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
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 does it take to get teeth from yellow to 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 does it take to professionally whiten teeth? ›
The answer is somewhere around one hour. This is a minimal amount of time for someone to expect professional whitening results, especially when considering that professional in-office whitening can last upwards of two years.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Yes, most stains can easily be lifted from the teeth with professional whitening treatments. The strength of our treatments help patients transform their smile to a dazzling white! It is important to note that internal stains are more difficult to remove.
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.
The good news is, for the most part, teeth whitening doesn't hurt. However, there are a few things you should know before getting started. If you're interested in getting a professional teeth whitening treatment and you want to know if the treatment process hurts, continue reading our blog post to find out.
Is teeth yellowing 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.
Is dentist teeth whitening worth it? ›
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
What is the fastest teeth whitening method? ›
For most people, Zoom! laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available.
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.
How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene. Practicing good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth white. ...
- Avoid Stain-Causing Foods. ...
- Teeth Whitening Treatments and Products. ...
- Enamel Protection. ...
- Eat Calcium-Rich Foods.
In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Does vitamin D deficiency cause yellow teeth? Yes, vitamin D deficiency can show up as yellow teeth. Yellow or brown spots on teeth are a symptom of rickets, a condition caused by chronic low levels of vitamin D.
Can you whiten teeth just by brushing? ›
Tooth Brushing Isn't Meant to Whiten Teeth
Brushing twice a day (or more if recommended by a dentist) is essential, as it removes plaque and prevents cavities. The bristle action of a toothbrush won't whiten teeth, though, and even whitening toothpastes can only have a limited effect on the surface of teeth.
Do crest white strips work? ›
Will crest whitestrips work for me? 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 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 I whiten teeth in one day? ›
Apply whitening strips
Most whitestrips are intended for use over a few weeks, but some Crest Whitestrips can whiten teeth at home in one day. Because peroxide and the adhesives in most whitestrips can damage or irritate sensitive gum tissue, it's best to cut the strips down before use.
Can teeth come back from being yellow? ›
Thankfully, yellow teeth aren't forever. Not only can your teeth be whitened, but you can also adopt habits that keep them looking good. Use this blog to learn about why teeth become yellow, how you can fix them, and what you can do to prevent future discoloration.
Can I reverse yellow teeth? ›
Whitening rinses are another way to get rid of yellow teeth. They contain oxygen sources such as hydrogen peroxide. These react with the compounds staining the teeth, helping to lift them. Using a rinse twice a day for 1 minute at a time can lead to a one to two shade improvement in tooth color within 3 months.
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.
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.