How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Posted April 8, 2025 in Teeth Whitening
One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures is teeth whitening, and for good reason. A sparkling white smile can give you confidence in both business and social interactions, making it something many people choose to undergo before a special event or when they just need a boost in their self-esteem. However, many of our patients want to know more about teeth whitening, especially how long it lasts and how they can extend their results. In this blog, we’ll go over what you need to know about teeth whitening, including the longevity of your results and how to keep your smile bright for as long as possible.
What Causes Your Teeth to Stain or Darken?
Before we talk about teeth whitening and how long your teeth will stay white after treatment, it helps to understand why you might need whitening in the first place.
There are two main types of stains that affect your teeth: extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains are surface-level stains caused by things like coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and tobacco. Even foods like berries or tomato sauce can stain your teeth because of their pigmentation and acidity levels. Intrinsic stains originate from deeper levels of your teeth and are a result of aging, certain medications, or too much fluoride when your teeth are developing. Genetics can also play a role, as the thickness and quality of your tooth enamel contribute to how easily your teeth stain.
Additionally, your lifestyle habits, diet, and oral hygiene can also influence the severity of teeth staining, as well as how much they can be whitened and how long the treatment lasts.
How Long Does It Take to Whiten Your Teeth?
The good news is that no matter what type of staining or discoloration you have on your teeth, they can typically be minimized or even eliminated by teeth whitening treatments. The question is, how long does it take to see results? If you have time, at-home whitening treatments can be a convenient and economical way to restore a sparkling smile. Whitening kits (especially ones provided by your dentist) can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the concentration of the whitening gel and how long you leave the trays in each day.
Whitening strips or other over-the-counter teeth whiteners may take two to four weeks to show noticeable results, so plan accordingly. The fastest and often easiest teeth whitening is typically done in your dentist’s office, with treatments taking about 60–90 minutes. Professional, in-office treatments can also give you more dramatic results in just one visit.
Keep in mind that the level of whiteness you can achieve also depends on the severity and type of staining you have, your natural tooth color, and the strength of the whitening treatment.
Is It Safe to Bleach Your Teeth?
The terms “whitening” and “bleaching” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not necessarily the same. Bleaching your teeth usually means that you’ve used a peroxide-based treatment to lighten your teeth. Whitening can mean the same thing, but also includes the use of other methods or ingredients for whitening.
Most professional teeth whitening products use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down and lessen the appearance of stains. These ingredients are proven effective and safe overall, especially in the concentrations used by dentists.
However, peroxide-based whiteners may cause some people to experience side effects like:
- Temporary tooth sensitivity
- Gum irritation (especially if the whitening gel touches your gums for too long)
- Uneven results, especially if you have dental crowns or veneers that don’t respond to whitening like natural teeth
Peroxide-based products can often lighten teeth up to seven shades, depending on the type of staining you have. Non-peroxide products may not offer as dramatic a result, but the risk of side effects is reduced. If you have questions about how a product may affect your teeth, contact your dentist before trying it.
How Long Will My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
So, when you’re thinking about investing time, effort, and money into whitening your teeth, the big question is, “How long do teeth whitening results last?” On average, your teeth whitening results can last from about six months up to two years. The exact timeline depends on several factors, including:
- The type of whitening treatment (in-office results usually last longer than over-the-counter ones)
- How often you consume drinks or foods that stain your teeth (and if you do, try to use a straw or rinse your mouth out with water afterward)
- How well you maintain your oral hygiene (including using whitening toothpaste or mouthwash)
- Whether or not you smoke or use tobacco products
If you’re careful about what you eat and drink, brush and floss consistently, and touch up every now and then with whitening toothpaste or strips, your smile can stay white and bright for quite a while. Many people also may choose to undergo a touch-up treatment in-office every six to twelve months to better maintain their results. The best way to determine how to keep your whitening results dazzling for as long as possible is to talk with your dentist and get their expert advice about a maintenance plan that works for your lifestyle.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening in Riverside
If you’re looking for a quick and often dramatic way to give your smile a makeover, teeth whitening is an excellent choice. To learn more about your teeth whitening options and what method will work best for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chad Tomazin and his team of skilled professionals by calling (951) 686-3666 today or completing the online contact form.