Everybody wants a bright, white smile, but most people don’t have one. Well, a teeth whitening treatment can help you achieve your desired smile. But how long does teeth whitening last? This depends on the method you choose to whiten your teeth.
Dental office procedures, such as chairside bleaching, and at-home whitening products, like strips and gels, are some ways people brighten teeth and reduce surface stains.
Remember, no matter what tooth-whitening process you use, it will not last forever. At-home products usually give minimal-to-great results lasting a few months, whereas a professional dental procedure provides long-lasting results, i.e., up to 2-3 years.
Keep reading to learn more about how long does teeth whitening last.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening treatment is the procedure of bleaching the teeth to make them lighter. It doesn’t make your teeth brilliant white, but it lightens the existing color by numerous shades.
Who Can Perform Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Teeth whitening treatment is a form of dentistry and is only carried out correctly by a professional dentist.
Some beauty salons also provide teeth whitening, but this is illegal if there’s no dental professional present, and it can put the patient’s oral health at risk.
You can also purchase DIY home teeth whitening kits but remember they may also carry risks.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
How long does teeth whitening last, is the most common question that patients ask. Well, it depends on the method of teeth whitening you’re using. The lifestyle habits of a person can also affect it.
A teeth whitening treatment does not repel stains but can reduce them. Any teeth whitening treatment will last longer than expected if you keep your teeth clean and have good oral habits.
Here are different types of teeth whitening methods and how long does it last:
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Whitening Toothpaste
A whitening toothpaste can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks to show visible results if you use it twice daily. These results can generally last for up to 3 to 4 months.
You can use whitening toothpaste every day or several times a week. They contain hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and mild abrasives to polish or whiten teeth.
You may be able to prolong teeth whitening effects if you continue to use teeth-whitening toothpaste. However, some people find their gums or teeth become sensitive due to prolonged use.
Many whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that are harmful for long-term use because they may thin or wear down the tooth enamel.
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Whitening Pens
Whitening pens are transportable small plastic tubes containing whitening gel used for spot stain removal. They can take from 2 days to a week to show results. You cannot eat, drink, and rinse your teeth for about an hour after applying whitening pens because its gel washes away easily.
The results that whitening pens provide are minimal and usually not long-lasting.
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Whitening Strips
Whitening strips may vary in the number of treatments required before seeing the results. Some strips provide superior results that last up to 6 months.
For whitening teeth at home, whitening strips are one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments. Some brands use LED accelerator lights, providing more intense stain removal; some are more effective and easier to use than others.
Whitening strips contain peroxide for removing teeth stains and bleaching them. They may also be uncomfortable or harmful to teeth if you use them incorrectly or too often.
But if you use them correctly, high-quality whitening strips can remove extrinsic and mild intrinsic stains, making them whiter in color by bleaching teeth.
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Whitening Mouthwash
It can take more than three months to see any effect of brighter white teeth from whitening mouthwashes.
A whitening mouthwash generally contains hydrogen peroxide. You need to use a whitening mouthwash daily to remove small degrees of surface staining.
Whitening mouthwash is a better, prolonged, and more effective teeth-whitening option than whitening toothpaste, strips, or pens. But if you use it alone, its effects may not be dramatic and long-lasting.
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At-Home Whitening Gel Trays
At-home whitening gel trays start showing results in about one week, with maximum results seen in 3 to 4 weeks. The amount of whitening you see varies based on the length of time worn and the strength of the peroxide you use.
At-home, dentist-supervised whitening gel trays may give long-lasting results for a year or longer if you combine them with proper oral hygiene.
An expert dentist can fit your mouth in a custom-made tray to fill with gel whitener at home. The whitener your dentist provides is stronger than the type in over-the-counter products.
A dentist can supervise this treatment and guide you on how long and often you should use it. Sometimes, you may need to keep the tray on your teeth overnight or for several hours daily for a week or longer.
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In-Office Teeth Whitening (Chairside Bleaching)
If you maintain good oral hygiene, an in-office (or chairside) teeth whitening procedure can provide long-lasting results for 1 to 3 years or more.
This procedure is done in the dentist’s office and often requires only one visit. In-office tooth whitening procedure uses a strong bleaching agent, like highly-concentrated carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, and heat or light to accelerate the bleaching agent further.
Wondering How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last? Contact Valley Ridge Dental today!
At Valley Ridge Dental, we have many years of experience in treatment and brightening your smile. So if you wish to have a brighter, whiter smile, call our friendly team at (651) 439-0322 today!
