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How long does teeth whitening take? It depends on the way you whiten them. Let’s explore the top five most popular teeth whitening methods, and compare how long each one takes before you begin to see results.
Do you have a high school reunion or family photo shoot scheduled in the near future, for which you’re hoping for a bright, white smile to look younger and feel more confident?
Depending whether your event is one week or one month away could dictate which teeth whitening method you choose. While one method takes 90 minutes, another can take nearly three months.
That’s why it’s best to inform yourself about how long each method takes: to see which will work best for you, especially if you have a time constraint. Let’s examine the top five ways to whiten your teeth, and determine how long it takes to see results.
1. Professional Teeth Whitening.
A professional job is the fastest, most effective way to whiten your teeth. On average, patients walk out of the office with teeth 2-3 shades lighter than upon arrival.
Results: Professional teeth whitening procedures usually last 90 minutes.
2. Whitening Strips.
Instructions call for attaching strips to your teeth for one to two hours per day for up to two weeks. These gel strips are reportedly very effective, although they require a commitment.
Results: You’ll see whiter teeth in 2-3 weeks.
3. Whitening Trays and Gels.
Because manufacturers make these products in a range of concentrations, how quickly your teeth whiten will depend on the strength of your agent. Using a product with 10% carbide peroxide bleaching gel, and treating teeth once per day for one hour, will whiten teeth slower than an agent with a higher concentration, or doing so for two hours per day.
That’s why, to see whiter teeth faster, maximize the length of your treatment sessions; if your kit suggests whitening 2 to 4 hours per day, use the full four.
Results: Within the first two weeks of treatment (if using gel with 10% carbide peroxide, once per day for one hour).
4. Whitening Toothpaste.
These toothpastes contain mild enzymes that scrape away stains when used with a toothbrush. Use an electric toothbrush to blast away more stain.
Results: When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste can take from two to six weeks to make teeth appear whiter.
5. Whitening Rinses.
As easy to use as mouthwash, these rinses are packed with whitening agents. However, because users only rinse for a couple of minutes a day, teeth whiten gradually.
Results: You may not see a difference for a couple of months.
It can be tricky to decide which method will work best for you, especially weighing the time and cost of all of these processes.