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Ask any dental practice what their most requested treatment is, and many will tell you it is teeth whitening, one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today. When carried out by a dental professional, teeth whitening is safe, effective, and affordable. However, another frequently asked question is how long a teeth-whitening treatment will last. The answer can depend on several factors, but the truth is that no treatment will last forever.
Knowing how teeth whitening works can help you understand the factors that influence how long a treatment lasts and how you might prolong its effects. First, let’s look at why teeth discolor.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
There are numerous reasons why teeth can discolor.
Factors that can cause discoloration include:
- Smoking. The nicotine in cigarettes sticks to teeth, so they start to look yellow and discolored.
- Food and beverage choices. Certain foods and beverages are more likely to stain than others. These include tea, coffee, red wine, and tomato-based sauces.
- Age. As you age, your teeth begin to look yellower, grayer, or even slightly purple-hued. This is because your tooth enamel becomes thinner, so more of your real tooth color in the dentin underneath is exposed.
- Genetics. Some people’s teeth are naturally darker, which is simply down to genetics.
- Medications. Some medicines, particularly tetracycline, can cause staining if taken during childhood when your teeth are still developing.
- Fluoride exposure. Although fluoride is an extremely useful mineral, exposure to an excess amount while teeth are still developing can cause lacy white or even brown or black stains to develop on teeth, a condition called fluorosis.
- Dental trauma or infection. If you suffer some form of dental trauma or have an infected tooth, it can affect the tooth nerve, causing internal discoloration in the tooth.
Tooth staining can be extrinsic (external) or intrinsic (internal). External staining includes discoloration caused by food and beverages or by smoking. Intrinsic stains include those caused by medications, excess fluoride, and trauma.
Generally, external stains respond well to a professional tooth whitening treatment. Internal stains may require a different approach, such as bleaching the tooth internally or covering it with a veneer.
Related article: 3 Types of Tooth Stains and How to Remove Them
Methods of Teeth Whitening
There are two ways to whiten your teeth: use an over-the-counter product or have your dentist professionally whiten them.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Solutions
Options include:
- Whitening toothpaste.
- Whitening mouthwash.
- Bleaching strips.
- Whitening pens.
Whitening toothpaste can be slightly abrasive or may contain a low concentration of bleach. It can make a slight difference to the color of your teeth, but the results will not be dramatic. Whitening mouthwash will contain a low concentration of bleach. Because it is only in contact with your teeth for a short while, the effect will be minimal.
Bleaching strips are impregnated with bleach and applied directly to teeth. These can produce reasonable results but must be used correctly. It can be tempting to overuse them or leave them on for too long, but this could damage teeth and cause discomfort or pain.
Whitening pens are small pens containing a bleach gel that can be painted onto teeth. These provide minimal results at best since the gel is soon rinsed away when you eat or drink anything, or by saliva.
Professional Whitening Solutions
Professional teeth whitening solutions are the most effective solution and will provide the longest-lasting results.
Options include:
- In-office teeth whitening.
- Custom home whitening kits.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
This treatment is the fastest and most effective, so you will see your teeth lighten by several shades during an appointment lasting an hour or more. Professional-strength whitening gel is painted onto teeth and can be light-activated to help it penetrate tooth enamel more effectively.
Your dentist might remove and reapply the gel several times to achieve the desired results. After this teeth whitening treatment, your teeth will continue to whiten for several days afterward.
Custom Home Whitening Kits
A home whitening kit provided by your dentist includes custom-fit whitening trays for your teeth. You fill these trays with prescription-strength whitening gel. This gel is carbamide peroxide, which is safe and stable enough for home use.
Your dentist will advise you on how to fill, insert, and remove the trays, and how long to leave them in each time. You can wear them for just a few hours daily, or leave them in overnight. It usually takes two or more weeks to achieve the desired results.
Some people will use both professional teeth whitening methods to achieve an optimal outcome, and a home whitening kit can be reused later to top up the results.
So, How Long Will My Teeth Whitening Treatment Last?
Several factors will affect how long your teeth whitening treatment lasts, and it is largely down to your lifestyle habits. For example, if you smoke, you can expect your teeth to begin staining sooner than a non-smoker. If you love a strong coffee, then it will also stain your teeth.
You can expect a professional tooth whitening treatment to last six months to a year, or longer. Your dentist can let you know when you can safely top up the results.
The Dangers of Overusing Teeth Whitening Products
It is important not to whiten your teeth too frequently, as it won’t achieve the desired results. When you overwhiten your teeth, you can end up with teeth that look gray, lifeless, and slightly translucent at the tips or biting edge. You can cause permanent damage to teeth.
Strategies to Help Teeth Whitening Treatments Last Longer
There are various ways to make your teeth whitening treatment last longer, including:
- Professional dental cleanings. A professional dental cleaning is a great preventive treatment, as it helps you maintain healthy teeth and gums more easily. Part of this treatment is to gently polish your teeth, which can help to remove some surface stains, so afterward, your teeth will look a bit brighter.
- Rinse after eating. After eating a meal, get in the habit of rinsing your mouth with plain water, especially if you have eaten something more likely to stain your teeth. Rinsing with water will help remove loose food particles that could otherwise cause staining.
- Practice good oral care. Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day. Flossing is important because it removes food particles trapped between your teeth and helps to prevent tartar buildup. Tartar buildup can look yellow and crusty and is another reason for having your teeth cleaned professionally.
At VITAdent, our dentists can recommend the whitening method suited to your teeth and lifestyle, whether that’s an in-office treatment or a custom take-home kit. Contact us at (718) 766-0002 or schedule an appointment online to find out which option is right for you.