How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?

You have invested in a brighter smile naturally you want to know how long it will stay that way. The honest answer is that professional teeth whitening results typically last anywhere from six months to three years. Where you land in that range depends almost entirely on your habits and how well you maintain your results.

What affects how long whitening lasts

Your diet. Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and richly coloured foods are the main culprits behind stains returning. The more often you consume them, the faster your results fade.

Smoking and tobacco. Tobacco is one of the fastest ways to undo whitening. People who smoke often see their results dull within months rather than years.

Oral hygiene. Consistent brushing and flossing, plus regular professional cleanings, slow down the return of stains significantly.

The type of treatment. Professional in-office whitening generally lasts longer than over-the-counter products because it penetrates more deeply and starts from a brighter result.

How to make your results last longer

The good news is that you have a lot of control. A few simple habits can stretch your results well past a year:

• Rinse with water after coffee, tea, or wine, and use a straw for dark drinks when you can.

• Keep up with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing.

• Avoid tobacco entirely.

• Visit your dentist for regular cleanings to remove surface buildup before it sets in.

• Use a custom take-home whitening kit for occasional touch-ups, as recommended by your dentist.

Touch ups keep your smile consistent

Many of our patients in Dollard-des-Ormeaux keep their smile bright almost indefinitely with periodic touch-ups. After your initial professional treatment, a quick refresh once or twice a year is usually enough to maintain that just-whitened look without starting over.

Whitening is a maintenance, not a one time fix

It helps to think of whitening the way you think of a haircut — it looks fantastic right away, and a little upkeep keeps it looking great. The teeth do not permanently change colour; they simply respond to the staining they are exposed to.

At Brighten Your Smile in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, we design whitening plans that fit your lifestyle, including custom take-home kits to help your results last as long as possible. Ready for a brighter smile that stays that way? Call 514-683-1363 to book your consultation.