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 San Francisco, CA.

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 Serenity Dental Spa at 415-376-6196 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.

Related Posts

Take Home Trays From Your Dentist Are A Teeth Whitening Option

Teeth whitening is becoming more popular as more and more people focus on their smiles. You have two options for whitening teeth. You can have the procedure done at a dental clinic or you can buy an off-the-shelf product that claims to whiten teeth. However, there is yet another possibility. You can get a whitening…

6 Services From A General Dentist

General dentists are some of the most visited professionals in their field. The American Dental Association recommends that people as young as one year old maintain a biannual checkup schedule. Their primary aim is to preserve or improve patients' oral health, which they do in various ways. Let us look at six of them.Depending on…

How A General Dentist Performs A Dental Filling

Your general dentist can repair your teeth that have minor decay. Cavities develop once bacterial acids start attacking the enamel. Patients with this dental problem often suffer from dental sensitivity. Dental fillings can stop them from worsening. Here are the details on how a general dentist provides a dental filling.Inspecting the patient’s teeth before starting…

Serenity Dental Spa

Share
Published by
Serenity Dental Spa

Recent Posts

6 Services from a General Dentist

General dentists are some of the most visited professionals in their field. The American Dental…

2 days ago

How a General Dentist Performs a Dental Filling

Your general dentist can repair your teeth that have minor decay. Cavities develop once bacterial…

1 week ago

What Can Happen With Untreated TMJ

While a dentist may be able to identify some telltale signs of TMJ, patients should…

2 weeks ago

General Dentist vs. Family Dentist: What You Should Know

Finding the right dentist for your oral health needs is an important process. While a…

3 weeks ago

When a Tooth Extraction May Be Recommended

Missing teeth can also make it difficult to eat and can increase your risk of…

3 weeks ago

What To Ask a General Dentist at Your First Appointment

Whether you have not visited the dentist in a long time, have never been, or…

4 weeks ago