How Long Does It Take To Whiten Teeth?

Over time, teeth become stained and discolored for a number of reasons. The good news is that there are many different treatments available that can give you a brighter, whiter smile. And, thanks to advancements in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening treatments have improved greatly from years past.

These whitening treatments are not created equal. This means that the results you get – and the time in which you get them – will vary.

Let’s break down how long it takes to whiten teeth.

Common Methods of Teeth Whitening

If you are interested in teeth whitening, you need to see what is available.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening refers to the type of whitening treatment you get when you go to your dentist. These can be in-office treatments or at-home professional treatments. Either way, they are customized to meet the demands of your teeth.

In-office professional teeth whitening treatments involve a trip to the dentist. Each dentist usually has a specific whitening treatment or two that they think are the best to offer their patients. This is done under the care of a dental professional and always yields professional results.

At-home professional teeth whitening is customized for you so that you take it home and undergo whitening treatment in a private and comfortable setting. These kits are of professional quality and it is important you carefully follow the instructions of your dental office.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening

There are teeth whitening treatments that you can purchase at your local drug store and use at home. They are more cost-effective than professional treatments, but they do not come with the same high quality or the same results.

Whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, and so forth all promise you a beautiful white smile – but often fail to deliver. Most people complain of uneven, splotchy results that are not significantly lighter than where they started. Others have had reactions to the bleaching agent and couldn’t complete the treatment.

Keep in mind that there are many different brands of professional and over-the-counter whitening treatments. Each of their expected results and specific methods will vary.

How Long Does it Take to Whiten Teeth?

How long it takes to whiten teeth is going to vary greatly based on the type of whitening treatment you are using.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional, in-office whitening treatments will usually only require one visit. The gums are often protected well in this scenario and the bleaching agent is evenly applied. Expect this to take anywhere between 60 and 90 minutes. The results will begin to develop quickly, often several shades lighter. The difference with professional teeth whitening is very noticeable.

Professional at-home whitening treatments are used every day for anywhere from 2 to 5 weeks depending on the brand and the need. Some may only be used for 45 minutes or so whereas others are worn overnight.

You can expect this whitening treatment to give you great, noticeable results.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening

Over-the-counter whitening treatments are the least effective – and take the longest. For instance, you can wear whitening strips every day for a couple of hours and 2 to 3 weeks later you may see a slightly noticeable difference. But there is no guarantee how much brighter or how even it will be.

After a few weeks of using a whitening toothpaste, you may begin to see slight changes in color. Though, it is worth noting that whitening mouthwashes don’t seem to provide much benefit.

Teeth Whitening by Minoli & Vijay

If you are interested in teeth whitening that will get you superior results in the shortest amount of time, Minoli & Vijay can help. With both in-office and at-home professional teeth whitening treatments, you are sure to find what will work best for you.