How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take

It is normal for teeth to yellow or become stained over time, but teeth whitening can return a smile to its original brightness. The American Association of Orthodontics reports that more than 30% of Americans are unhappy with their smile. Getting teeth whitened is a simple, easy process that can help anyone regain confidence in smiling.

Understanding teeth whitening

As with any dental procedure, it is essential to understand the fundamentals of teeth whitening before committing to it. Knowing how long whitening takes, what is involved in the process and when to return for a second appointment can help a patient make the right decision for their teeth. Here is what one might expect when looking to whiten teeth and options for proper whitening.

Time

The time it takes to restore a smile depends heavily on the condition of the teeth and the chosen process for whitening. A tooth with stains may take longer to whiten than a tooth that has only yellowed with age. Teeth that are considerably discolored will likely require more work than teeth that have minor streaks. On top of that, some at-home procedures take more time than a procedure completed in a dental professional’s office. Even then, treatment may require multiple appointments over the course of several weeks.

Process

No matter which teeth whitening treatment a patient chooses, each uses the same technology to make teeth sparkle. All bleaching agents contain a certain amount of peroxide. How quickly the teeth whiten is relative to the amount of peroxide in the bleach. An agent with a higher percentage of peroxide will whiten teeth at a fast pace, but it can only be kept in the mouth for a short time; otherwise, there is a risk of creating dehydrated, sensitive teeth. A dentist can advise a patient on the proper timeline for each treatment.

Treatment options for whitening

There is a wide range of options for teeth whitening. A patient can choose one based on budget, effectiveness, longevity of results, or number of applications. These are the most common forms of whitening.

Professional whitening

A patient can make an appointment to get teeth whitened by a dental professional. This kind of treatment is usually incredibly quick and can be completed in a single appointment. While longer-lasting results may require follow-up appointments, this is a great option for those who need immediate whitening, e.g., for a special upcoming event.

Whitening strips

Strips are an at-home form of treatment that anyone can do. Generally, the strips are applied to teeth for an hour every day. This process may be repeated for several weeks to obtain desirable results.

Gels

Using a tray filled with a bleaching gel provides flexibility in choosing a whitening agent. Each person can pick the strength of the agent and wear the tray for the allotted amount of time for that agent. To whiten teeth faster, the tray can be worn for a maximum time.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Long Grove, IL.

Conclusion

There is no reason to feel self-conscious about teeth. Plenty of options exist to keep teeth white and clean for a smile worth showing off.

Request an appointment or call Long Grove Dental at 847-636-5020 for an appointment in our Long Grove office.

Recent Posts

Teeth Whitening Options For Gray Teeth

Knowing your options for teeth whitening is important. Few people are naturally blessed with teeth that are truly white, which means getting white teeth may be impossible to achieve through good brushing and flossing habits alone. Many patients who struggle with tooth discoloration may notice that their teeth appear gray or even blue. This can…

5 Ways To Whiten Dull Teeth

When it comes to whitening dull teeth, most people assume teeth whitening at the dentist's office or whitening the teeth with an over-the-counter product at the store are the only options. There is plenty of confusion as to the most effective approach to whiten dull teeth.In reality, there are multiple options and preferences for people…

How Long Does At Home Teeth Whitening Take?

Looking for the best do it yourself teeth whitening methods? Those who want to try and whiten their teeth at home themselves vs. buying an over the counter whitening kit or making an appointment with a professional dentist are often the type of people who like to do things themselves whenever possible. These people figure…

Long Grove Dental

Share
Published by
Long Grove Dental

Recent Posts

CEREC® Crowns vs. Traditional Dental Crowns

CEREC® crowns are a great dental restoration option that offers convenience, ease, and efficient results.

3 weeks ago

Emergency Dentist: When To Seek Immediate Dental Care

Pain is often the first indicator that you may require a visit to the emergency…

2 months ago

Caring for Your Dental Bridge: Tips for Longevity

A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the…

2 months ago

Are Dental Veneers Right for You? Explore Your Options

Minor flaws in your teeth might make you hide your smile. If so, dental veneers…

4 months ago

How a Restorative Dentist Can Help After a Traumatic Accident

One of the primary concerns that often develops after a traumatic incident is the development…

5 months ago

How an Experienced Implant Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

An implant dentist can replace one or more missing teeth and thereby improve the appearance…

6 months ago