dark chocolate. Extrinsic stains are easier to treat because they are on the surface.

You can control some habits that cause stains, but others may be out of your control.

When it comes to whitening your teeth, there are plenty of things that can impact how well it works:

• Consuming dark drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine, and colorful foods can lead to quicker yellowing of teeth.
• People with naturally yellow teeth often see better results from whitening. In contrast, those with whiter teeth may need fewer touch-ups.
• As we age, enamel thins, exposing the yellowish dentin beneath. People over 30 may find their whitening results don’t last as long as those in their 20s.
• The whitening method you choose to use plays a significant role.
• Another aspect is how well you care for your teeth after whitening.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last With Different Methods?

Here are some popular whitening treatments and their expected durations:

Whitening Toothpaste

Results may take 2 to 6 weeks, with effects lasting 3 to 4 months. It contains hydrogen peroxide or mild abrasives, but long-term use can thin enamel.

Whitening Mouthwash

Takes up to 3 months to show effects and usually contains hydrogen peroxide. Best used to enhance other treatments, its results aren’t dramatic alone.

Whitening Strips

Results vary, with some providing effects for up to 6 months. These are effective for removing stains with peroxide but can cause discomfort if misused.

Whitening Pens

You can see results in 2 days to a week, but they don’t work very well and don’t last long.

At-Home Whitening Gel Trays

You’ll notice results in about a week, with the best results in 2 to 4 weeks. These can last a year or more if used correctly, especially with a dentist’s guidance.

In-Office Treatment: 

This gives long-lasting results that can last from 1 to 3 years. It uses strong bleaching agents and usually just needs one visit to the dentist.

At-Home Teeth Whitening with Professional Supervision

Patients receive custom trays, similar to mouth guards, made from impressions of their teeth, which the dentist fills with a bleaching solution. Patients wear the trays overnight for 7 to 15 days and can expect noticeable results within two weeks. 

The effects can last at least a year.

Laser Teeth Whitening

This method uses a small laser to activate a strong whitening gel applied to the teeth, with gum protection in place. The treatment lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and the results can last 6 months to a year.

Get Professional Teeth Whitening at Yonge & Seven Dental Care

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment, along with veneers and dental implants.

However, results do not last forever.

You can help your smile last longer by practicing good oral care, visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings, and avoiding foods and drinks that stain your teeth.

How long does teeth whitening last? It mostly depends on you.

We will provide a professional whitening treatment with our team of experts.

Book your next appointment here.