How long does teeth whitening last?

Whitening your teeth is now easier than ever.

There are many ways to whiten teeth, from special toothpaste to professional whitening treatments. 

After a teeth whitening procedure, many people often wonder: How long does teeth whitening last?

To maintain a bright smile, it's essential to understand why teeth get discolored, how to whiten them, and how to make the results last.

Keep reading as we reveal all these topics for you.

What causes yellow teeth

Have you ever noticed that your teeth have turned yellow? Most people do.

This discoloration can be attributed to various factors:

• Genetics: Some people inherit genes that produce naturally thinner or more yellowed enamel. When enamel is thin, the yellow to brown dentin beneath it becomes visible, causing the teeth to appear yellow.

• Smoking: Tobacco chemicals, especially tar and nicotine, are notorious for staining teeth, contributing to yellowing.

• Diet: Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and sauces, contain compounds that can stain tooth enamel, leading to yellowing over time.

• Aging: As people age, enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink, causing teeth to turn yellow.

• Medication and Fluoride: Certain antibiotics and excess fluoride can cause tooth discoloration, leading to yellow or brownish yellow spots on teeth.

• Tooth Grinding: Unconscious tooth grinding or bruxism, often associated with stress, can weaken tooth enamel, resulting in cracking and yellowing.

These factors collectively contribute to the yellowing of teeth, affecting both appearance and confidence.

How long does professional teeth whitening last?

Unfortunately, teeth whitening effects are not permanent. They can last from 6 months to 2-3 years, varying by person and method used and influenced by lifestyle habits.

If you maintain proper oral hygiene, a professional teeth whitening procedure can have long-lasting effects for 1 to 3 years.

This procedure involves using a potent bleaching agent, such as highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. 

How long does it take to whiten teeth?

The time it takes for teeth whitening procedures to show results can vary depending on the chosen method.

In-chair whitening, also known as in-office whitening, is a professional teeth whitening procedure performed in a dental clinic by a qualified dentist. 

This method involves using higher concentrations of a whitening formula, leading to significant whitening results that can be achieved in just a single 1-2 hour appointment.

On the other hand, you can find at-home whitening kits at your local store or get customized ones from your dentist.

These kits use gentler whitening agents and typically take about 2-3 weeks to show noticeable results.

How much whiter can you make your teeth?

Teeth whitening is like other cosmetic procedures, where everyone experiences noticeable results, but the level of whitening varies individually.

Even though whitening products do not affect fillings or restorations, it is important to safely whiten teeth to avoid gum inflammation and tooth sensitivity, particularly with over-the-counter products, which can still cause damage if used excessively.

The level of whitening varies based on different factors. Working with a dentist can help achieve and maintain the best results by using products safely and maintaining proper oral care.

Methods to whiten your teeth

There are various methods and products for teeth whitening, and it's natural to feel uncertain about which ones are safe and effective. 

These methods fall into two categories: Professional teeth whitening and over-the-counter whitening products. 

In professional teeth whitening, dentists use different methods to whiten teeth in the office or at home, typically involving bleaching with carbamide peroxide:

• In-office whitening works quickly, and the effect lasts longer. It typically only takes an hour or a few visits. In-office treatments are recommended if you have receding gums or lesions. 

• Your dentist can provide at-home treatment with custom-fit trays. Wear the tray with gel for 30 minutes to 1 hour daily as recommended by your dentist for several weeks.

You can also purchase over-the-counter whitening products to help with stained teeth. The most popular ones are:

• Whitening toothpastes.
• Whitening strips.
• LED Light kits. 
• Whitening pens. 

These home products are more affordable but take longer to achieve results than in-house whitening.

Foods to avoid to keep teeth white

Numerous foods in our diet can contribute to the discoloration of our teeth. To prevent staining, consider avoiding the following:

• Coffee: If cutting it out entirely is challenging, consider adding milk to reduce the staining effect. Limit consumption to no more than two cups, as studies indicate that staining increases with higher intake.

• Tea: Dark tea can have a more significant impact on teeth color than coffee. 

• Wine: Red wine's acidity and dark colors pose a high risk for staining. While white wine may not directly stain teeth, its acidity weakens enamel, making teeth more susceptible to other staining foods.

• Fizzy Drinks: These acidic and colorful beverages should be avoided whenever possible.

• Fruit Juices: Due to their high acidity, it's best to steer clear of these drinks.

• Dark Condiments: Soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and tomato sauce all carry risks due to their color and acidity.

• Dark Fruits: Similar to dark condiments, it's advisable to avoid fruits such as blackberries.

• Curry: Given its staining properties, it's best to avoid curry, especially after a whitening treatment.

• Sweets and Chocolate: The color of your tongue after consuming sweets reflects the potential risk of staining teeth in the same way.

• Tobacco: "Smokers teeth" is a well-known phenomenon. It's highly recommended to refrain from smoking after a whitening procedure.

Other considerations

Regularly cleaning and flossing your teeth not only helps in preventing cavities and gingivitis but also plays a crucial role in preserving their natural white appearance.

Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals. If you consume teeth-staining substances. 

Additionally, consider incorporating a whitening toothpaste or rinse into your regular dental routine between professional whitening treatments.

Do you want to whiten your teeth? Write us at 

Turning the dream of a bright smile into a reality is simple. 

Whitening your teeth is also considered safe if you stick to methods approved by dentists.

However, your lifestyle has a significant impact, so assume that your diet may need slight changes to preserve the teeth whitening treatment.

We recommend consulting with a dentist to determine the most suitable treatment plan for you. 

At Junction Family Dental Care, we believe that your unique needs matter.

We are happy to provide you with a professional whitening treatment that meets your expectations and helps you preserve your beautiful smile for as long as possible.

Schedule an appointment right here.