How long do professionally whitened teeth last?

Author: Adolphus Witting  |  Last update: Saturday, January 17, 2026

The most effective way to whiten your teeth is professional teeth whitening treatment applied by your dentist in the office. The results of this type of treatment can last between 1 and 3 years. In-office teeth whitening involves the following process: The gum tissue is protected from the effects of the bleaching gel.

Does professional teeth whitening last long?

Teeth whitening isn't permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person.

Is it worth it to get your teeth professionally whitened?

The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

Does professional teeth whitening expire?

The short answer is: “Yes.” Whenever you purchase teeth whitening gel of any kind, whether for home or professional use, you should check the expiration date. Make sure you have enough time to use up all of the gel before it expires.

How long should one syringe of teeth whitening last?

How long should each syringe of whitening last? Each syringe of Boutique Whitening should last around 5 days when whitening the upper and lower teeth. If you use too much gel, it may leak, causing sensitivity owing to irritation of the gums. If you use too little, the teeth may not whiten very well.

Teeth Whitening At The Dentist | Fastest Way To Whiten Your Teeth

Are there downsides to professional teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening can cause or increase tooth sensitivity, also called dentin hypersensitivity. However, sensitive teeth are usually temporary and can be managed using alternative treatments or limiting the number of treatments in a given time. Doesn't work on all teeth.

Do whitened teeth look fake?

This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.

How many sessions does it take to whiten your teeth?

It often requires numerous 30- or 60-minute in-office sessions with teeth whitening dentists near you to achieve the most dramatic effects, typically involving teeth being three to eight colors brighter. Some dentists employ procedures that may be finished in a single, two-hour visit.

Can yellow teeth become white again?

Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.

What is the most permanent teeth whitening?

laser teeth whitening treatment. While this procedure is not the cheapest fix for yellowing, it is the most effective, quickest, and long-lasting procedure.

Do people notice white teeth?

Yes, people do notice white teeth, as they often have the effect of drawing attention and projecting a positive, healthy image. A beautiful smile with white teeth is a desirable physical trait and can greatly enhance one's overall attractiveness.

Do teeth become weak after whitening?

Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.

Does insurance cover teeth whitening?

Out-of-Pocket Payment: In most cases, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance, whether in-network or out-of-network. As a result, you should anticipate paying for the procedure out of pocket.

How long do teeth pores stay open after whitening?

The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.

Why do my teeth look weird after whitening?

The white, patchy, streaky, or lined look of teeth after whitening is normal – it's called enamel demineralization.

Is it a good idea to get your teeth whitened?

In-office whitening is highly effective, safe, and long-lasting. But it's more expensive than over-the-counter options, and often isn't covered by dental insurance. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate before committing to teeth whitening.

Do most celebrities get their teeth whitened?

Most celebrities opt for regular teeth whitening treatments or veneers. Below you will find more information about which one is right for you.

Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening?

Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

The price of tooth whitening can vary, but in Los Angeles, tooth whitening costs between $100-$500 per treatment. The total cost largely depends on the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired new tooth shade.

What is the best method to whiten teeth?

Home-based bleaching (following manufacturer's instructions) results in less tooth sensitivity than in-office bleaching. The optimal regimen to obtain persistence of tooth whitening is to follow an in-office treatment with monthly home-based touch-up treatments using OTC products.

What teeth whitening method lasts the longest?

In-office treatments last the longest because they are performed by cosmetic dentistry professionals with stronger whitening agents that sink deeper into the enamel. Take-home kits can also last long when used correctly, but not necessarily as long as in-office treatments.

How many sessions does it take to whiten your teeth at-home?

Most people will need to do home whitening continuously for a two-week course to get the required results. Some people are happy after only one week and therefore can stop and use the remaining bleach as a 'top up' and others with very dark, stained teeth may need to carry out bleaching for 4 weeks.

What is the best teeth whitening?

Crest's 3D Whitening Strips are probably the most recognizable teeth whitening method on this list, and with good reason. The brand stands out as the No. 1 recommendation in this category, with dentists telling me their patients get good results within a week or two of using the strips every day.

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