A bright, white smile is something we all love because it shows health and happiness. But as we get older, our teeth can get stained or change colour. That’s where teeth whitening comes in—it helps make your smile shine again! But how long does teeth whitening last?
In this article, we’ll talk about different types of teeth whitening, how long they last, and how you can keep your teeth looking bright for a long time.
Let’s dive in!
Types Of Teeth Whitening Treatments
There are different teeth-whitening methods. Some work faster, while others are more gradual. Let’s take a closer look at each of these whitening procedures.
Professional Teeth Whitening
A dental expert performs professional teeth-whitening treatment, also called in-office whitening. This treatment uses a strong teeth-whitening gel like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
A dental professional may use a specific laser light to help the whitening gel work even better.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
If you like doing things at home, you can use at-home professional teeth whitening kits. These kits come with things like custom trays, whitening gel, or whitening strips.
Whitening Toothpaste And Mouthwash
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are easy to use and help remove surface stains from your teeth. They work by gently polishing your teeth, making them look brighter.
Yet, these products don’t change the colour of your teeth. They’re best used after professional whitening or at-home whitening to help keep your teeth looking bright.
Whitening Pens And Strips
Whitening pens and strips are another option for whitening your teeth at home. Whitening pens have a solution you can apply directly to your teeth.
Factors That Affect How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts
When you whiten your teeth, you want them to stay bright for as long as possible. Yet, some things can make the whitening last longer or shorter.
Here are the factors that can affect how long your teeth-whitening results last.
Oral Hygiene Habits
Taking good care of your teeth is one of the most important things to do after whitening. Brushing your teeth twice with fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day, and going for check-ups will help you keep your teeth clean.
Diet And Lifestyle Choices
The foods and drinks can influence how long your teeth whitening results last. Some things can stain your teeth and make them look dull again, like:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Curries
- Berries
To keep your smile white, try to limit these foods or drinks. If you can’t avoid them, brushing your teeth soon after eating or drinking can help keep stains away.
Smoking And Tobacco Use
Smoking or using tobacco can cause surface stains on your teeth. These stains can build up and make your teeth look yellow or dull.
Tobacco use can also shorten the life of whitening treatments. If you stop smoking, your teeth can stay healthier and whiter for longer.
The Condition Of Your Tooth Enamel
Your tooth enamel, the layer of your teeth, is important in how long whitening lasts. If you have thinner enamel or deep stains, it might be harder for the whitening to last as long.
Teeth with healthy enamel tend to stay white for a longer time. Visits to dental professionals and oral hygiene habits will help safeguard your enamel and keep your teeth looking their best.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening treatments last for different amounts of time, depending on the type of treatment you choose. Let’s see how long each kind of teeth-whitening treatment works and how you can keep your smile bright for longer. 
- Professional Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening gives the longest results. After treatment with a dentist, your teeth can stay white for 6 months to 2 years. How long it lasts depends on how well you care for your teeth.
- At-Home Whitening Kits: At-home whitening kits last about 3 to 6 months. These kits are less expensive but don’t last as long as professional treatments. The results vary based on the product and how often you use it.
- Whitening Toothpaste And Mouthwash: Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash help keep your teeth looking bright but don’t give long-lasting results. They work best when used daily to remove surface stains.
- Whitening Pens And Strips: Whitening pens and strips are good for quick touch-ups but don’t last long. They are best used between professional whitening treatments.
How To Maintain Your Teeth Whitening Results
Now that you know how to get a bright, white smile, you probably want to keep it that way for as long as possible.
We will share some tips on how to maintain your results and keep your smile shining bright.
Practise Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is important to keep teeth looking white. Brushing and flossing your teeth helps prevent plaque and remove surface stains.
Visiting your dentist for check-ups also helps keep your teeth healthy and bright.
Touch-Up Treatments
Touch-up treatments are a great way to keep your teeth white after your first whitening treatment.
To refresh your smile and keep it looking fresh, you can use whitening toothpaste, strips, or an at-home gel tray.
Avoid Staining Foods And Beverages
Foods and drinks, like coffee and red wine, will stain your teeth. By limiting these or brushing your teeth soon after eating or drinking them, you can help your teeth stay white for longer.
Professional Touch-Ups
If your teeth start to lose their whiteness, a professional touch-up may help. Your dentist can suggest the best way to restore your bright smile, whether it’s with another in-office treatment or an at-home kit.
In-Chair Teeth Whitening: What To Expect
In-chair teeth whitening is a treatment done at your dentist’s office. It’s quick and can give you noticeable results in just one visit. Before starting, your dentist will make sure your teeth and gums are ready for the dental treatment.
During the procedure, your dentist will add a whitening gel to your teeth. A laser light might be used to help the gel work better and make your teeth whiter faster.
The procedure is precise, and you’ll be sitting in a chair while the whitening gel works. The whole process takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
After The Treatment
After the treatment, you might feel some sensitivity in your teeth. This is normal and should go away in a few days.
Your dentist can suggest tips to help with any discomfort, like using toothpaste for sensitive teeth. You will also see that your teeth are whiter right after the treatment!
Risks Of Overusing An Over-The-Counter Bleaching Agent
While over-the-counter teeth-whitening products like strips, gels, and toothpaste can help whiten teeth, using them too much can cause problems. 
Tooth Sensitivity
Using whitening products too often can make your teeth feel sensitive. This means your teeth may hurt or feel uncomfortable when you eat hot, cold, or sweet foods. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid this issue.
Damaged Enamel
Overusing whitening treatments can also damage tooth enamel. Enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth. If it becomes weakened, teeth may become more prone to cavities and staining.
Gum Irritation
Whitening products can lead to irritation to your gums if they come into contact with them too often. This can lead to redness, swelling, or soreness in your gums.
Using Whitening Products Correctly
To avoid these risks, it’s best to use whitening products as directed and not overdo it. If you have concerns or experience discomfort, talk to your dentist. They can help guide you on the most suitable way to whiten your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I whiten my teeth if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, you can! There are whitening options made for sensitive teeth. Ask your dentist about good ways to whiten without discomfort.
How often can I use at-home whitening products?
The frequency of using at-home whitening products depends on the specific product. Always follow the instructions the manufacturer provides or ask your dentist for guidance to avoid overuse and potential damage to your teeth.
Can teeth whitening work on crowns, fillings, or veneers?
No, whitening treatments typically only work on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, fillings, and veneers won’t change colour, so it’s important to consider how these dental restorations will match your new smile after whitening.
Is it possible to whiten your teeth with braces?
It’s best to wait until your braces are removed before whitening your teeth. Whitening while wearing braces can lead to uneven whitening because the areas under the brackets are protected from the whitening gel.
Can kids or teenagers use teeth-whitening products?
Teeth whitening is not recommended for children or teenagers whose teeth are still developing. It is important to talk to a dentist before using any whitening products at a young age.
Will whitening treatments work for everyone?
Most people will see results from teeth whitening, but some individuals with darker stains or sensitive teeth may need other solutions like veneers or crowns. Your dental professional can help identify the best option for your needs.
How much does professional teeth whitening cost?
The cost of professional whitening can vary depending on where you go and the treatment used. Check with your dentist to get an exact price.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
No, teeth whitening results are not permanent. Over time, teeth can be stained again due to food, drinks, or lifestyle habits. Yet, you can maintain your bright smile longer by practising good oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods.
Can I eat or drink right after a teeth whitening treatment?
It’s recommended to avoid eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, or red wine, for at least 24 to 48 hours after whitening. Your teeth are more porous right after treatment, and these foods can cause new stains.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening is a great way to make your smile brighter and more beautiful. But it’s important to know what to expect and take care of your teeth to keep them looking their best for as long as possible.
If you’re thinking about whitening your teeth, talk to your dentist. They can help you choose the best treatment for your needs and guide you through each step. You can get the bright smile you’ve always wanted with the right advice and care!
Ready for a brighter smile? Contact Advanced Dental Care today at (02) 6188 7103 to learn more about teeth whitening and how it can help you!
Our friendly team in Dubbo is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process of getting the radiant smile you’ve always wanted.
Sources
Watson S. What to Expect from Professional Teeth Whitening [Internet]. Verywell Health. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-is-professional-in-office-teeth-whitening-done-1059032
WebMD Editorial Contributors. Tooth Discoloration [Internet]. WebMD. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tooth-discoloration
Johnson J. Hydrogen Peroxide for Teeth Whitening: What To Know [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326148
Shinde E. Professional Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need To Know [Internet]. Forbes Health. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/health/dental/professional-teeth-whitening/
