How long does teeth whitening last?
Cadbury Dental team3 min readPublished Last updated
Most patients keep their whitening result for one to three years. Diet, smoking and hygiene habits make the difference. Because you keep your custom trays, a night or two of top-up gel restores the shade rather than repeating the whole treatment.
What shortens the result
- Tea, coffee, red wine and dark sauces — the usual culprits.
- Smoking and vaping.
- Skipping hygiene appointments, so surface staining builds up.
- Grinding and enamel wear, which exposes darker dentine underneath.
Keeping the shade
Rinse with water after staining drinks, keep to your hygiene schedule, and use a short top-up before events. Top-up gel is inexpensive because the trays are the expensive part and you already have them.
Cosmetic & whitening: your questions on this topic
How much is top-up gel?
Refill syringes are a fraction of the original treatment cost — ask at reception for the current price.
Do I need new trays each time?
No, unless your teeth move or you have new dental work. Look after them and they last for years.
Can I over-whiten?
Yes — more is not better. Follow the schedule we give you and review the shade with us.
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