How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

As the popularity of at-home teeth whitening continues to grow, the logical question of just how long the effects will last comes to mind.

How long does teeth whitening last?

As expected, the answers vary depending on the teeth whitening products and whether it’s done at home, or by a professional. Assumptions are always dangerous, but we will go out on a limb here and assume that those reading this understand and adhere to basic oral hygiene. Check out this great article if you need current oral hygiene tips.

Regular brushing and flossing are key to not only whitening teeth, but also extending the time they look whiter after any teeth whitening procedure. Take that into account as we go through how long teeth whitening products can make your teeth look whiter.

Professional Teeth Whitening Procedures

It’s well documented just how expensive professional teeth whitening is. Some are under the assumption that professionally whitening your teeth makes them stay white much longer. This is not the case.

Often, people find that they have to schedule a teeth whitening appointment every other month to keep the same level of whiteness that they expect. This is exorbitantly time consuming and expensive. There are much better alternatives.

Whitening Toothpaste

Regular brushing, at least twice a day, using a reputable whitening toothpaste will show results in 2 to 6 weeks. Much depends on factors such as diet, lifestyle, and your teeth themselves. Make sure to find a whitening paste that has an active whitening ingredient.

The most common and effective bleaching tool that most use is hydrogen peroxide. This is a safe way to whiten teeth - as long as the product instructions are read and followed.

How long do whitening toothpastes last?

Studies have shown they can be effective for up to 3 to 4 months. This depends on the quality nature of the product. 

Whitening Mouthwash

Whitening mouthwashes use active ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide, to lighten teeth - but at a much more diluted level. They take much longer to take effect. It may take up to 6 months to see any results when using whitening mouthwash alone.

Whitening mouthwashes are best used in conjunction with other teeth whitening products. They can help extend or prolong the effects of other procedures such as brushing with whitening toothpaste or using teeth whitening strips.

Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips are the most effective over-the-counter teeth whitening products available. They are quick and easy to use, and they work. Most dentists and dental hygienists won’t talk about them too much, as they can make seeing a dental professional irrelevant outside of regular cleanings and extensive emergency procedures. Whitening strips should be applied to the teeth after brushing and flossing. This ensures that most of the accumulated food and bacteria is removed.

Depending on the brand, application of the strips is quick and the procedure can take only a few minutes. A good teeth whitening strip brand will contain a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, to help whiten the teeth. The active ingredient will lift stains and discolouration from the enamel.

We are big fans of Bliss Whitening Strips. You can check out our lineup of quality and safe teeth whitening products here. Whitening effects from Bliss Whitening Strips can last up to 6 months.

Whitening Pens

Teeth whitening pens are used for spot stain removals. They are tubes of whitening gel that contain some kind of active teeth whitening ingredient. Their effectiveness is hard to measure, as they target stains that are almost impossible to lift. Remember that teeth whitening is effective on the enamel of our teeth - cavities, aging, infection, trauma and medication all leave stains that are almost impossible to remove.

We value teeth whitening pens much in the same way that using whitening mouthwash can help. Both will show limited results used on their own - but both can help extend or prolong teeth whiteness when used together with other more effective teeth whitening procedures.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening can be likened to many other beneficially hygienic or healthy lifestyle changes. Most, like diets or exercising, are simple to do but take dedication and motivation - a certain stubbornness - to succeed. Following instructions when using any teeth whitening products is essential. As with exercising or switching diets, following a routine and guidelines will help manage expectations.

Teeth whitening products are safe and effective. Make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day. Follow instructions as to not overexpose your teeth to too much bleaching agents. Paying thousands of dollars to consistently have a professional whiten your teeth is now simply an unnecessary procedure of the past.