“How long does teeth whitening last?” This is a question that we hear quite often at our dental office. Maybe you just snuck a peak in the mirror to see intrinsic stains on your teeth. Perhaps your yellow teeth got rudely pointed out by a coworker or relative. Maybe you’ve even tried using teeth whitening toothpaste and teeth whitening kits with no resolve. Don’t worry, we are here to help you smile bright with a whiter smile!
In this article, we not only provide a detailed answer to the question “how long does teeth whitening last?” but also address the most common concerns and questions our patients have about the teeth whitening process, including the different types of stains, treatment options, and how to maintain your stunning results.
Why Are My Teeth Yellow? Understanding Tooth Discoloration
It is perfectly natural for your teeth to be slightly yellow. An increasing number of people are trying to get whiter teeth. Although this is a cosmetic concern, discoloration of teeth can indicate an underlying issue. Using whitening strips at home may not help if you are not addressing the right type of stain.
Before we get into answering how long teeth whitening lasts and checking teeth whitening treatments, let us first understand possible causes of tooth discoloration and how you can prevent it.
There are two major types of stains:
1) Extrinsic Stains On Your Teeth
This type of staining or discolouration of teeth occurs on the surface of the teeth. It can be caused by:
- Food & Drinks: Red wine, coffee, tea, spicy food, sodas, and acidic food contain pigments that could adhere to the enamel leading to surface stains.
- Tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco can leave stains on the enamel
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing or flossing adequately can also cause extrinsic stains.
2) Intrinsic Stains On Your Teeth
This type of stain develops inside the tooth structure.
- Aging: Your tooth enamel naturally thins over time, allowing the yellowish dentin underneath to show through.
- Trauma: Injury to your tooth can disrupt enamel formation and cause intrinsic stains.
- Medications: Certain antibiotics (like tetracycline) and antihistamines can cause tooth discoloration, especially for children whose teeth are still developing.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and treatments (like chemotherapy and radiation) can affect tooth color.
Some ways to maintain your white teeth or to prevent tooth discoloration from getting worse involve:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Limiting intake of stain causing food
- Quitting smoking and chewing tobacco
- Regular dental checkups
Teeth Whitening Treatment Options To Consider
Now that you understand the possible reasons your teeth aren’t perfectly white and how to maintain their health, it is time to dive deeper into how long does tooth whitening last by exploring some teeth whitening methods.
First things first, we want to clear the air about those trending at-home teeth whitening kits. When using those DIY teeth whitening methods, you should know these are not tailored for your unique set of teeth. You may not be using the right amount of gel and if you use too much, it could damage your teeth and gums.
At Lake Travis Dentistry, we provide both in-office and take-home treatments. Here’s a look at both options so that, along with your doctor’s advice, you can determine which one is best for you.
In-Office Treatments
In-office teeth whitening treatments are a safe and effective way to brighten up your smile.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Your dentist will use a shade chart to make it easier to measure your in-office teeth whitening results.
- They will show you the current shade before they start the procedure.
- Then, they will use a syringe to apply a high concentration hydrogen peroxide gel on the surface of your teeth
- Depending on the level of discolouration, a laser teeth whitening method, with LED, UV or halogen, might be combined with the whitening gel to speed up the process
- The process may be repeated several times during your appointment to achieve the desired results.
You can expect to see a noticeable improvement in your tooth color immediately after the treatment. At Lake Travis we also provide a same-day, two-hour teeth whitening procedure. When you compare the cost of in-office teeth whitening with the cost of veneers or Invisalign®, you’ll notice that you get the “most bang for your buck” in the shortest amount of time.
Take-Home Treatments
For the take-home treatments, you will have to come into the clinic once. Here’s what to expect:
- Our dentists will capture your teeth impressions to make custom teeth whitening trays which would resemble soft gel retainers
- We will then securely fit you with the trays and guide you on at-home instructions for applying the tooth whitening gels—which you must follow to the letter!
- Once you go home, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene at home along with following the at-home instructions.
You will see gradual whitening with results lasting several months up to a year. If you feel that you would not be able to follow the instructions for whatsoever reason, please opt for the in-office treatments and our dental team will take care of it for you.
Addressing Common Concerns About Teeth Whitening
Even after learning about the treatment options, you may be hesitant to take the next step. Let’s look at some of the most common concerns patients have.
Duration Of Whitening Effects
For those of you wondering how long does teeth whitening last, both treatments can last several months, up to a year. It depends on how well you take care of your teeth after the procedure (more details coming up). The results are visible immediately for in-office bleaching and will gradually increase for take-home treatments.
Cost Of Teeth Whitening Treatments
While in-office teeth whitening treatments are priced higher than take-home teeth whitening treatments, the results will show immediately. If considering the take-home treatment, you must be disciplined enough to follow the instructions given by our dental team every day and take the utmost care of your oral health.
At Lake Travis Family Dentistry we have a membership program designed to simplify how you access and pay for your dental care. With this program, you can enjoy:
- Limitless savings on most services
- Instant enrollment online or at our office
- No waiting periods—your member savings begin immediately
- Pay less, get more—never pay a deductible again
- Low membership fees—say goodbye to confusing dental insurance
As a member, you’ll also receive:
- Free exams
- Free X-rays
- Free routine cleanings
- 1 oral cancer screening
- 10% off Zoom whitening
- Up to 10% off all other services
- No waiting periods or maximums
Potential Side Effects & Risks
Patients may experience some temporary tooth sensitivity during or after the in-office treatment, but this is usually managed by the dentist immediately. At-home whitening is less likely to cause sensitive teeth as the concentration of the whitening agents is generally lower than in-office treatments.
However, it is best to avoid or limit your intake of very hot or cold food during the course of treatment. Please contact your dentist immediately if you experience persistent teeth sensitivity after the treatment.
FAQs
What is the difference between professional teeth whitening treatments and whitening products available over the counter?
Professional teeth whitening treatments use higher concentrations of bleaching agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, and are administered by a dental hygienist or dentist. Over-the-counter whitening products have lower concentrations of the whitening agent and may not provide the same level of teeth whitening results.
Can professional teeth whitening treatments damage my teeth or cause sensitivity?
When performed by a qualified dental professional, teeth whitening treatments are generally safe. However, some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation due to the bleaching agents used. Your dentist will take precautions, such as using a protective barrier, to minimize these risks and ensure your comfort during the treatment.
How can I maintain my teeth whitening results and prevent staining?
To maintain your newly whitened teeth, avoid or limit your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and acidic foods. Brush twice a day, floss regularly, and consider using a whitening toothpaste or getting touch-up treatments as recommended by your dentist. Following your dentist’s instructions for post-treatment care is crucial for long-lasting results.
Are there any specific foods or drinks I should avoid immediately after getting my teeth whitened?
After your teeth whitening treatment, it’s best to avoid or limit your intake of foods and drinks that can cause staining for at least 24-48 hours. These include coffee, tea, red wine, certain foods like berries, dark-colored sauces, and other foods with strong pigments. Your dental hygienist can provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid to help you maintain your desired shade.
How often can I get professional teeth whitening treatments to maintain my desired shade?
The frequency of professional teeth whitening treatments depends on your individual needs, the type of treatment you choose (in-office or take-home), and how well you maintain your results. Your dentist will assess your teeth and recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you. Generally, touch-up treatments can be done every 6-12 months to maintain your desired shade, but this may vary depending on your lifestyle and habits.
Will teeth whitening work on all types of stains, including intrinsic stains?
Teeth whitening is most effective on extrinsic stains, which are surface stains caused by factors like food, drinks, and tobacco use. Intrinsic stains, which develop inside the tooth structure due to aging, medications, or trauma, may not respond as well to whitening treatments. Your dentist can help determine the type of stains you have and recommend the best course of treatment, which may include alternative options like veneers or bonding for intrinsic stains.
Is there an age limit for getting professional teeth whitening treatments, and can it be done on dental work?
There is no specific age limit for professional teeth whitening treatments, but it’s generally recommended for adults. Teeth whitening may not be suitable for children and teenagers whose teeth are still developing.
Additionally, teeth whitening treatments only work on natural teeth and will not affect the color of dental work such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Your dentist can tell you more about how long does teeth whitening last and advise you on whether teeth whitening is appropriate for you based on your age, dental health, and any existing dental work.
Key Takeaways On Teeth Whitening
If you are considering teeth whitening or have more questions about how long does teeth whitening last, we encourage you to seek professional advice and guidance. Follow good oral hygiene practices for a brighter smile and use the maintenance techniques recommended in this article to preserve your white teeth. Also, remember to always take proper care after undergoing a whitening treatment.
At Lake Travis Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that achieving a whiter smile is important to you. That’s why we offer professional teeth whitening treatments tailored to your unique needs and goals. Our experienced team of dentists and dental hygienists are dedicated to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams in just two hours.To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please book your appointment online. We look forward to helping you achieve a brighter, more confident smile.
