How Long Does Home Teeth Whitening Take To Work?

Everyone loves a white, bright smile they can show off. At-home whitening products, such as strips, gels, and toothpaste, promise to give you a smile you always wanted, but how long do they take to work? While teeth whitening at home can't give you the professional results that come with seeing a dentist, over-the-counter (OTC) tooth whitening products can bleach away surface stains that happen with consuming certain beverages, like red wine, tea, or coffee. Read on to learn more about how to get white teeth at home, and the professional tooth whitening kits offered at Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA.

Why do teeth turn yellow?

As the teeth' enamel layer starts to thin or wear down due to chewing and daily wear and tear, the yellow dentin color is exposed. Dentin is the yellowish material inside the tooth's structure and layered underneath the hard enamel surface that protects our teeth. Teeth turn yellow naturally as we get older, as the enamel layer begins to wear away. Dental discoloration also occurs with certain external factors, such as smoking, drinking coffee or red wine, or eating acidic foods. When considering the best way to whiten teeth, most people turn to over-the-counter products for a cheaper, more convenient option. However, most drugstore options have a lower hydrogen peroxide concentration, or bleaching component, costing you more time and money in the long run to have whiter teeth.

How long does tooth whitening at home take?

OTC tooth whitening products are designed to reduce stains, not repel them. Most drugstore brands will give minimal results that last about a few months. Professional tooth whitening may extend any results for up to 2 – 3 years with good oral habits, and regular visits to the dentist. Here are some popular OTC tooth whitening treatments and how long they may last.

1. Whitening mouthwash

Using a whitening mouthwash daily can help remove some surface stains to a small degree. It may take up to three months before you see any results. It is most effective when used to prolong the effects of other whitening treatments.

2. Whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste may take 3 – 6 weeks when used twice a day to see any results. Most OTC tooth whitening kinds of toothpaste contain ingredients that whiten and polish teeth, such as hydrogen peroxide and mild abrasive. The abrasive component tackles surface stains and usually is not meant for long-term use, as it may thin tooth enamel over time.

3. Whitening pens or strips

There are various OTC tooth whitening options with strips and pens. Most whitening strips provide excellent results, which can last up to six months. However, when used incorrectly or too often, it can be harmful to teeth. Whitening pens provide minimal results that can take up to a week to work. The gel washes away quickly, so you must wait an hour after application, and usually, they don't provide long-term results.

4. At-home whitening trays

Most patients start seeing results from a whitening gel tray in about a week, with maximum results in about 2 – 4 weeks. With proper oral hygiene, at-home professional tooth whitening trays can give more long-term effects of a year or longer. However, most patients find them messy and uncomfortable to wear. We offer customized at-home whitening kits at Byers Station Dental, which are more potent and more effective than OTC tooth whitening options.

What about tooth whitening at home with customized kits?

At Byers Station Dental, we are excited to provide professional-strength teeth whitening kits that patients can take home. Cosmetic dentistry options are safer and more efficient than OTC tooth whitening options to minimize dental discoloration and brighten your smile gradually. Our dental experts will customize take-home kits with Opalescence® whitening gels and custom mouth trays to make the process more precise, efficient, and comfortable for every patient. Fabricated, clear trays will be made from dental impressions of the upper and lower arches. When the trays are ready, you will return to try them on and be provided at-home instructions on how to wear and care for them to achieve your desired results.

If you want more attractive, whiter teeth, and would like to learn about professional tooth whitening kits with Opalescence, contact Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA today. We look forward to helping you have the smile you deserve.