When patients consider a teeth whitening procedure, the first question they want to ask is, "how long does it take to whiten your teeth?" However, the answer largely depends on the condition of the teeth, why they are discolored in the first place, and the type of treatment of the patient wants. There are many different treatment options available for teeth whitening. We can set up a schedule for the patient depending on availability and how quickly the patient wants to whiten his or her teeth.
Most of the time, we can complete in-office teeth whitening within an hour or two. In some cases, the patient may need a follow-up treatment. It is also important for a patient to understand the process of whitening teeth and why a professional whitening is much more effective than at-home remedies.
The method
Teeth whitening involves the use of chemicals that penetrate the enamel of the teeth and work from the inside out to professionally bleach the teeth. Professional bleaching is the most usual method of whitening and the dental team will work with the patient to explain the process thoroughly. For a proper teeth whitening procedure, we need to apply an active ingredient. Thus, we apply the whitening product to the teeth using a specific tray that resembles a mouth guard.
In order to make sure that the tray specifically fits over a patient's teeth, an imprint of the patient's teeth is necessary. We will also need to mold the tray to match all of the nuances of a patient's particular set of teeth. This ensures that the whitening substance goes on all areas of the teeth for an equal whitening, without affecting the gums.
We then place a whitening substance of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide into the whitening tray and fit it over the teeth. The active ingredient then breaks down and delivers oxygen into the enamel of the teeth, lighting the tooth color.
How long does it take to whiten your teeth?
When it comes to teeth whitening, it is essential to understand that the amount of whitening necessary depends on the amount of stain on the teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatment typically takes three to four weeks.
First, the dental team needsto make the mouth guard using impressions to ensure that the teeth whitening solution goes on all the teeth. Once the treatment begins, typically from the comfort of home, it will involve regularly applying the whitening product over a space of two to four weeks. The amount of application can depend on the amount of stain. Mostly, these treatment sessions last for roughly 30 minutes to an hour at a time. The alternative to dentist-created whitening trays and solution is to visit the dental office for an in-office treatment. We can usually complete an in-office treatment in one or two visits and produce results within a matter of hours.
Over the counter and in home teeth-whitening kits tend to take at least a month of wearing mouthpieces every night before they start to have an effect. Additionally, over-the-counter products use mouthpieces that can get the solution on the gums, and not cover all the teeth.
Get started
Whitening teeth is faster and easier when working with a dentist. Call today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about what it takes to whiten your teeth.
Recent Posts
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take
It is normal for teeth to yellow or become stained over time, but teeth whitening can return a smile to its original brightness. The American Association of Orthodontics reports that more than 30% of Americans are unhappy with their smile. Getting teeth whitened is a simple, easy process that can help anyone regain confidence in…
Cosmetic Dental Services To Fix Teeth Crowding
Cosmetic dental services can transform a person's smile by treating oral health issues like teeth crowding. A cosmetic dentist will use whichever dental procedures benefit their patient. It is not uncommon for a cosmetic dentist to use orthodontics or restorative dentistry to improve a smile. The type of treatment that the dentist recommends will depend…
When A Dental Bridge Is A Cosmetic Dental Services Option
If you are missing teeth, cosmetic dental services, such as dental bridges, may be able to help. Dental bridges fill the space left by missing teeth, which can improve your confidence, enhance your smile, and prevent your remaining teeth from shifting.Many treatments overlap between cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and dental bridges are one of them.…
How Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Used In Cosmetic Dental Services
Cosmetic dental services like tooth-colored fillings can repair and rebuild decayed, damaged, or deformed teeth. Better known as dental bonding, this procedure involves using composites that are color-matched with the patient’s teeth to restore the appearance of their teeth. The composites are a blend of plastics and glass.Here are a few of the ways that…
FAQs
Teeth whitening generally takes anywhere from four weeks to a year to achieve full results. Some factors that determine the length include: The extent of discoloration. Pre-existing damage and dental issues.
How long does it take to fully whiten teeth? ›
For about two to six weeks, you can use dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice a day. You can use a certified whitening mouthwash which usually takes about three months to produce visible results. Whitening strips are the most compelling in-house treatments that last up to six months.
How long until you see results with teeth whitening? ›
Depending on the level of your staining and the type of whitening procedure you have done, you may be able to see results in about a week or two. To reach your desired whiteness, it may take about three weeks to a month. To maintain the shade, you will need to go for touch-up treatments or use prescribed home kits.
How long will it take for my teeth to go back white? ›
then your teeth will slowly become discoloured again. It does take years for them to return to the previous colour however it can happen. So, in order to maintain that nice white colour, we recommend topping up the bleach one or two nights every 5-6 months.
Can yellow teeth go back to white? ›
Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.
How fast can yellow teeth become white? ›
The UV light is said to activate the peroxide and expedite the whitening process. If you use this every day, you can see results within 10-14 days. Whitening toothpaste contains enzymes that eliminate stains while brushing your teeth. If you do this twice a day, results can range anywhere from two to six weeks.
How quickly do teeth stain after whitening? ›
The myth that teeth whitening will make your teeth more susceptible to staining is mostly untrue. In the first couple days after whitening, you must avoid foods and beverages with dark pigments, such as coffee and berries. After the pores in your enamel close, your teeth will retain their newly whitened color.
What is the fastest results for teeth whitening? ›
Professional teeth whiteners are usually administered by dentists or certified teeth whitening professionals. This teeth whitening method involves high-powered bleaching agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which can significantly lighten teeth in a single session.
How long does it take teeth to rehydrate after whitening? ›
Rehydrating Teeth After Whitening
After your procedure, your teeth will naturally rehydrate themselves in two to seven days. However, there are things you can do to help your teeth during this time. Drink plenty of water – water naturally hydrates every part of your body, including your teeth.
Why no results after teeth whitening? ›
The natural color of teeth can vary due to various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. Some individuals naturally have teeth that are darker or have a yellowish tint. These teeth may have a denser enamel layer or more pigmented dentin, making them more resistant to whitening treatments.
For your benefit, we've provided you with seven different ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
- Eat Strawberries. ...
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
- Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
- Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Apply Coconut Oil. ...
- Brush Your Tongue. ...
- Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
It takes 14 days to whiten your teeth
As you age your teeth get less porous and the inner tooth dentine gets thicker and denser so over 60's may also need to bleach for longer. This is something that the dentist can assess at the time of whitening and warn you about prior to starting.
What is the most effective teeth whitening method? ›
laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.
What shade is the most common tooth color? ›
Using a four-shade guide, most people have teeth that are A3 in color, meaning that they are somewhat reddish brown. This is considered the average, natural tooth shade.
How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
But on average, it can start to remove surface stains within just 2 days. However, it may take as long as two to three weeks to notice small noticeable results. Severity of Stains. The time it takes to see results with baking soda depends on the severity and nature of the stains.
How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
How long does it take to whiten teeth with 16%? ›
16% Carbamide Peroxide (5.7% Hydrogen Peroxide) = use 1 x 90 minutes/day to overnight, while sleeping, if no sensitivity arises. Conduct your whitening session once per day until desired level of whitening is attained. NOTE – You may skip days between whitening sessions to minimize sensitivities.
Is it hard to whiten yellow teeth? ›
If you want to know how to whiten yellow teeth, the most effective option is an in-practice whitening treatment with your dentist. Professional whitening treatments have become very popular because you can see results in a single visit or a few visits. The effects last longer than any product you find on the shelves.
How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally? ›
When the dentist whitens teeth, your teeth can become sensitive to different foods that can stain. After 24-72 hours, you can resume your regular diet. The following are the things that you need to avoid after teeth whitening. Sugary foods can irritate your teeth and trigger the bacteria responsible for causing decay.
When patients consider a teeth whitening procedure, the first question they want to ask is, "how long does it take to whiten your teeth?" However, the answer largely depends on the condition of the teeth, why they are discolored in the first place, and the type of treatment of the patient wants. There are many different treatment options available for teeth whitening. We can set up a schedule for the patient depending on availability and how quickly the patient wants to whiten his or her teeth.