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 Pompano Beach, FL.

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 South Florida Smile Spa, Nicole M. Berger, DDS at 954-395-2419 for an appointment in our Pompano Beach office.

Recent Posts

Choosing Between Over-the-Counter And Teeth Whitening From Your Dentist

There are a lot of ways to go about whitening your teeth, from over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments to professional teeth whitening from a dentist.Given the increase in over-the-counter products, many of which are unregulated, it’s important to do your due diligence before starting the use of over-the-counter whitening treatment. Additionally, when wanting to pursue teeth…

Understanding Professional Teeth Whitening

If you have been dissatisfied with the shade of your smile for some time, it may be time to consider professional teeth whitening. Though there are many tooth whiteners available over the counter, procedures performed or supplied by a dentist typically work faster and have longer-lasting results.There is a lot of demand for professional teeth…

Discover The Lifelong Benefits Of A Dental Implant For Your Oral Health

A dental implant is the gold standard of dental restorations. It provides stability and natural-looking results. Understanding the benefits of implants can motivate you to see your general dentist about it. Here are the different oral health advantages of a dental implant.The titanium rod acts as the dental root. It merges with the jawbone and…

South Florida Smile Spa, Nicole M. Berger, DDS

Share
Published by
South Florida Smile Spa, Nicole M. Berger, DDS

Recent Posts

Discover the Lifelong Benefits of a Dental Implant for Your Oral Health

A dental implant is the gold standard of dental restorations. It provides stability and natural-looking…

3 days ago

A Guide To Caring for Dental Crowns

Whether you have a cracked, chipped, or decayed tooth, a dental crown can restore it…

5 days ago

When Is a Dental Crown Needed After Cavity Treatment?

Dental crowns can treat many dental issues, including cavities. Your dentist will always aim to…

1 week ago

Tips for Finding a Good Invisalign Dentist

Invisalign® clear aligners are a great dental alternative to more traditional teeth-straightening methods such as…

2 weeks ago

How Dental Crowns Can Fix Cracked Teeth

Dental crowns are a reliable and effective tool for restoring damaged teeth. While most people…

2 weeks ago

How Dental Crowns Can Save a Damaged Tooth

Dental crowns are remarkable in that they protect the biting surface of damaged teeth and…

4 weeks ago