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 by the dentist in 85053, 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 in Phoenix, AZ 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

There are typically two main types of professional teeth whitening procedures:

a. In-Office Whitening: In-office whitening treatments involve applying a high-concentration whitening gel directly to the teeth and activating it with a special light or laser. The procedure is usually completed in a single visit and can result in noticeable whitening effects in about an hour.

b. Take-Home Whitening Kits: Alternatively, the dentist may provide custom-fitted whitening trays and a professional-strength whitening gel for you to use at home. You'll typically wear the trays filled with the whitening gel for a specified amount of time each day, usually for a week or two, to achieve gradual whitening results. Call us to learn more.

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.

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 Phoenix Family Dentistry at 602-547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.