How Long Does it Take to Whiten teeth?

There are several benefits to whitening your teeth, including a boost in confidence and making you appear younger. However, the length of time it takes to whiten teeth by a dentist or with at-home kits depends on a variety of factors.

How long it takes to whiten teeth depends on the condition of your teeth, your lifestyle, and what kind of whitening treatment you select. You may see results right away, or it may take 3-4 weeks to see full results.

We'll discuss the different methods of teeth whitening and why your lifestyle plays a critical factor in keeping a healthy, white smile.

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TEETH WHITENING METHODS: DENTIST VS. OVER-THE-COUNTER KITS

If it's teeth whitening by your dentist or with an at-home kit, there are usually one of two main whitening ingredients: hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Each one is a type of bleach that when you apply it to your teeth, it breaks up stains. That is why you'll also hear the term "bleaching" when it comes to teeth whitening.

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TEETH WHITENING BY A DENTIST

A professional tooth whitening by a dentist is the best and most effective way to get those pearly whites. A dentist can take an imprint of your mouth to build you a completely customized teeth whitening tray that ensures the whitening substance covers all areas of your teeth for an optimal treatment.

A dentist can also build you an at-home treatment plan that can produce results in about 3-4 weeks. You can also opt-in for in-office treatments that take about 30 minutes to an hour and you can see results within just a few hours.

Additionally, a dentist can also use laser treatments. Laser whitening is also an effective way of breaking up stains with just a few visits because it uses a higher concentration of peroxide.

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TEETH WHITENING KITS

When it comes to teeth whitening kits you can buy at the store, they usually take about a month to be effective. While these kits use the same ingredients used by your dentist, they have a much lower concentration. You have to use them more often and over a longer period of time to be effective.

Plus, you also have to be careful with the whitening substance sitting on your gums. These substances are not meant for the soft tissue in your mouth and may actually produce chemical burns. Additionally, trays and strips are not custom made for your teeth, so you may not be able to optimally reach all areas of your teeth for the most effective whitening treatment.

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WHY YOUR LIFESTYLE MATTERS FOR TEETH WHITENING

The amount of whitening substance and the time it takes to see results depends on the stains. Some stains occur naturally over time with age, while many lifestyle choices cause discoloration to your teeth.

Some of the most common causes of teeth stains include:

• Food and drinks: coffee, pop/sodas, and wines, and even potatoes and pasta
• Tobacco: Smoking and chewing
• Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing and skipping professional cleanings

While there are professional teeth whitening treatments available, it's also important to make the appropriate lifestyle adjustments. Professional treatments will only go so far if you continue smoking or don't keep up a daily oral hygiene routine.

You can always ask your dentist about the best possible teeth whitening options for you based on your teeth, age, and your lifestyle factors.