How Fast Is A Teeth Whitening Procedure

You want your teeth to look their whitest, brightest best. Yet, you do not have hours and hours of extra time on your hands, so it is perfectly understandable that you want to know how fast a teeth whitening procedure will take. The answer depends on what type of teeth whitening procedure you choose.

 In-Office Teeth Whitening

Your dentist can whiten your teeth in the dental office in a fraction of the time it would take to do it in other ways. Your dentist can do this procedure in one office visit. After cleaning and checking your teeth and gums, the dentist can complete the whitening procedure in about an hour.

There is currently no way of whitening teeth that is as safe and fast as in-office whitening. The results can be amazing, too, whitening your teeth from 9 to 12 shades in one hour-long session.

The dentist begins the procedure by placing a teeth retractor in your mouth to expose the same teeth that show when you smile. Then, they paint on a liquid rubber or hardening resin to protect your gums. Your mouth is ready for the whitening.

First, the dentist applies whitening gel to your teeth. The whitening gel is potent, and is best used under your dentist’s care. Next, the dentist might shine an intense light on your teeth to activate the whitening gel. You wait for 15 minutes, listening to music or watching TV while the gel does its work. The dentist then suctions off the gel, checks your teeth, and reapplies the gel one or two more times for 15 minutes each.

 Dentist-Supervised At-Home Whitening

Although in-office whitening procedures are proven to be the most effective and least time consuming, they also cost more than other types of whitening. There is one alternative for people who would like professional whitening without paying the in-office cost. You can do teeth whitening at home under the direction of your dentist.

It takes longer to whiten your teeth at home than it takes for the dentist to do it in the dental office. Yet, many experts suggest that the long-term results are as good as or better than with in-office teeth whitening. You just have to wait longer to see the results.

In addition to a teeth-whitening kit with custom made whitening trays, your doctor sends you home with detailed instructions on how to use the kit. You get teeth whitening gel that is less strong than the gel your dentist uses in the office. You get instructions for using the whitening trays and gel, including how long to keep the trays in your mouth. There are also other methods on How to  Whiten Yellow Teeth At Home.

Each whitening session can take from 1 hour to overnight, depending on the strength of the gel in the kit. You continue with daily at-home whitening sessions for 1 to 3 weeks, based on your dentist’s advice.

No matter which way you choose to whiten your teeth, it is important to get your dentist’s recommendations for teeth whitening products and how to use them. Your dentist is your ultimate guide to teeth whitening safety and success.