How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last? [Horsham & Reigate Patients Guide]

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in the UK. At our practices in Reigate and Horsham, it’s also one of the questions we hear most often: “How long will my whitening results last?”

The simple answer is that whitening typically lasts 12 to 24 months — but the exact time depends on the method you choose, your lifestyle, and how well you care for your teeth afterwards. In this guide, we’ll explain what you can expect and how to make your results last as long as possible.

Typical Whitening Results

In-surgery whitening
Professional in-practice whitening delivers fast, noticeable results in just one appointment. Many patients leave the chair several shades brighter. With good care, results usually last between 12 and 24 months.

Dentist-supervised home whitening
Home whitening kits provided by your dentist use custom-made trays and professional-grade gels. When used correctly, the results are very similar to in-surgery whitening. Many patients prefer this option as it’s more gradual and can be easily topped up.

What Affects Whitening Longevity?

Your whitening results don’t just depend on the treatment — your daily habits play a big role.

• Diet: Drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine, and fizzy drinks can stain teeth more quickly.
• Smoking: Nicotine is one of the biggest causes of discolouration and can shorten the effects of whitening.
• Oral hygiene: Brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental check-ups help maintain your brighter smile.

How to Keep Your Smile Brighter for Longer

The good news is, there are simple ways to extend the effects of teeth whitening:

• Regular hygiene visits — professional cleaning removes surface stains before they build up.
• Whitening top-up kits — safe, dentist-approved gels can refresh your smile at home when you need a boost.
• Lifestyle adjustments — using a straw for dark drinks, rinsing after meals, and quitting smoking can all help.
• Daily tools for home care — many of our patients like using a Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser, Amazon Affiliate Link to reduce plaque and stains between teeth, alongside a BLIXIFY Copper Tongue Scraper, Amazon Affiliate Link for fresher breath and a cleaner mouth.
• Whitening toothpaste — a premium option such as Marvis Whitening Toothpaste, Amazon Affiliate Link, can help reduce surface stains and keep your smile brighter day-to-day.
• Extra helpers — even small changes like sipping through a Reusable Stainless Steel Straw. (Amazon Affiliate Link). Using a reusable stainless steel straw can limit staining from tea, coffee, or red wine.

For optimal results, we also recommend investing in a high-quality electric toothbrush, such as the Oral-B iO10 Electric Toothbrush (Amazon Affiliate Link) or Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9400 Electric Toothbrush (Amazon Affiliate Link), which have been proven to remove more plaque and help maintain whitening effects.

Teeth Whitening in Reigate & Horsham

At our Horsham and Reigate practices, we welcome patients of all ages seeking to enhance their smiles. Many combine whitening with a hygiene appointment for the best results. We also offer flexible appointments — including evenings and weekends — to make it easy to fit treatment into your schedule.

Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want to feel more confident, our dentists can help you choose the whitening method that suits you best.

Ready for a Brighter Smile?

If you’re thinking about teeth whitening in Reigate or Horsham, book your consultation with our friendly team today. We’ll explain your options, check your suitability, and help you achieve a natural, lasting result.

Call us on 01403 259717 or email in**@*hp.dental to arrange your appointment.