How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?

Many things can contribute to the stains and discolorations that find their way onto teeth, such as poor dental hygiene, acidic foods, certain beverages, and medications. In the quest to rediscover their pearly whites, many have sought whitening treatments from their dentist. 

Professional teeth whitening can leave you with teeth that are shades brighter in a relatively short amount of time. But how long will your bright smile stick around? Let’s find out. 

Advantages of Teeth Whitening

Investing in your teeth and undergoing a whitening treatment can leave you with incredible benefits. Not only you will have beautiful teeth that will make you want to smile more, but you will also —

• Get results fast
• See teeth turn shades lighter
• Enhance your overall appearance
• Feel more confident in all aspects of life
• Improve your quality of life
• Have better oral health and overall health
• Get even, thorough whitening

It doesn’t matter whether you choose to have your professional teeth whitening done in the office or at home, you can still take advantage of all of these things. 

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last? 

While the benefits may sound great, how long will they stick around? How long does professional teeth whitening last? After all, you want to be able to enjoy them for as long as possible. 

Most patients can enjoy their whitening results for about 1 to 2 years following treatment, but this can vary. Some may only shine bright for six months whereas others may have results that last as long as three years. 

Many factors can impact just how long your teeth whitening results will remain, including how well you care for your teeth, the type of teeth whitening treatment you select, and so forth. 

How to Extend Your Results for Teeth Whitening

Always choose to have your teeth professionally whitened with your dentist. And take these extra steps to extend the life of your pearly whites. 

Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

If you want your teeth to remain white and keep your oral health thriving, you need a solid oral hygiene routine. This step is critical in extending your whitening results. 

You will want to ensure you brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss daily, and visit your dentist for professional cleanings every six months. If you eat or drink something that could cause stains, brush your teeth afterward. Or, at the very least, thoroughly rinse your mouth. 

Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages

So many foods and beverages can contribute to the staining and discoloration of teeth, such as: 

• Acidic or brightly-colored fruit juices
• Tomato-based sauces
• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Red wine
• Currey
• Balsamic vinegar
• Citrus
• Berries
• Pomegranates
• Beets
• Food coloring

Reduce your consumption of these foods and beverages to boost the longevity of your whitening treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening 

Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?

Professional teeth whitening treatments are a safe and effective part of cosmetic dentistry. Some patients experience minor sensitivity after treatment, but this is only temporary. 

Will dental insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening? 

Typically, no. Teeth whitening is viewed as a non-essential dental treatment and most insurance carriers will not contribute to its cost. 

Professional Teeth Whitening in Leesburg

At Harmony Dental Center, we love it when our patients feel good about their oral health and their smiles. And professional teeth whitening plays a large role in that. We offer professional treatments that can be done at home — and in our office. 

Learn more about our professional teeth whitening treatments. Contact us today at 703-779-7779.