Are you looking for ways to whiten your teeth? If you are unhappy with your teeth, you probably do not share your smile with the world very often. And that’s completely normal. Why? Our confidence, relationships, and first impressions can be affected by yellow or discolored teeth, making us feel insecure and embarrassed.

The solution? Teeth whitening can make your teeth shine brighter than a disco ball! 

Still, you’ll probably have some questions about teeth whitening when you first consider making an appointment with your dentist for the procedure. Specifically, the question, “how long will it take to whiten my teeth?”

The answer largely depends on the condition of your teeth, the cause of the discoloration, and the type of treatment you want. However, we are confident that you will be thrilled with the results. Let’s dive in.

Causes Of Discolored Or Stained Teeth

Teeth become dull due to a number of factors, causing them to lose their pearly whiteness. Various foods can discolor enamel, the outer layer of teeth. It’s also possible for your teeth to appear yellow due to the buildup of plaque. Other reasons for discolored teeth are

• Poor oral hygiene
• Natural aging process
• Tartar and plaque deposits
• Using tobacco
• Coffee, tea, or colas
• Eating pigmented foods like blueberries
• Teeth trauma

Just remember, the perfect smile doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication… and the occasional dental appointment or two!

Choosing A Dental Professional For Teeth Whitening

“It is time to whiten my teeth,” a thought like this will make you question your budget, expectations, and treatment options. As far as teeth whitening is concerned, it is essential to choose a dentist with a lot of experience for the treatment. Your dentist should be able to support and advise you so that the results are completely satisfactory for you.

In-Office Whitening Treatments

The two main teeth-whitening chemicals used in such treatments are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Unlike whitening toothpaste, which mechanically dissolves surface discoloration with an abrasive ingredient, these whitening treatments weaken your tooth stains at the molecular level. 

Many OTC whitening strips, kits, and pens also contain some type of peroxide. The chemical concentration sets them apart from professional teeth whitening products. A faster, albeit more expensive, way to whiten your teeth is to have them professionally whitened at a dental office. Below are some tempting options and their duration for a teeth whitening treatment:

UV Or LED Teeth Whitening

This is one of the most common teeth whitening techniques, and some people consider it the best way to achieve an attractive smile.

It usually takes our experts an hour to perform this simple procedure at Dentists On Washington. While you relax in our comfortable treatment chairs, the dentist coats your teeth with a hydrogen peroxide-based gel and activates it with a special light. You can read, watch TV, or listen to music while the whitening agent works to lighten your teeth a few shades.

Tray-Based Whitening

These trays provide significant whitening results. This procedure uses chemicals that penetrate the enamel and work from the inside out to whiten your teeth. To accomplish this, we use a tray that resembles a mouth guard to apply the active ingredient to your teeth. 

To do this, we fill the tray with whitening gel and place it over your teeth to allow the gel to work. In most cases, the treatment can be completed within one to two hours. Under certain circumstances, follow-up treatment may be required.

How Long Does It Take To Whiten My Teeth?

When considering teeth whitening at your dentist’s office, one of the most common questions is: How long will it take to whiten my teeth? Approximately 1.5 hours are required for the entire procedure.

You can expect the whiteness of your teeth to last between six months and two years after professional teeth whitening.

Extending The Effectiveness Of Tooth Whitening Procedures 

You may be wondering how I can maintain the whiteness of my teeth at home after treatment in the office.

By maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, you can easily prolong the effectiveness of teeth whitening. Many of these good oral hygiene habits and products are inexpensive and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash, and avoiding foods and beverages that can stain your teeth are simple and affordable steps you can take to keep your teeth looking their best.

Is In-office Tooth Whitening Safe?

Over the years, teeth whitening techniques have been extensively tested to ensure that they’re safe and effective. Illegal use of teeth whitening materials by non-dental professionals can pose a number of risks to patients, including swelling of the tongue and lips, burns in the mouth, sensitivity, and other problems. However, when teeth whitening is performed by a qualified and licensed dentist, the procedures are quite safe.

What Are The Side Effects Of In-office Tooth Whitening?

Some tooth sensitivity is very common after teeth whitening. Immediately after a teeth whitening treatment, for example, you may experience sensitivity upon contact with hot or cold liquids. However, on average, the sensitivity should subside within 24 to 48 hours after whitening. If your teeth remain sensitive, consult your dentist.

Does Bleaching Only Work On Natural Teeth?

You should keep in mind that teeth whitening products and procedures only affect the natural structure of your teeth. Bleaching agents cannot be used on caps, crowns, veneers, bridges, and bonding materials. To match your newly whitened teeth, it may be necessary to replace any dental work that was done before whitening.

Does At-home Teeth Whitening Work?

You may be wondering if it is possible to whiten your teeth at home to save time or money. There are thousands of teeth whitening products available today that claim to whiten your teeth by eight shades or more. However, it’s essential to know that whitening your teeth at home comes with some risks. Some over-the-counter teeth whitening products contain bleaching agents that can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums if not used properly.

In addition, at-home teeth whitening is usually less effective than in-office treatment. For example, professional teeth whitening usually uses a much stronger concentration of active bleaching agents than over-the-counter products, resulting in much better and longer-lasting results.

Schedule An Appointment for Professional Tooth Whitening

After professional teeth whitening, you’ll feel confident, refreshed, and ready to show off your bright white teeth!

The effects of professional dental treatment can last a few months to a year if you eat healthily, avoid stains, don’t smoke, and have your teeth cleaned regularly. At Dentists On Washington, our experts offer a wide range of dental services, including teeth whitening, veneers, and other procedures to suit your needs. Schedule an appointment today and begin your journey to a perfect smile.