How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last? Will I Need More Bleaching Later?

If your smile looks drab and dingey, you may want to consider teeth whitening to bleach away tooth discoloration. It’s an effective way to get a brighter, whiter smile. But even though teeth whitening is effective, eventually you will need to get your teeth whitened again.

The team at Brooklyn Heights Dental would like to look at how long teeth whitening results typically last. We’ll then offer some suggestions about restoring the brightness and whiteness of your smile. If you’re looking for more information about teeth whitening in Fort Greene, Dumbo, or Cobble Hill, feel free to visit us for a consultation.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Usually Last?

Professional whitening results with a dentist will last anywhere from 1 year to 3 years.

For over-the-counter whitening kits, bleaching strips, and toothpastes, the results may last as little as three or four months.

Keep in mind that the results of teeth whitening can be negatively impacted if you are a smoker, chew tobacco, and practice poor oral hygiene.

Why Is Teeth Whitening Temporary?

Teeth whitening treatments target the surface level of your teeth. The bleaching agents whiten the actual enamel structure to achieve good results.

Eating, smoking, and regular wear and tear will eventually take their toll on the surface of your teeth.

While stains and discoloration are unavoidable, good oral hygiene and refraining from smoking and vaping can prolong your whitening results.

Can I Get Another Teeth Whitening Treatment for Touch-Up Care?

Yes!

As soon as you notice any stains or tooth discoloration, you can return to Brooklyn Heights Dental for professional whitening treatment. Touch-ups and retreatment are common for many different kinds of cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Over-the-Counter Whitening vs. In-Office Whitening With a Dentist

Some people wonder if they should just do touch-ups with at-home whitening kits or products from the drugstore.

While OTC whitening products can be effective, the results take longer to achieve than professional, dentist-supervised whitening. In addition, the results of OTC whitening products have a shorter lifespan than professional care.

Many people simply trust us to get the best teeth whitening results possible.

Veneers as a Teeth Whitening Alternative

Teeth whitening isn’t the only option for stained teeth. Some people come to our office to get dental veneers to mask cosmetic flaws, which includes tooth discoloration.

These wafer-thin shells completely mask the surface of a tooth, helping patients achieve stunning aesthetic results.

How Long Will My Veneers Last?

Veneers are durable, but they will not last forever. Because of regular wear and tear, veneers can last 10 years or more. After your old veneers lose their luster, they’ll need to be replaced for your smile to achieve the same brightness and whiteness.

Contact Brooklyn Heights Dental to Discuss Cosmetic Treatments

Whether you get whitening or veneers, our team is ready to help you. To set up an appointment to discuss your options for a brighter smile, contact Brooklyn Heights Dental today. We’ll go over all viable treatments so you can pick the procedure that fits your needs and your budget.