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.
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FAQs
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 does it take for yellow teeth to become white? ›
Ideally, you will use an electric toothbrush to eliminate as much staining as possible. Use teeth whitening toothpaste two times per day and you might notice whiter teeth in as little as half a month's time. However, it could take upwards of a month and a half to produce meaningful results.
How long will it take for my teeth to go back white? ›
The carbamide peroxide gel in your tray is active for up to 8 hours. Normally teeth take 2-6 weeks to lighten. The darker your teeth are the longer your teeth will take to get lighter. Tetracycline stained teeth can take 6-12 months to lighten.
How fast can a dentist whiten your 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.
How can I whiten my teeth quickly? ›
Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
- Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating 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.
Patients can have their teeth whitened and stains removed by dental professionals. Highly effective methods can be used to remove the staining whilst protecting the health of your teeth. For the quickest method of getting rid of yellow teeth, stain removal can be integrated with teeth whitening.
Are yellow teeth permanent? ›
Adult teeth will eventually lose their yellow shade, brightening and whitening over time. If your child's teeth are uneven in their coloring now because their permanent teeth are erupting, just give it some time. As long as they follow good oral hygiene practices, the color should even out into a white smile again.
Do people notice white teeth? ›
Studies show that whiter teeth are associated with attractiveness and that people with whiter teeth are perceived to be more sociable, friendly, and intelligent.
Are yellow teeth healthy? ›
Non-White or Yellow Teeth are Unhealthy
This myth is peddled by firms which want us to spend a fortune on getting a perfect “movie star” smile. Although heavy staining and yellow plaque deposits aren't healthy, it's very possible for yellowish teeth to be absolutely clean and healthy.
How do people get their teeth so white? ›
The most common approach dentists use for brightening teeth is professional teeth whitening. It entails bleaching teeth enamel to remove surface and intrinsic stains.
With proper care and precaution, patients should not feel pain during teeth whitening procedures. In some cases, tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur when the bleaching solution is applied for too long.
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.
What is the fastest results for teeth whitening? ›
Professional Teeth Whitening
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.
Do crest white strips work? ›
Depending on the type of discoloration you have, Crest whitening kits may or may not work for you. If you have yellowing due to aging, poor nutrition, smoking, this whitening method may work for you. But if you have dark and greyed teeth, Crest Whitestrips may not work for you.
What is the most powerful way to whiten teeth? ›
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 is the cheapest way to whiten your teeth? ›
Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.
Can yellow teeth become white again by brushing? ›
Brushing your teeth is meant to remove harmful bacteria and plaque but not to whiten them. As recommended by your dentist, brushing twice a day is vital because it prevents cavities and tooth decay. Brushing alone will not whiten your teeth, though, and even whitening toothpaste only has a minimal effect on your teeth.
Can natural yellow teeth become white? ›
The good news is that even naturally yellow teeth can be whitened, and kept white, if you understand the causes behind tooth discoloration.
Is it too late to whiten my teeth? ›
No matter how old you are, or how stained your teeth are, there's always something that can be done to whiten your teeth. We offer three teeth whitening treatments, the most popular of which is the Enlighten combination of in-clinic and at-home treatment which can whiten up to 16 shades lighter in up to three weeks.
Why do teeth get yellow so fast? ›
Foods. Berries, tomatoes and other highly pigmented items are foods that stain your teeth. In a way, your mother was right when she said candy, popsicles and sugary chewing gum make your teeth yellow or stained. A diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates can welcome bacteria and discolor teeth.
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.