Teeth Whitening recovery — week by week

What healing actually looks like — week by week — for teeth whitening.

Recovery timeline

1. Day of treatment
   Sensitivity peaks 24–48 hours. Avoid hot/cold and acidic foods.
2. Days 2–3
   Sensitivity resolves. Color stabilizes and may rebound 1–2 shades.
3. Days 4–14
   'White diet' — no coffee, tea, red wine, berries, or tomato sauce — preserves the result.
4. Months 6–12
   Touch-up needed for most patients. Maintenance trays at home are inexpensive.

What's normal vs. what to call about

Some swelling, bruising, asymmetry, numbness, and tightness are expected in the first weeks. Sudden severe pain, fever above 101°F, drainage, spreading redness, or one-sided swelling that worsens after improving warrant a same-day call to your surgeon.

See teeth whitening results across the recovery curve on the main Teeth Whitening page.