How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last? Your Guide

If you’re wondering: “how long does professional teeth whitening last” then you’ve come to the right place.

Many people choose teeth whitening as it’s a non-invasive way to brighten your teeth quickly without the need for invasive dental treatment. This makes it popular for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or corporate events.

In fact, according to Google Trends, searches for teeth whitening London have increased 70% in the last 2 years showing more demand for this treatment.

Aside from this, teeth whitening can make you feel more confident in different social settings as you’re proud to show off your smile and engage with new people. Your smile is one of the first things people see, and feeling embarrassed about your teeth can genuinely affect the way you feel during any type of interaction.

The biggest question on people’s minds when it comes to this simple procedure is how long professional teeth whitening lasts. We’ve all seen toothpaste in the supermarket aisle claiming to whiten teeth, but how does this differ from a professional teeth whitening treatment and what can you expect from the results?

We’re answering all of your teeth whitening questions in this guide, so let’s get started.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening involves applying clinically-approved teeth whitening gel to your teeth, improving the brightness of your smile. Unlike standard toothpaste which can be found in any supermarket, this professional gel removes stains on lack-lustre teeth.

If you choose Sensu for your teeth whitening, you’ll be supervised by a dentist ensuring noticeable results and consistent support. Should you have any questions throughout the treatment or require more gel, all you need to do is speak to your dentist and they will be able to arrange this for you.

Teeth whitening at Sensu also includes the following for added peace of mind:

• Dental health assessment
• Custom-made trays
• Safe concentrations of teeth whitening ingredients within the gel
• Unlimited advice and support
• Option to purchase top-up gels

These services ensure you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted for a reasonable cost.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Anyone considering this treatment will wonder how long does teeth whitening last? As it’s a subtle change to your existing smile, unlike porcelain veneers or composite bonding for example, the colour typically is not as long-lasting.

Professional teeth whitening results can last anywhere between 6 – 12 months but depending on how well you care for your teeth. After that point, you can purchase additional gel syringes to keep your smile healthy and bright. An assessment is needed usually every 12 months at least to assess the health of your teeth and gums before additional gels are provided.

By choosing a professional dental clinic who uses high-quality, safe teeth whitening gel, you can maintain your results for even longer.

We’re also covering some teeth whitening tips further below, helping you make the most of your new smile.

Teeth Whitening Vs Veneers

There are many reasons why people choose teeth whitening over treatments such as porcelain veneers. It really comes down to what you want to achieve and the level of transformation you’re looking for.

The scenarios below highlight when teeth whitening would be the right choice and when a more involved procedure might be required – such as using porcelain veneers.

Tips to Make Teeth Whitening Last Longer

Ensuring your teeth whitening lasts as long as possible is the goal of anyone starting this journey. As you’re improving your natural teeth, the results will fade over time (unlike porcelain veneers which are more stain resistant) as they’ll be subject to natural staining.

For example drinks like tea and coffee and food such as curry can impact the colour of your teeth even with professional teeth whitening. Below are some simple tips to keep your teeth whiter for longer.

Avoid smoking

Smoking can easily stain your teeth because of the tar which clings to the enamel and causes yellowing over time.

If you’ve paid for professional teeth whitening, it’s especially important to steer clear of smoking, as it can quickly reverse the effects and speed up the rate of staining. By avoiding cigarettes, you can enjoy a brighter smile for longer.

Brush your teeth after eating

Making a habit of brushing your teeth after eating helps remove food particles and plaque before they can settle and cause stains. Not to mention this also helps keep your breath smelling fresh!

Brushing (usually a minimum of 20 minutes) after consuming things such as coffee, tea, or berries, is especially important as these are high-staining foods. This quick addition to your routine can keep your teeth looking brighter for longer. Furthermore, as well as maintaining your teeth whitening results, it also supports overall oral health by preventing issues with your gums.

Use a straw for some drinks

Consuming drinks that are known to stain teeth such as tea and coffee through a straw can help minimise direct contact with your enamel and reduce discoloration over time. Despite feeling a little unusual at first (particularly when sipping warm drinks), this small adjustment can make a big difference in keeping your teeth whiter for longer.

Also using a straw for these drinks soon becomes second nature and you won’t have to think twice about it! This could also reduce the number of times you need to brush your teeth throughout the day.

Have regular dental check-ups

Regular dental check-ups keep your teeth healthy so they maintain their whiteness. During these appointments, your dentist can look at the condition of your teeth and gums, so that everything remains in good shape after your treatment.

They can also recommend any top-up treatments or additional whitening gel syringes if your results have started to fade. Furthermore, routine check-ups mean your dentist can spot any issues early on, preventing small problems from turning into more serious ones.

These visits also give you the chance to ask questions, get advice, and discuss any further treatments that could help you achieve your dream smile.

Use a professional dentist

It’s important to do your research when choosing a professional dentist as you want to find someone you can trust throughout the process.

Look at how many patients they’ve treated and the results they’ve achieved as a good starting point as this shows you what they’re capable of. Also reading reviews and testimonials can give you a better understanding of other people’s experiences and the level of care they provide.

You should also explore their website and social media as these often show before-and-after results and patient reviews about their services. On the Sensu Instagram for example, we’re always updating the feed with recent results, our clinical team and their expertise and of course happy patients, all helping you get a feel for the quality of our work and the results you can expect.

The below images for example show you the results of porcelain veneers.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Is professional teeth whitening safe?

Yes, dentist-led professional teeth whitening is safe. This gel is clinically tested and applied in controlled amounts to protect your teeth and gums. You might sometimes experience mild sensitivity, but this usually subsides within a few days and following certain advice from your dentist will help.

Will teeth whitening damage my enamel?

No, professional teeth whitening does not damage your enamel as the whitening gel works by breaking down stains on the surface of your teeth. However, overusing non-prescribed and non-dentist products can lead to sensitivity and other harm to enamel so it’s always best to use dentist-led professional teeth whitening.

How long does teeth whitening take to work?

Some professional whitening kits can show results within a few days, with full results often achieved within 1-2 weeks. However this will be discussed during your consultation and your dentist will advise you on the results you can expect depending on your current shade of your teeth.
What types of stains can teeth whitening help with?

Teeth whitening helps with surface stains caused by food and drink such as tea and coffee. It can also help remove stains from smoking. That said it may be less effective on deeper stains or natural tooth discolouration. In this scenario, your dentist may recommend alternative treatments such as composite bonding or veneers.

Is teeth whitening available on the NHS?

As it is classed as a cosmetic treatment designed to improve your appearance, it is not something that is available routinely on the NHS. However for certain congenital or advanced teeth discolouration, teeth whitening can be available on the NHS but for the vast majority of people it is usually something you need to have done privately. Note the regulations can change so it is always best to seek up to date advice.

How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last

Professional teeth whitening is a non-invasive way to brighten your smile without the need for any more invasive dental treatment. Depending on your habits and lifestyle, you can typically enjoy a brighter smile for up to 12 months before revisiting your dentist for a simple top-up treatment.

Tips such as those covered in this guide can also prolong the effects of professional teeth whitening and keep your smile looking its best for longer.

Choosing a qualified, experienced dentist is important to achieving effective, safe results. At Sensu, we are recognised as the UK’s top cosmetic dental providers.

Not only do we safely align teeth as the top specialist Invisalign Diamond Provider in the UK; but since 2009, at Sensu we have safely transformed almost 20,000 smiles using the latest innovations and tooth friendly techniques.

Book your free consultation below and we look forward to welcoming you and starting your smile journey with us.