How long does teeth whitening last?
Quick answer
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Professional whitening typically lasts one to three years before teeth gradually darken again, and much longer with occasional top-ups.
Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking shorten it. At York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet, you keep your custom trays after Boutique (from £425) or Enlighten (from £635) whitening, so top-ups at home are quick and inexpensive.
What you need to know
For the first 48 hours after whitening, teeth pick up stain more easily. Avoid strongly coloured food and drink, and smoking, during that period. After that, drinking dark drinks through a straw and rinsing with water afterwards helps.
Regular hygiene visits remove surface stain and keep the result looking bright. Airflow stain removal can be added to a hygiene visit from £35.
Remember that crowns, veneers and white fillings do not whiten. If you plan cosmetic work, whiten first so new restorations are matched to your brighter shade. See teeth whitening and is whitening safe.
Last reviewed: by Dr Kaveet Patel, Principal Dentist
