If you’re curious about the duration of teeth whitening treatments you’re not alone. The time it takes to whiten your teeth can vary depending on the method chosen and the initial shade of your teeth.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of teeth whitening procedures available and the factors that can affect how long it takes to achieve the desired results.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take | Factors
There are many variables that determine how long teeth whitening will take and how effective it is, including:
Type of Treatment
The time it takes for teeth whitening to work depends mainly on the procedure you choose. In-office whitening is the fastest, often requiring just one or two appointments of 30 to 60 minutes each. Custom teeth whitening trays that you use at home can take two weeks to several months of nightly use to achieve optimal results. Over-the-counter strips typically need to be used for at least two weeks to show visible improvements.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is the fastest way to whiten teeth, often taking just one or two visits. The dentist will make a mold of your teeth to make a customized tray, then apply a peroxide-based whitening gel. They may use a light-activation system to accelerate the bleaching process.
Most patients see 3 to 8 shades of whitening after just one 30 to 60 minute in-office treatment. For the most dramatic results, multiple treatments spaced a week or two apart may provide maximum whitening. Follow-up appointments help maintain the brightness between routine cleanings.
Teeth Whitening Trays
With custom teeth whitening trays made by your dentist, you apply a peroxide gel to the trays and wear them for several hours a day, typically at night while sleeping. The time it takes depends on the concentration of peroxide and how regularly you use the trays.
Most patients see visible results after about two weeks of nightly use for 6 to 8 hours. But for the deepest level of whitening, it can take up to 12 weeks of consistent nightly use. Results tend to be long-lasting when trays are used consistently as a “maintenance whitening” approach.
Level of Staining
Teeth that are severely stained or discolored often require multiple treatments and longer time periods to achieve the desired brightness. Minorly stained teeth may lighten noticeably after just one treatment.
Personal Sensitivity
Some people experience tooth sensitivity during and after the whitening process, which may lengthen the time between treatments. Apply whitening agents for shorter periods initially and gradually increase time.
Frequently Ask Questions
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Patience is key, but with our teeth whitening product, you won’t have to wait for ages to see results. In as little as 14 Days, you’ll notice a remarkable transformation in the shade of your teeth. Unlike other products that promise the moon but deliver nothing, our solution is tried, tested, and trusted.
Summary
The time it takes to whiten teeth depends on several key factors like the whitening method used, level of discoloration, and sensitivity. In-office whitening performed by a dentist provides the fastest results, lightening teeth several shades in one or two 30–60-minute sessions.
Custom take-home whitening trays worn nightly can take 2-12 weeks to gradually lighten teeth with daily application. Over-the-counter whitening strips also require consistent use for at least 2 weeks before moderate lightening is visible.
The more stained the teeth are initially, the more treatments and time will be required to achieve desired whiteness. Tooth and gum sensitivity may also lengthen the process.
