Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. Having whiter teeth can make your smile look healthier and more attractive. There are many different ways to whiten teeth from dental grade treatments to products you can purchase in stores, all of which vary in terms of effectiveness.
If you’re considering whitening your teeth, you may be wondering how long it will take. The time it takes to see results varies between different whitening options, but here’s what you can expect.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
When it comes to professional teeth whitening treatments, dentists typically provide the following options:
- In-office whitening. This type of whitening treatment is applied by your dentist in a single appointment. A protective covering or gel is applied to your gums to prevent irritation. Then a carbamide peroxide whitening agent is applied to your teeth and activated using a UV light until the desired shade of white is achieved. The process is carefully controlled for natural looking, nearly instant results.
- At-home whitening. This type of whitening treatment allows you to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home. Custom trays are created by your dentist that you can use to apply the whitening agent to your teeth for even distribution. At-home whitening is a more gradual process, with results that are noticeable within a week with full results in about 2 weeks.
Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Products
There are a wide variety of teeth whitening products available for purchase in stores or online wherever dental hygiene products are sold.
- Toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes are designed to gradually whitening your teeth as you brush. They typically contain hydrogen peroxide for whitening and sometimes baking soda to scrub away stains. You may see results in a few weeks of use.
- Strips. Whitening strips are made of clear flexible plastic and can be applied directly to your teeth. They contain hydrogen peroxide that is activated by your saliva. You may see results in a few treatments or up to a week of daily use.
- Wands. Whitening wands contain a whitening liquid that can be applied with a brush or swab. The active ingredient is typically hydrogen peroxide, but other ingredients may be included to enhance the whitening effects.
- Mouthwash. You can also rinse your mouth daily with whitening mouthwash. This product can be used in conjunction with whitening toothpaste for best results.
Which Whitening Treatment is the Most Effective?
For the most dramatic and fastest results, no other treatment is better than in-office teeth whitening. At-home treatments provided by your dentist are a close second. The reason is that the active ingredient is stronger in dental-grade whitening treatments, which is why they have to be prescribed by your dentist.
However, if you are not interested in getting whitening treatment from your dentist or you want to save money, over the counter products are more easily available and cost less up front. It is important to note that the results of over the counter teeth whitening products don’t typically last as long as professional treatments, meaning you may end up paying more in the long run as you have to repeatedly purchase more of these products to maintain your results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Are there home remedies for whitening teeth?
There are some home remedies that may whiten your teeth somewhat by removing stains. You can create your own paste made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Strawberries have been known to whiten teeth somewhat when applied and brushed across the surface.
Is charcoal a safe option for whitening teeth?
You may have seen a variety of products containing charcoal that claim to whiten teeth. While charcoal may scrub away stains, the extreme abrasiveness may damage your tooth enamel, especially if used excessively.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening From Emerson Dental
If you want a whiter smile, start the process by talking to the experts at Emerson Dental. We offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments that are professional strength, highly effective, and safe for your teeth. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a teeth whitening consultation.