How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

A bright and radiant smile is often associated with good oral health. Teeth whitening treatments have gained popularity in Canada, as they offer a way to change natural discolouration or staining into a bright shine. If you're considering teeth whitening, one important question to consider is: How long do the results last?

The answer varies depending on the type of treatment used. An in-office whitening treatment from a dentist typically provides results for anywhere between 6 months to 2 years, while at-home kits typically last a few months. It’s important to note that lifestyle plays a large part in the success of teeth whitening treatments, along with practicing proper oral care.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening works by using bleaching agents to remove stains and discolouration from the surface of your teeth. The 2 most common agents used are:

Hydrogen peroxide
Carbamide peroxide

These products, whether applied by a dentist, an at-home kit, or through the use of specialty oral care products, break down the molecules that cause stains on your teeth. This can lead to a brighter smile.

What Are the Different Types of Teeth Whitening?

There are 3 primary types of teeth whitening services available:

Dentist-provided teeth whitening
At-home kits
Teeth whitening toothpaste, floss, or mouthwash

Professional Teeth Whitening

A dental visit for teeth whitening involves professional treatment performed by a dentist or hygienist. During one of these sessions, they will apply a high-concentration bleaching agent to your teeth before activating it with a special light or laser. These sessions typically produce almost-immediate results.

At-Home Kits

At-home whitening kits are available both from a dentist and over the counter. These kits contain a universal fit rubber tray and whitening gels with a lower carbamide concentration than that available during a dental session. These trays are worn for a specific period of time each day for a few weeks.

Teeth-Whitening Toothpaste, Floss, & Mouthwash

Whitening toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash act as a non-bleach alternative to help remove surface stains. Rather than using a bleaching agent, they contain certain abrasive materials or special chemicals that help work stain removal into your oral care routine.

While these products can offer results, they typically only last as long as you continue using them daily.

What Affects the Results of Teeth Whitening?

There are several factors that can influence the effects of teeth whitening, with the largest influence being your overall lifestyle. While stained or yellow teeth are natural, there are many things you may be doing every day that could be causing your teeth to be more discoloured than normal.

Your unique daily habits play a big part in the colour of your teeth. For example, if you smoke or often drink dark liquids, this can significantly affect the natural colour of your teeth. The same thing goes if you often drink tea, coffee, or red wine—these all contain tannins that can stain your teeth.

Your overall oral care routine contributes to this as well. It’s essential to maintain your oral health as recommended by your dentist to keep your teeth bright and white.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?

The length of time the results last greatly depends on both the factors above and the type of treatment you use.

Usually, if you visit a dentist for a professional teeth whitening session, results will last anywhere between 6 months to roughly 2 years. Since these sessions are performed by an experienced professional, they’re usually much more in-depth and effective at whitening your teeth, leading to longer-lasting results.

On the other hand, an at-home kit can last between a few months to a year or so, but this can be extended with proper maintenance or continued usage of the kits.

How to Improve the Results of Teeth Whitening

In order to prolong the results of teeth whitening, there are several steps you can take:

Practice good oral hygiene. It helps to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste 2 times a day for 2 minutes at a time, then floss and use an antibacterial mouthwash. If you use products designed to whiten your teeth, this can help them last longer.
Try to avoid foods and drinks that will stain your teeth, like berries, red wine, or coffee. If you do consume these foods and drinks, rinse your mouth afterwards with water and brush your teeth.
Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.

However, the best way to maintain the results of teeth whitening is by visiting a dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

Dental Care in Alberta

If you’re in need of a dentist in St. Albert, come visit us for an appointment at Green Grove Dental. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help you with your teeth-whitening needs, and we can also give you advice on your oral care.