The duration of teeth whitening varies depending on the individual’s oral hygiene habits, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors. Typically, teeth whitening can last from several months up to a year or more.
However, this also depends on the type of whitening treatment used, such as in-office professional teeth whitening, at-home whitening kits, or natural remedies.
The duration of teeth whitening can also be affected by habits such as smoking, consuming staining foods and drinks, and poor oral hygiene.
However, many people wonder how long the effects of teeth whitening last.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens the color of your teeth.
There are two main types of teeth whitening: in-office whitening and at-home whitening.
In-office whitening is done at a dental office and typically takes about an hour to complete.
How long does it take to whiten teeth? In-chair vs at home teeth whitening
At-home teeth whitening
At-home teeth whitening involves using a teeth whitening kit that can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a dentist.
The kit typically contains a bleaching agent in the form of a gel or strips that are applied to the teeth using trays that are custom-fitted to your teeth.
The bleaching agent used in at-home teeth whitening kits is typically less concentrated than what is used in the dental office.
This means that it may take longer to achieve the desired level of teeth whitening, and you may need to use the kit for several days or weeks to see significant results.
In-office teeth whitening
In-office teeth whitening is performed by a dentist or dental hygienist using a stronger bleaching agent than what is available in at-home kits.
The bleaching agent is applied to the teeth and activated with a special light, which accelerates the whitening process.
In-office teeth whitening typically takes less time to achieve results than at-home teeth whitening.
Depending on the severity of the staining, the procedure can take 1-2 hours and may require more than one visit to the dental office.
Consulting with a dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatment is important.
Your dentist can assess the current condition of your teeth and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
They can also provide advice on how to maintain your oral health during and after the teeth whitening process.
Tips to prolong the effects of teeth whitening
There are several steps you can take to extend the life of your teeth whitening treatment.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth: Avoid consuming foods cause deep stains. Food such as coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and berries. If you do consume these items, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward.
- Use a straw: When drinking beverages that can stain your teeth, use a straw. This is to minimize contact between the liquid and your teeth.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and prevent stains from forming.
- Use whitening toothpaste: Use a whitening toothpaste to help remove surface stains and keep your teeth looking bright.
- Consider touch-up treatments: Consider touch-up treatments every six months to a year to maintain the brightness of your teeth.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can cause yellowing of teeth, so quitting smoking can help keep your teeth looking white.
- Regular dental checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure the health of your teeth and to discuss any concerns about teeth discoloration. Your dentist can recommend treatments to maintain your white smile.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding staining foods and drinks, and scheduling touch-up treatments can all help extend the life of your teeth whitening.
At Every Smile Dentistry, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments and guidance on maintaining your oral health. Take charge of your smile today and schedule a consultation with us!
