How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last? What to Expect and How to Extend It

Key Takeaways:

• Teeth whitening can last anywhere from a few months to a few years.
• Results vary depending on lifestyle, oral hygiene, and the whitening method used.
• Professional treatments typically last longer than over-the-counter options.
• Avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks helps extend results.
• Island Tower Dentistry offers custom whitening options for long-lasting results.

Teeth whitening is a big business and is growing rapidly, as evidenced by a study that forecasts the annual market will reach approximately $8.5 billion by 2028, with a 4.3% compound annual growth rate from its current valuation of $6.6 billion. The study notes that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments because it “offers a quick, non-invasive and affordable way to improve a smile.”

As one of the most noticeable facial features, just about everyone is interested in displaying their best when they smile, and whiter teeth enhance attractiveness, confidence, and youthfulness. At the same time, the natural whiteness and brightness of our smile are constantly degraded due to diet, lifestyle choices, medication, genetics, and aging. Thus, the size and growth of the teeth whitening market.

However, with several different options, how long does teeth whitening last?

With teeth whitening expertise, the dental professionals at Island Tower Dentistry in Marco Island, Florida, will inform you that the outcome mainly depends on the patient’s chosen whitening method and their attention to aftercare. Depending on the type of teeth whitening treatment and follow-up care, the results can last anywhere from a few days to several years.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last by Treatment Type?

Whitening Toothpaste

While it can barely be called a “treatment” per se, brushing with teeth whitening toothpaste is the least effective option for teeth whitening, providing short-term results that last only a few days. These toothpastes contain mild abrasives and sometimes low concentrations of whitening agents, which remove surface stains, but can’t penetrate deeper to reach discoloration within the enamel. A whitening toothpaste may lighten teeth by a shade, which is minimal compared to other treatments, which can achieve four to eight shades of improvement. That said, a whitening toothpaste is a good option to use as part of your teeth whitening aftercare regimen.

Over-the-Counter Kits

Found in pharmacies and grocery stores, over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening kits are far more effective than whitening toothpastes, as they can reach deeper discoloration within the enamel. They offer brightening results that can last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the product and proper aftercare. With active whitening agent concentrations ranging from 5% to 15%, OTC kits are available in various forms, including strips, gels, or trays, which must be applied to the teeth for 30 minutes to two hours daily for up to two weeks, depending on the type and concentration of the whitening ingredient. OTC results vary widely due to product type and tooth condition, but can effectively lighten teeth by two to six shades.

Custom Take-Home Trays

Many dental professionals, including those at Island Tower Dentistry, offer their patients convenient take-home teeth whitening trays. These products are a step above OTC whitening trays because they contain higher concentrations of whitening agents and are precisely customized to fit over the patient’s teeth, ensuring full tooth coverage. As with OTC trays, Custom take-home trays lighten teeth by four to eight shades, with results typically lasting from six months to two years, depending on lifestyle factors and aftercare diligence. To maximize duration, your dentist may provide you with additional gel to perform periodic touch-up treatments.

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening

In-office professional teeth whitening is by far the fastest, most effective, and dramatic teeth whitening option. Not only does in-office teeth whitening use the highest concentration of whitening agent, but your dentist can also customize the treatment to address distinct discoloration and stains more effectively, ensure comfort, and optimize whitening results. Most in-office teeth whitening treatments can be conducted in a single 60- to 90-minute session, which lightens teeth by six to 10 shades and lasts up to three years. As with other whitening treatments, aftercare, lifestyle factors, and other issues can shorten the duration.

What Affects How Long Whitening Results Last

We’ve emphasized that regardless of which whitening option you choose, aftercare is essential for maintaining your results. If you do not remain vigilant with your oral hygiene, stains will return, and your teeth will darken. Your lifestyle choices are critical, too. If you smoke or chew tobacco, it will quickly undo any whitening treatment. What you eat and drink can also have an impact. Just consider the color of what you eat and drink, and know that some, especially coffee, tea, colas, red wine, and berries, will naturally adhere to and stain your teeth. The condition of your enamel and natural tooth color also plays a role in whitening longevity. Teeth enamel that’s in poor shape will be more prone to darkening, and natural yellow-toned teeth tend to stay whiter and brighter after treatment than grayish-toned ones. Lastly, be aware that certain medications, including some antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, chemotherapy drugs, and iron supplements, can discolor teeth despite recent teeth whitening. Additionally, one’s age can contribute to faster discoloration.

How to Make Your Whitening Last Longer

Vigilant attention to oral hygiene is the best way to maintain the longevity of your teeth whitening treatment. Other actions you can take to maximize the duration of your treatment include:

• Avoid foods and drinks likely to cause staining.
• Immediately brush your teeth or at least rinse after consuming potentially stain-causing food and drinks.
• Use a straw with dark beverages.
• Use a whitening toothpaste.
• Conduct touch-up treatments as needed.

Extend Your Teeth Whitening with Professional Treatment

To ensure the best results from your teeth whitening efforts in Naples, go the professional route with Island Tower Dentistry. For the most extended duration of whitening, we offer an in-office service guaranteed to brighten your smile for years, and also provide highly effective take-home whitening trays customized for your unique teeth. To further enhance the beauty of your smile, we offer a Smile Analysis to patients in Southwest Florida, assessing every element that contributes to its attractiveness and determining if other treatments can improve upon it. If you’re ready to transform your smile with professional teeth whitening and/or smile analysis, contact us today at 239-394-1004 to book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening