Teeth whitening, whether done at your dentist’s office or using a professional-grade take-home whitening kit from your dentist can safely and noticeably whiten your teeth. But how long will professional teeth whitening last? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer because everyone’s teeth and lifestyle habits are unique. For some people, whitening results will last a year or longer. For others, the results may last six months or less.
What Is Teeth Whitening and Why Do Teeth Change Color?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that removes stains and discoloration from teeth to make them appear visibly whiter and brighter. It works by using bleaching agents—typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—that break down stains on the enamel and dentin. Teeth whitening can be done professionally at a dental office or with at-home kits, and results can last from a few months to several years depending on the method used and how well the teeth are cared for afterward.
At DDA Dental, we use professional teeth whitening to help you safely brighten stained or discolored teeth. This simple in-office procedure uses a special whitening gel and LED light to lift stains and reveal a whiter, healthier-looking smile in about 45 minutes. It’s one of the fastest and most effective ways to boost your confidence.
But why do teeth lose their whiteness in the first place?
Two Main Reasons Teeth Get Discolored:
1. Stains on the outside of your teeth (Extrinsic stains):
These stains come from what you eat, drink, or do every day. Coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and dark juices can stain the surface of your teeth over time. Smoking is also a major cause of yellow or black teeth, as tar and nicotine stick to your enamel and darken it quickly.
2. Stains from inside the tooth (Intrinsic stains):
These are harder to treat and often come from aging, tooth injuries, or certain medications. As you get older, enamel wears down, making the teeth appear darker. Some antibiotics (like tetracycline) or medical treatments like chemotherapy can also change tooth color from the inside out.
Understanding the cause of your tooth discoloration helps us recommend the best whitening option for your needs.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
At DDA Dental, we offer two trusted options for professional teeth whitening. Both use Philips Zoom whitening technology, known for its safe and powerful results. The best option for you depends on your lifestyle and how quickly you want to see results.
1. In-Office Whitening (Philips Zoom)
This option is done right here at our dental office. It involves applying a whitening gel to your teeth, followed by a special LED light that activates the gel and helps remove stains. The entire process takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, and most patients see results immediately after the visit.
2. Take-Home Whitening (with custom trays)
If you prefer whitening at your own pace, we also offer custom take-home kits. These include whitening trays made just for your teeth and a gel that you’ll apply at home. You’ll wear the trays for about 30 minutes per day for several days. Results build gradually and can be just as effective as in-office whitening with proper use.
Both options are safe, and you can even combine them to maintain results over time.
What to Expect During Your Zoom Teeth Whitening Appointment
At DDA Dental, we want every patient to feel informed and comfortable before any treatment. If you choose our Zoom in-office whitening, here’s exactly what the process looks like from start to finish.
Step 1: Initial Check and Cleaning
Your dentist will start by checking your teeth and gums to make sure whitening is right for you. If there’s any plaque, tartar, or cavities, we may recommend a quick cleaning or treatment first so the whitening gel can work better.
Step 2: Preparing Your Mouth
We’ll use a protective barrier to keep your lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue safe from the whitening gel. You’ll also wear special safety glasses to protect your eyes from the LED light.
Step 3: Applying the Whitening Gel
Next, we’ll dry your teeth and carefully apply the Zoom whitening gel. This gel contains hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down stains on your enamel.
Step 4: Activating the Gel with LED Light
We’ll shine the Zoom LED light on your teeth to activate the gel. This helps it penetrate deep into the enamel and lift even stubborn stains. The light treatment is done in three to four 15-minute rounds, depending on your tooth color and sensitivity.
Step 5: Post-Treatment Protection
Once whitening is complete, we’ll remove the gel, clean your teeth, and apply a fluoride treatment to reduce any sensitivity. You’ll also be able to compare the “before and after” shades to see your brighter smile right away.
From start to finish, the entire appointment usually takes about an hour, and most patients leave with a visibly whiter smile the same day.
Differences Between In-Office and At-Home Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening performed at your dentist’s office, and take-home whitening kits from your dentist will produce better whitening results than over-the-counter products. The reason? In-office whitening and dental-grade take-home kits have greater concentrations of the whitening agent.
Both in-office teeth whitening and professional-grade take-home whitening kits are excellent, affordable ways to brighten your smile. Here’s how they differ.
- In-office teeth whitening produces excellent results in about one hour
- Take-home whitening kits produce results gradually, over a couple of weeks
- In-office whitening is performed by a dental professional
- Take-home kits are the responsibility of the patient
- In-office whitening requires an appointment
- Take-home kits can be used at your convenient
Patients should know that dental restorations such as crowns and bridges will not respond to teeth whitening treatments. Therefore, if you have restorations on the front teeth, talk with your cosmetic dentist about alternative treatments to brighten your smile.
Likewise, teeth that are gray or brown, or those that were stained due to certain medications may not respond to teeth whitening. Other options such as dental crowns, dental bonding, or dental veneers may be an option to give you a whiter smile.
It is important for patients with sensitive teeth to know that whitening may increase sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, talk with your dentist about treatment options.
Cost of Teeth Whitening Treatments
At DDA Dental, we believe in clear pricing and helping patients understand the value of their care. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, which means it’s not usually covered by insurance—but we do offer options to make it affordable.
In-Office Whitening
Our Philips Zoom in-office treatment typically ranges from $300 to $600, depending on the level of staining and how many sessions are needed. This option offers the fastest and most visible results, often in just one visit.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
Custom whitening trays with professional-grade gel are more affordable and give you more control over when you whiten. These kits usually cost between $150 and $300, depending on your treatment plan.
Financing Options
We work with CareCredit and offer in-house payment plans to make teeth whitening more accessible. If you’re interested, our front desk team can walk you through the options and help you apply.
At your consultation, we’ll explain which option is best for your teeth, how long results should last, and how to protect your investment with simple aftercare.
8 Ways to Maintain Results from Professional Teeth Whitening
Once you’ve had your teeth whitened, you’ll want to keep them white for as long as possible.
To extend your results from professional teeth whitening, follow these helpful tips.
- Limit stain-causing foods and beverages (coffee, red wine, tea, bright/dark sauces)
- Use a whitening toothpaste at home
- Use a straw for dark sodas or juices
- Do not smoke, vape, or use smokeless tobacco
- Get professional dental cleanings every six months
- Brush twice daily for two full minutes
- Floss daily
- Brush or rinse mouth with water after eating
Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening
Does teeth whitening hurt?
The whitening process doesn’t hurt at all. However, teeth whitening can cause temporary sensitivity in patients with no history of sensitivity. It may worsen sensitivity in patients who have sensitive teeth. Talk with your dentist about any concerns you have before scheduling an appointment for whitening.
Can I use CareCredit for teeth whitening?
Yes. At Dunedin Dental Associates we accept CareCredit as payment for all dental treatments.
Can whitening treatments be repeated?
Yes. Whitening is safe to repeat as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. Many patients come in once a year for a refresh or use take-home trays to maintain results.
Will whitening work on crowns or fillings?
No. Crowns, veneers, and fillings won’t change color from whitening treatments. If you have visible dental work, we’ll go over other cosmetic options that may be a better fit.
Is professional whitening better than store-bought kits?
Yes. Professional whitening is stronger, faster, and safer—and your results will last longer. Plus, your dentist can adjust the treatment based on your sensitivity and tooth condition.
Book a Cosmetic Dental Consultation in Dunedin, FL
If you’re ready to show off a brighter, whiter smile, Dunedin Dental Associates is here to help. As a top Google-reviewed dental practice, we provide comprehensive cosmetic dental treatments ranging from teeth whitening to dental implants and everything in between. To schedule a cosmetic dental consultation at Dunedin Dental Associates, call 727-734-3321 or send us a message.
