Convenient DFW Locations! Allen, Frisco & Hurst

brush 365 Logo White background
Rectangle 16 - Seperator

Table of Contents

A bright, white smile can make you feel more confident and happy. But how long will your teeth stay white after teeth whitening, and what affects how long it lasts? Knowing about the different teeth whitening methods and what can impact the results will help you keep your smile looking great for a longer time.

Things That Influence How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts

Things That Influence How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts

How long your teeth whitening lasts can depend on several factors.

Things That Influence How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts
  • Type of Treatment: Different teeth whitening methods can give different results. Some might last longer than others.
  • Diet and Lifestyle: Eating and drinking things that stain your teeth, like coffee or red wine, can make your teeth whitening fade faster.
  • Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly helps keep them clean and can help the teeth whitening last longer.
  • Genetics: Everyone’s teeth are a little different. Your natural tooth color and how well it responds to teeth whitening can affect how long the results last.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains

To understand how long your teeth whitening will last, it’s helpful to know about the two types of stains.

  • Intrinsic Stains: These stains are found inside the tooth. They can be caused by things like getting older, taking certain medicines, or injuries to the tooth. Teeth whitening treatments usually take longer to work on these stains and might not remove them completely.
  • Extrinsic Stains: These stains are on the outside surface of the teeth. They often come from things like coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. Extrinsic stains are generally easier to remove with teeth whitening treatments, and the results usually last longer than with intrinsic stains.

Types of Teeth Whitening Methods

types of teeth whitening method

There are different ways to whiten your teeth, each with its own level of effectiveness and how long the results last.

types of teeth whitening method

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste has gentle scrubbing agents and special chemicals that help remove surface stains on your teeth. It’s an easy option to use every day, but it usually doesn’t make a big difference and needs to be used regularly to see some improvement.

  • Pros: Easy to use and helps get rid of surface stains.
  • Cons: Doesn’t work very well on deeper stains and doesn’t change the natural color of your teeth much.

Whitening Mouthwash

Whitening mouthwash contains ingredients like hydrogen peroxide that can gradually lighten stains. It also freshens your breath and supports overall oral health. However, it works slowly and may not be as fast or strong as other whitening methods.

  • Pros: Freshens your breath and helps whiten your teeth with regular use.
  • Cons: Might not work on deeper stains and takes a while to show results.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with a whitening gel. You place them on your teeth for about 30 minutes to an hour, then take them off. They can show noticeable results in a short time, but they might make your teeth sensitive.

  • Pros: Gives noticeable results and is easy to apply.
  • Cons: Can make your teeth sensitive and might not fit all teeth properly.

Whitening Pens

Whitening pens are small and easy to carry, allowing you to apply a whitening gel directly to your teeth. They are great for quick touch-ups and travel, but they might not give as dramatic results as other teeth whitening methods.

  • Pros: Handy and simple to use; targets specific spots on your teeth.
  • Cons: Results can vary and might not cover all your teeth evenly.
At Home vs. In-Office Teeth Whitening

At Home vs. In-Office Teeth Whitening

At Home vs. In-Office Teeth Whitening

At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-home teeth whitening products include things like whitening toothpaste, strips, and trays. These are usually cheaper and more convenient since you can use them at your own pace. However, they might take longer to show results and may not work as well as professional treatments.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening is done by a dentist using stronger whitening agents and special equipment. This method is faster and often gives more noticeable results in just about an hour. However, it’s usually more expensive than the at-home options.

Are There Side Effects from Teeth Whitening?

Are There Side Effects from Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is usually safe, but some people might have side effects, such as,

Are There Side Effects from Teeth Whitening?
  • Tooth Sensitivity: After teeth whitening, you might feel your teeth becoming sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. This is common but usually goes away soon after the treatment.
  • Gum Irritation: You might also experience some irritation or discomfort in your gums if the whitening gel accidentally touches them. This irritation is usually temporary and should improve quickly.
Diet Tips for White Teeth

Diet Tips for White Teeth

Diet Tips for White Teeth

To keep your teeth looking bright after teeth whitening, follow these diet tips.

  • Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: Try to cut back on coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, as these can cause new stains on your teeth.
  • Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Foods like apples, carrots, and celery help clean your teeth and keep your smile healthy by scrubbing away surface stains.
  • Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to staining and keep your mouth clean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Teeth whitening results can last from a few months to over a year. It depends on the method you used and how well you take care of your teeth. To keep your teeth white for longer, follow good oral hygiene practices and avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.

Professional teeth whitening usually lasts between 6 months and 2 years. How long the results last depend on your diet, how well you clean your teeth, and your lifestyle choices.

After teeth whitening, you might experience tooth sensitivity for a few days to a week. If the sensitivity continues or gets worse, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist for advice on how to handle it.

LED teeth whitening results generally last from 6 months to a year. The duration depends on the strength of the treatment and how well you care for your teeth afterward.

Professional teeth whitening usually takes about 1 hour at the dentist’s office. You might see results right away, with your teeth continuing to improve over the next few days.

Final Thoughts

Teeth whitening can give you a brighter, whiter smile, but how long it lasts depends on the method you choose and how you take care of your teeth. By learning about the different options and their effects, you can find the best treatment for your needs and keep your smile looking great for a longer time. Regular visits to your dentist, like at Brush365, along with good eating habits, are important for maintaining your white smile.

My name is Dr. Sara Mahmood, and I am the proud founder and owner of brush365. Since 2017, I have been on a mission to create a brand that deeply reflects our tagline and promises to provide “Dentistry with Integrity.” I am extremely passionate about high-quality dental care. Since graduating from dental school in 2015, I have completed over 2,000 hours of continuing education, ensuring I am providing the best dentistry to my patients and guaranteeing that my team of doctors meets a very high standard of clinical excellence.