How long does teeth whitening last?

How long does teeth whitening last?

Whether you’re wondering, ‘how long does professional teeth whitening last?’ or the results you can expect from at-home strips, the answer varies from method to method. Take a look at these estimates to gauge how long teeth whitening lasts:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) strips: Gels and strips are a convenient at-home solution to whitening, but typically provide the shortest-lived whitening results of just a few months.¹
• Dentist-supervised kits: Kits that combine dental treatments and at-home top-ups, like Philips Zoom, often last longer than OTC products. You should see a clear difference in the whiteness of your smile for around 6-12 months or longer.²
• Professional teeth whitening: Professional whitening sees the longest-lasting results. As long as you follow the advice of your dentist, you could have whiter teeth for around 3 years before you need a touch-up.³

While OTC whitening products are cheap and convenient, the safest way to secure long-lasting results without damaging your enamel is to use treatments prescribed by a dental professional. That includes both dentist-supervised kits and in-clinic whitening.

Philips Zoom at-home teeth whitening combines dental expertise with the convenience of treating your teeth at home. Your dentist will create custom-fitted trays designed to fit your teeth precisely and provide a professional-strength whitening gel for you to use as part of your at-home routine. This personalised approach helps deliver more even, reliable results while allowing you to whiten your teeth on your own schedule. To learn more about Philips Zoom, you can read all about it here.

What impacts how long teeth whitening lasts?

Aside from the method you choose, your lifestyle plays a major role in how long your white teeth last. There are a range of factors that can negatively impact the effects of your whitening, including:

• Smoking: Smoking tobacco is a direct cause of teeth staining and yellowing. This includes heated tobacco products, like vapes and e-cigarettes, as well as cigarettes.⁴ After whitening, avoid any tobacco products to keep your teeth pearly white and stain-free.
• Consuming staining substances: Foods and drinks that are rich in tannins (like coffee and tea) can stain your teeth after whitening, leading to quicker discolouration. The higher the tannin content, the more stains you’ll see.⁵
• Oral hygiene: If you don’t brush your teeth properly, plaque and tartar will begin to build up on the surface of your teeth, leading to discolouration.⁶

So, when asking, ‘how long does dentist teeth whitening last?’, some of the answer depend on whether you’re willing to make some lifestyle changes. If you can avoid smoking, tannin-rich food, and plaque build-up, you’re well on your way to a longer-lasting white smile.

Tips for longer-lasting teeth whitening

We’ve taken a look at what can impact your teeth whitening, but how can you maintain your new look? This often comes down to the small, everyday habits that follow your treatment:

• Steer clear of stains: Your teeth will be especially vulnerable to staining for the first 48-72 hours after whitening.¹ During this time, avoid tannin-rich foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, soy sauce, and curries to avoid stains.
• Rinse after eating: After 72 hours, you’re free to eat and drink what you like. To avoid stains from tannin-rich foods and drinks, though, be sure to give your mouth a quick rinse with water after consuming them. This will help prevent the tannins from settling on your teeth so that you can enjoy your morning cuppa without worrying.⁷
• Prioritise excellent oral hygiene: For the longest-lasting teeth whitening results, prioritise excellent oral hygiene. It’s recommended that you brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar, keeping your mouth clean and your teeth white.⁸

To enhance your oral hygiene routine, upgrade your toothbrush to the Philips Sonicare Next Generation DiamondClean 9900 Prestige. With SenseIQ technology that automatically adjusts to your brushing technique, it removes 20x more plaque* while protecting your enamel. Use the smart coverage and pressure feedback to learn more about your brushing and how you can improve your technique.

FAQs: How long can teeth whitening last

How long does Zoom teeth whitening last?

While results vary, the results from a Philips Zoom whitening treatment can last for up to 24 months.⁹

How long do teeth whitening strips last?

Results from teeth whitening strips can typically last for a few months. You can find strips that boast longer-lasting whitening, though it’s better to opt for professional treatments and dentist-supervised kits if you’re looking for longevity.

Laser teeth whitening: how long does it last?

Laser teeth whitening is a professional treatment carried out at dental clinics. As a professional whitening treatment, you could see a lift in colour for around 3 years, making it the longest-lasting teeth whitening method available.³

It’s normal for teeth whitening results to vary, especially when it comes to longevity. For longer-lasting results, make sure you choose the right method for your smile goals and protect your teeth after whitening. Keep up an excellent oral hygiene routine, too, and use the Philips Sonicare Next Generation DiamondClean 9900 Prestige for an efficient clean that protects your enamel.

*vs manual toothbrush