How Often Should I Have Professional Teeth Whitening? (2024)

FAQs

How Often Should I Have Professional Teeth Whitening? ›

The exact time frame of how often you should whiten your teeth will vary from patient to patient, but we typically recommend treatment no more frequently than once per year. This prevents issues involving sensitivity and helps with creating a natural-looking smile.

Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.

As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

Typically, you will begin to see results some weeks after the procedure. And depending on how you care for your teeth, the result can last as long as six months to three years after the procedure. Teeth Whitening Tip: The results from the procedure and its duration vary from one person to another.

However, teeth whitening treatments can cause damage to the enamel if not done correctly or overused. Enamel damage can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, and white spots on your teeth. It's essential to consult with a dentist before using any teeth whitening products to ensure they're safe for your teeth.

Keep in mind that the solution will continue to whiten up to 48 hours after the last application.

Generally, whitening is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking.

Potential Long-Term Risks

Permanent gum or tooth sensitivity. Damage to your dental roots. Enamel erosion. Uneven results.

During the teeth whitening procedure, your tooth enamel is slightly weakened due to the bleach. Beverages and food with high acidic content, such as citrus fruit, pickled food, and processed meats, can further weaken your enamel. This can lead to even more sensitivity and increased risk of re-staining.

Soft tissue or gum irritation caused by teeth whitening gel is considered a chemical burn, very comparable to a sunburn. When a chemical burn occurs, the area becomes mildly sore, turns white, and will eventually flake off. The tissue will return to normalcy within twenty-four hours.

What is the safest form of teeth whitening? ›

Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

When your teeth are over-whitened, the enamel can become vulnerable and eroded. This is an immediate sign that you need to stop because enamel doesn't come back naturally.

Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening

Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results. While the whitening results are great, you should also consider the cost.

We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home. This should keep sensitivity from becoming a problem while helping you maintain a white, natural-looking smile. Typically, the professional-grade whitening kits available from our dental office last about a year.

It is recommended that professional teeth whitening be performed once a year, although you may want to do touch ups throughout the year.

We can usually complete an in-office treatment in one or two visits and produce results within a matter of hours. Over the counter and in home teeth-whitening kits tend to take at least a month of wearing mouthpieces every night before they start to have an effect.

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.