Professional Teeth Whitening: Treatment Length & How Long Results Last

Written by Ideal Dental

Undergoing professional teeth whitening can deliver faster, more noticeable results than using over-the-counter options. Teeth whitening with a dental professional is safe, effective, and will deliver a brighter smile faster than other medications.

In this article, we will explore the typical treatment length and process of professional teeth whitening, as well as discuss how long you can expect the results to last. 

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening

If you’re looking to have your teeth professionally whitened, you have two options. You can either have a dentist perform a whitening in-office, or you can use a take-home whitening kit that displays results more gradually. 

In-Office Whitening

In-office whitening delivers results within a single visit and is ideal for those looking to make quick improvements. A dentist uses concentrated bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and specialized equipment to break up stains on teeth, resulting in a whiter smile right away. 

Take-Home Whitening Kits

If you’re OK with seeing slower results, you can also use a take-home whitening kit that is custom-fitted by your dentist with professional-grade gels. Some guests may feel more comfortable using a smaller concentration of bleaching agents at a time, and take-home kits are often more cost-effective than in-office whitening. 

However, take-home kits won’t produce results as quickly as having the procedure done in a dental office, and you’ll need to use the kit independently without the supervision of a professional. 

How Long Does Professional Whitening Treatment Take?

In-Office Whitening Timeline

If you opt for an in-office whitening, the procedure typically lasts around 60-90 minutes, depending on the severity of staining. Some dental practices offer multiple short applications of the whitening gel within one session to break up the concentration of bleach. Talk to your dentist before beginning the whitening treatment if you have a preference for how the gel is applied. 

At-Home Professional Kits Timeline

For at-home whitening kits, guests typically wear custom trays daily or nightly for about 1-2 weeks. This timeline can be extended if deeper stains exist, or if the tray is only being worn for limited parts of the day. If you use an at-home whitening kit, your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment with you to monitor your progress and ensure you’re getting consistent results. 

Factors Affecting Treatment Duration

Regardless of if you select an in-practice, or at-home whitening, there are several factors that will determine the duration of your treatment, including: 

• Severity of Stains: The biggest factor that affects whitening duration is the severity of the stains on your teeth. Darker or deeper stains, such as those caused by tobacco use or tetracycline may require additional sessions to ensure you’re getting the results you’re looking for. 
• Sensitivity Levels: Teeth whitening can be an uncomfortable procedure for some. Although it should not be painful, those with sensitive teeth may opt to shorten or space out their sessions to avoid an extended period of discomfort or pinching feeling you may get on your teeth. Your dentist also may opt to reduce the strength of the whitening gel during the procedure if you are having difficulties.
• Following Instructions: When using an at-home kit, it’s essential to follow the exact instructions given to you by your dentist, since they will not be there in person to monitor the use of the whitening kit. This can include wearing the whitening tray during the exact times recommended by your dentist, avoiding foods that can stain your teeth during the process, and brushing and flossing regularly. 

Choosing the Right Professional Whitening Option

There are pros and cons to each professional whitening option. Here are some factors you should consider when determining if an in-office or take-home whitening is best for you.

• Consultation With a Dentist: Even if you feel like you would prefer a take-home kit, you should schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss it first. Your dentist can assess your tooth sensitivity and gum health, and can set realistic expectations for your teeth before treatment. They can also provide detailed instructions on how to best care for your teeth during and after the procedure. 
• Budget and Time Constraints: In-office treatments will deliver more immediate results for those who need white teeth immediately, such as for a wedding, speaking event, or job interview. However, in-office procedures come with a more significant cost than take-home kits, which also provide more flexibility. 
• Addressing Underlying Issues First: Before getting your teeth whitened, work with your dentist to address any underlying issues with your oral health. This can include cavities, gum disease, or enamel damage. Correcting these issues can lead to better whitening results once you begin treatment. 

How Long Do Whitening Results Last?

Although teeth whitening won’t last forever, there are several steps you can take to increase the longevity of your new smile. 

Typical Duration of Results

Professionally completed teeth whitening can be long-lasting, with some guests seeing results for up to three years. However, the duration of your results will largely depend on the lifestyle habits and oral health care routines you develop after the procedure.

Habits That Affect How Long Whitening Lasts

Practicing good oral hygiene, including regular flossing and thorough brushing, is the best way to increase the longevity of teeth whitening. Attending regular dental check-ups to catch any cavities and to undergo a full cleaning is another great way to keep your teeth as white as possible. 

Alternatively, consuming coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco in large amounts can severely shorten the length of your whitened teeth. When drinking dark liquids like tea and coffee, consider using a straw when possible to avoid discoloring your teeth.

Touch-Ups and Maintenance

In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, attending regular check-ups with a dental professional, and avoiding foods and liquids that stain teeth, here are some other touch-ups and maintenance tips for keeping your teeth shiny. 

• Periodic Touch-Up Sessions: Even after a teeth whitening, going to a dentist for a small touch-up session or a new round of at-home trays can help restore the whiteness levels to peak condition. If you already plan to see your dentist for a check-up, see if they can also perform a touch-up whitening procedure while you’re there.
• Use of Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash: Although whitening toothpaste and strips don’t have the same effect on stained teeth as a full cleaning, they can help maintain professionally whitened teeth when used consistently. 
• Make Changes to Your Diet: If teeth whitening is your top priority, avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth is paramount. As we mentioned earlier, dark beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine can cause staining, but there are also foods you may want to limit as well such as beets, berries, dark chocolate, and food with artificial colors If you consume any of those foods or beverages, try brushing your teeth immediately afterwards to limit the damage

Professional Teeth Whitening at Your Local Ideal Dental

Professional whitening can rapidly improve the brightness of your smile with results that can last years with proper aftercare. Whether you have an in-office whitening, or take-home kit, your lifestyle and dental hygiene habits will play a critical role in determining the treatment duration, and the longevity of your teeth whitening.