How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?

Professional teeth whitening treatments provided by your dentist will offer the best whitening results. The reason? Treatments provided by your dentist either in-office or as a take-home kit, will contain a higher concentration of the peroxide-based whitening agent, than products sold over-the-counter. Your results may last longer as well. Professional teeth whitening results generally last 6 months to one year or longer. Here’s what you need to know about professional teeth whitening. 

Professional Teeth Whitening Offers Instant Results in an Hour

Although there are countless whitening strips, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other products available over the counter, in-office whitening is still the best way to get whiter, brighter teeth. It’s also the fastest way to get a whiter smile.

Zoom! teeth whitening provided by your dentist gives you a whiter smile in a single appointment. During this non-invasive treatment, your lips and gums will be protected. Then a whitening solution will be applied to your teeth. A special light will be directed into your mouth and will shine on the teeth for 15 minutes. Then, the cycle will be repeated.  After four cycles, your treatment is complete. Your teeth may be up to 6 shades whiter in a single visit.

You’ll also receive a custom kit made just for your mouth to take home to extend the results.  You may repeat teeth whitening as needed and approved by your dentist. 

How to Keep Your Teeth White after Professional Teeth Whitening

Once you’ve had your teeth whitened, you’re likely going to want to keep them white. To extend your results, follow these steps.

• Brush your teeth after meals if possible
• Rinse your mouth with water after meals if you can’t brush
• Use a whitening toothpaste at home
• Practice excellent oral hygiene (2x/day brushing and 1x/day flossing)
• See your dentist at least every six months for a cleaning
• Limit coffee, tea, and red wine, or use a straw when drinking them
• Limit bright or dark-colored, sugary sodas, juices, or sports drinks
• Limit dark berries and veggies (blueberries, blackberries, beets)
• Limit bright red and dark sauces (ex: exchange tomato sauce for olive oil-based sauces)

Alternatives to Professional Teeth Whitening

Many people are excellent candidates for professional teeth whitening. However, patients with extremely sensitive teeth or those with dental restorations on the front teeth are not candidates for teeth whitening. If you are not a good candidate for teeth whitening, there are other options for whitening the teeth.

Microabrasion can be provided by your dentist to remove brown or yellow spots on the teeth. After microabrasion, you may use a take-home whitening kit from your dentist. 

Cosmetic bonding can also whiten stained teeth. Dental crowns can be used cosmetically, and provide a whiter smile. You may also be a candidate for porcelain dental veneers, which can give you a whiter, aligned, even, straight smile. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does professional teeth whitening hurt?

No. It is a non-invasive treatment. However, teeth whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity. If you already have sensitive teeth, talk with your dentist before scheduling treatment.

Do take-home teeth whitening kits work?

Whitening kits you get from your dentist are effective because they contain dental-grade whitening agents. Results from whitening kits purchased over-the-counter or online cannot be guaranteed. 

Get Whiter Teeth in an Hour on Madison Ave in Manhattan 

Metropolitan Dental Care specializes in cosmetic dental treatments including professional teeth whitening. To schedule a consultation near Bryant Park and Grand Central Station in Manhattan, call 212-867-4223 or book online.