How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Do you want to try whitening your teeth, but are put off at the thought of the results being short-lived? It’s not uncommon for people to want a whiter smile, and there are lots of reasons why someone’s teeth might not be the shade they wish they were. But teeth whitening, especially when done professionally, can be a commitment that many aren’t willing to make without proof that the results will stand the test of time. 

Here is our guide on how long you can expect different whitening methods to stick to your smile, and ways to keep your smile brighter for longer.

Longevity of different whitening methods

There are several ways to whiten your teeth at home without ever setting foot inside a dental surgery. However, the convenience of these options is often balanced out by the fact that they often require regular reapplication and maintenance. This will be especially true if your lifestyle brings you into contact with things that cause the discolouration of teeth, e.g. smoking.

• Whitening toothpaste - the way toothpaste ‘whitens’ is actually just by removing stains, and it can take 2-6 weeks of regular use to start to see any changes. If you stop using the toothpaste, the stains you incur from your day-to-day lifestyle will likely return.
• Whitening strips - there are lots of different whitening strips available on the market, each with varying levels of power and longevity. In general you can expect the effects to last for a few months before reapplication is required.
• Whitening gels - slightly more long-lasting than whitening strips, whitening gels can also lighten the colour of your teeth for anywhere between 6 months and 1 year before needing a touch-up.

How does professional teeth whitening work?

When it comes to professional teeth whitening, also known as in-office whitening, there are two main methods. The first method involves having a tray professionally made to fit your teeth. Your dentist will then provide you with medical-grade whitening gel to use at home. The second method, known as laser or power whitening, involves a bleaching agent being applied to your teeth and activated with a light or laser tool.

How long does professional teeth whitening last?

You can expect to enjoy the effects of professional teeth whitening for up to 3 years. It’s important to know that only a dental professional can legally provide these treatments - it is illegal to carry them out without a dental professional present, despite some salons offering to do so.

The reality of whitening longevity

The truth is that no whitening treatment is permanent. There are lots of factors that play a part in the colour of our teeth, including:

• Diet - the foods you eat can have a huge impact on the colour of your teeth; for example, tea and coffee, red wine, strongly-flavoured acidic sauces, and carbonated drinks can all lead to staining.
• Lifestyle - smoking, drinking, whether or not you grind your teeth, whether or not you consistently breathe through your mouth when you sleep; all of these lifestyle differences can influence the colour of your teeth.
• Genetics - genetics can play a big role; whether or not you naturally have thick or thin enamel can change the appearance of your teeth.
• Oral hygiene - failure to take care of your teeth can leave them looking worse for wear, often leading to disease and discolouration. 

All of these factors will contribute to the overall colour of your teeth, no matter what whitening treatment you opt for. 

Maintaining your white smile 

Here are the things you can do to boost the longevity of your pearly whites.

Practise good oral hygiene

Staying consistent with your oral hygiene is the best way to maintain the colour of your teeth. Brushing, flossing, using mouthwash - they may sound like simple suggestions, but thorough cleaning will help to prevent the unsightly build-up and bacteria that can lead to discolouration.

Avoid staining substances

We’ve already mentioned some of the substances that can stain your teeth; tobacco, red wine, coffee, to name a few. Acidic food and drinks can also erode your enamel and make your teeth more porous.

Rinse

Another simple suggestion that shouldn’t be overlooked - rinsing your mouth after meals can help to prevent food from sitting on your teeth between brushes, reducing the risk of discolouration. 

Use a straw

Using a straw when you drink means that liquids bypass your front teeth, limiting the chance of them being stained. Obviously, this doesn’t work for all beverages or situations, but it can be a good habit to develop where possible.

Visit your dentist regularly

The final and most important step to tackle any concerns you might have about your teeth. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis means that any issues that arise can be handled quickly and effectively - whether you choose to opt for professional whitening or not. 

Final thoughts

To summarise:

• There are lots of options for at-home whitening treatments, all of which range in cost and efficiency.
• Professional whitening can only be offered by qualified dental experts, and the results will last longer than at-home treatments.
• No teeth whitening treatment is permanent, but you can boost the longevity of your results by taking good care of your teeth.

If you’re considering having your teeth professionally whitened and are interested in expert advice, why not contact Beech Lane Dental Care today? We can determine the best method of whitening for your teeth - get in touch to book a consultation.