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Do you wish your smile looked whiter and brighter when you look in the mirror? Teeth whitening can be a great way to refresh your appearance, whether you have a special event coming up or simply want to improve the look of your teeth. We offer expert teeth whitening services at our Rochester dental office, and one of the most frequently asked questions about the service is: how long does teeth whitening last?
The answer is…it depends. Several factors can affect your results, including the type of procedure you choose and how you care for your teeth afterward. Let’s take a closer look at how long results typically last, what can shorten (or extend!) your results, and the simple steps you can take to keep your smile looking its brightest.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last in General?
Teeth whitening doesn’t last forever. However, the good news is that those dazzling results can last for quite a while, especially with the proper care. On average, you can expect teeth whitening to last for several months, and occasionally up to three years.
Professional in-office whitening tends to deliver the longest-lasting results, thanks to stronger whitening agents and expert application. The over-the-counter options available at local stores, such as whitening strips or specialized toothpastes, typically offer only modest results and may require more frequent touch-ups.
Take-home trays provided by a dentist can be a good middle ground between professional whitening and over-the-counter options. They are more effective than store-bought solutions and are relatively easy to use.
However, if you want the whitest, brightest smile possible, professional whitening by your dentist is simply the best option. Most people benefit from a touch-up treatment every six to twelve months, making it easy to incorporate into your regular professional dental cleaning schedule. Your dentist can help you decide the best routine for your smile and your goals.
What Affects How Long Whitening Results Last?
Several factors play a role in how long your teeth stay white after a treatment. Some are within your control, but not all of them. Here are some things that could affect your smile’s bright white shine:
- Type of whitening treatment: As mentioned above, in-office whitening treatments typically last longer than other options.
- Diet and lifestyle: Coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and tobacco products commonly stain teeth and can affect the brightness of your smile.
- Oral hygiene: Brushing twice daily, flossing every day, and keeping up with your regular dental cleanings can help extend the results.
- Your natural teeth: Some people are more prone to staining on their teeth due to genetics or the health of their enamel.
Some Tips to Help Your Bright Smile Last Longer
Want to make your whitening treatment last longer? Here’s how to make the most of your treatment:
- Limit dark, staining food and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Use a straw when drinking beverages to limit their contact with your teeth.
- Rinse with water after meals, especially after eating acidic foods.
- Brush and floss consistently to remove plaque and prevent new stains.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings to keep teeth polished and healthy.
- Ask your dentist about touch-up options to help maintain your results.
So, how long does teeth whitening last? In some ways, it’s up to you! The better your daily oral hygiene habits are, the longer you’ll enjoy that brighter, whiter smile.
A Whiter Smile Starts with the Right Care
If you’re looking for long-lasting teeth whitening in the Rochester area, we’re here to help. Full Heart Dentistry offers gentle, professional whitening options that deliver noticeable, lasting results. Our team will walk you through your options and recommend a solution to help you meet your smile goals. We understand the difference a smile makeover can make to your confidence—we’re committed to helping you achieve the results you want to see in the mirror.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your teeth whitening options.