20 May 2025

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent? How long does it last?

We all want a stunning, bright smile. But our dietary choices, lifestyle habits, age, and several other factors often cause our teeth to become stained or discoloured. In the world of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening has emerged as a popular solution in restoring your sparkling of smile. However, a commonly asked question is– ‘Is teeth whitening permanent?’

Although there are several options for teeth whitening, it will not last forever; no matter what teeth whitening option you choose.  While at home teeth whitening results typically last for few months, professional teeth whitening in London can last up to 2 to 3 years.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic process with the purpose of making your teeth whiter. This technique uses bleaching agents, usually carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, to eliminate stains and discolouration. There are a wide range of teeth whitening options – professional treatments using a special light on the whitening gel, and at-home kits using custom trays to help you achieve a whiter smile.

Why do you need teeth whitening?

From having coloured foods and drinks to ageing, our teeth are exposed to stains every now and then. Consumption of excessive coffee, red wine or cigarettes is responsible for making your teeth yellow.

Despite yellowing of teeth being natural, people always want a bright, beaming smile. Whether you use a special toothbrush for scrubbing or use whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes, professional teeth whitening is the best solution to restoring your radiant smile. 

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains

The degree of discolouration or staining of your teeth matters a lot in determining your whitening results.

• Intrinsic stains often occur due to infection, ageing, trauma or certain medication. These are internal, deep stains which can be removed by the right treatment.
• Extrinsic stains result from coloured foods, drinks, or smoking cigarettes. Most whitening gelswill work on extrinsic stains.

You need to avoid certain things to protect your teeth from staining:

• Soy sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Fizzy drinks
• Red wine
• Beer
• Tea and coffee
• Ketchup
• Curry

Tobacco is one of the main reasons for teeth staining.

Teeth Whitening Process: How it works?

Although tooth whitening is a long term solution, it is not permanent. You will notice significant differences in your smile within 2 to 6 weeks after starting your whitening treatment. 

During initial consultation, you will discuss with your dentist about which whitening option is right for your teeth. The dental practitioner then determines which shade suites your teeth naturally and perfectly, giving you the best results.

A bespoke mould of your teeth is collected to custom design your traysso that they fit comfortably on your teeth. Next the dentist will guide you on how to use the whitening trays and how to apply the gel into them. In case of day whitening treatment, you need to wear to trays only for about an hour a day. On the other hand, night treatment requires you to keep the gel on overnight while you sleep.

If you are opting for dental bleaching at the clinic, the whitening gel penetrates into the pores of your enamel. This allows the whitening agent to make the dentine of your teeth whiter. You may experience sensitivity during this procedure. If you have sensitive teeth, speak to your dentist before the whitening treatment to avoid risks or discomfort.

Is teeth whitening permanent?

No, tooth whitening is not a permanent treatment. However, proper care of teeth can help the whitening effect last up to about 3 years. Moreover, how well you maintain your dental health and new white smile, the standard of your oral hygiene – all these can make your whitening results long lasting.

How long does teeth whitening last?

The time that how long your teeth whitening lasts,depends on several factors. Your lifestyle and dietary patterns, the type of whitening you choose, and your aftercare maintenance and oral hygiene routine determine this longevity. On an average, good maintenance and proper oral hygiene can make your teeth whitening results last up to 3 years. Always remember that teeth whitening can remove your stains, but cannot helpkeep them away permanently.

What factors influence the longevity of your teeth whitening?

Here are some factors determining how long your teeth stay white with the treatment:

• Type of teeth whitening option you choose

  If you choose at-home teeth whitening kit, you results can usually last for 4 to 6 months with timely touch-ups. If you go for professional teeth whitening in London, you can expect the whitening results to last up to a year or even longer with proper maintenance.

• Foods and drinks you have

  The more you drink coloured beverages or have coloured or acidic foods, the sooner your teeth will become dark, yellow, or stained. If you cannot eliminate them from your dietary routine once and for all, you must be mindful of limiting their consumption for longer lasting whitening results.

• Your natural teeth colour

  The longevity of your whitening results will also depend on the natural shade of your teeth. People wo have more yellow teeth will experience a dramatic transformation in their smile with teeth whitening treatment. On the other hand, people who have naturally whiter teeth need only a few top up sessions to make the results long lasting.

• Age

  With advancing age, our teeth become more and more yellow. This is because your enamel, the external layer on teeth, begins to get thinner. This exposes the yellow coloured dentin underneath the enamel. 

• Oral hygiene routine

  A good oral hygiene is essential for not only maintaining your dental health, but for enhancing your smile as well. If you smoke or use tobacco, you will require more frequent teeth whitening sessions to avoid the yellow stains on your teeth. In addition, brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using an alcohol free mouthwash can help your smile remain brighter and sparkle more!

How can you make your treatment last longer?

The first thing that you should do is to adhere to your dentist’s aftercare instructions to make your teeth whitening effects last longer. To be precise, the way you take care of your teeth will dictate how long your brighter smile lasts. Every dentist recommends the following tips to maintain your radiant smile. 

• Brush at least twice a day, and after every meal if possible
• Floss regularly
• Visit your dentist for routine check-ups
• Schedule your hygienist appointment for scaling and polishing a minimum of twice per year

Another crucial way is to control your lifestyle habits. You should have plenty of water, quit smoking and tobacco consumption, and cut down on foods or drinks that will stain your teeth.

Are you fit for teeth whitening?

Anyone wanting a whiter and brighter smile is fit for teeth whitening treatment. But there are some criteria necessary for you to become a good candidate for teeth whitening:

• Must be above 18 years to get any cosmetic dental treatment; but individual circumstances may vary
• Must have healthy teeth and gums with good oral health
• It is better for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals to delay their teeth whitening treatment, as some bleaching products can affect your baby’s health

Conclusion

Ultimately, how long your teeth whitening last depends on how well you look after your dental health and oral hygiene. It is a completely safe option for achieving your whiter smile.

Speak to our dentists at London Teeth Whitening to find out which teeth whitening option is the best for you.