How long does teeth whitening take to see results?

Getting your teeth whitened? Wondering what happens afterwards? If so, you may be asking how long it takes for treatment to take effect. The truth is that the length of time will depend on the type of treatment you undergo.

In many instances, professional teeth whitening delivers results within the first seven days, with full results taking up to two weeks. Usually, the first signs of a brighter smile appear within two to four days of commencing treatment.

Patients who receive in-surgery laser whitening can expect to see instant results with significant improvement in 60 to 90 minutes, whereas people who opt for at-home kits might have to wait for up to three weeks to see maximum effect. These typically require around 14 consecutive days of nightly use to achieve optimum results. Over the counter strips or pastes tend to take longer, sometimes a few weeks of consistent application before visual changes are noticed.

You may find that different factors influence whitening speed. Results are determined by the seriousness of the stains, the efficacy of the whitening agent and also adherence to treatment. People often find that the fastest results come via high-grade whitening gels prescribed by dentists in custom-fitted trays.

How you can make your teeth whitening results last as long as possible?

There are different measures you can take to maximise your smile.

Firstly, you should have a look at your diet. Darker foods and vivid, acidic fruits can contribute towards stained teeth, more so than lighter coloured produce. Make sure to drink plenty of water if your diet is rich in these foods.

It is also crucial to follow a disciplined oral hygiene routine to maintain a clean and healthy mouth.

By quitting smoking, flossing regularly and brushing with whitening toothpastes, you can avoid yellowing enamel. In some situations, surface level extrinsic staining, or deeper, intrinsic staining may require further professional attention. You should schedule regular checkups with a dental professional to ensure you are making good progress.

Our advanced care team at Art of Dental Care offers teeth whitening services that can provide significantly whiter teeth in 10 to 14 days. If you need teeth whitening in Chester and want to take advantage of one of our offers, get in touch with our experts now to set up a consultation.