How Long Does it Take to Whiten Teeth?

Everyone loves clean, white teeth with that bright smile popularized by hollywood. Unfortunately, not everyone has those commercial-perfect white teeth.

According to studies, 22% of British adults have undergone teeth whitening.

Fortunately, there’s an array of methods you can use to whiten your teeth, whether they’re yellow, brownellow, Individuals use various whitening procedures to get a white glow. The procedures include do-it-yourself and professional services. 

Whatever the procedure you choose, the aim is to reduce staining.

The effects of teeth whitening lasts for a few months to a few years, where you will still need aftercare in some instances. This article discusses different teeth whitening procedures, how long they take, how long they last, and the required aftercare.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Various factors determine the colour state of your teeth. For example, some things cause discolouration, making the teeth look dull and loose.

Your enamel- the outermost part of the teeth, is stained by different foods, drinks and substances. Fortunately, these stains can be removed by the usual cleaning procedures.

However, the stains can get hard and sometimes erode the enamel, giving your teeth a permanent yellow look. The yellow look needs a lot more than the routine cleaning.

Most teeth whitening procedures use a peroxide ingredient to bleach and whiten the teeth. The efficiency of the treatment depends on the potency of the peroxide.

Most at-home whiteners have a peroxide percentage of 10%, 16% and 22%.

If you plan to whiten your teeth at home, please consult your healthcare provider, particularly if you have:

• Sensitive teeth and gums
• Recent dental restoration
• Super dark stains or teeth/tooth
• Fillings or crowns

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?

The duration of your teeth whitening depends on the treatment you choose, the type of stain you have, and your dedication to the treatment. The degree of discolouration depends on where the stain is and the causes. 

The two types of tooth stains are:

• Intrinsic (internal): These stains occur in the deep layers of your teeth and are hard to remove. They are usually caused by ageing, injury, medication and disease/infection.
• Extrinsic (external): These stains occur on the outermost part of the enamel and are easy to deal with using most whiteners. They are caused by food, cigarette, smoke and drink.

What are the Common Ways of Teeth Whitening?

Below are methods of whitening the teeth, how long they take and how long you should expect to enjoy the results.

Whitening Toothpaste? PÄRLA PRO

If you brush your teeth daily, you are helping your teeth shine. However, there are other specific toothpaste whiteners like PÄRLA PRO.

PÄRLA PRO is a multi-tasking toothpaste that gives you a high-gloss whitening shine and helps strengthen the enamel. In addition, the toothpaste re-mineralises early decay lesions and fights tooth sensitivity.

PÄRLA PRO will deal with all surface stains and give your teeth a perfect glow.

You can use the toothpaste twice daily, and the results will show within two to three weeks. Expect the results between 3 and 4 months. 

Whitening Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a liquid containing hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening. You can use the liquid daily to deal with some extrinsic stains.

Furthermore, mouthwash is used to care for other teeth whitening treatments, such as in-office whitening. Therefore, it does not work perfectly well when used alone.

Nevertheless, Whitening mouthwash results manifest after about three months when used alone. The results also do not last very long. 

Whitening Strips 

Whitening strips are among the most common over-the-counter teeth whitening procedures. Different brands take various periods to show results, but the results could last up to 6 months.

Whitening strips contain peroxide that bleaches the enamel and could harm you if misused. However, the product can eliminate both internal and external stains when used correctly. 

Additionally, some whitening strips use LED accelerator lights for more efficient stain removal.

Whitening Pens

Whitening Pens are small tubes containing whitening gel to eliminate stains and spots from teeth. It is easy to use as the gel washes away without hassle.

Remember to avoid drinks, food and smoking for an hour before rinsing the teeth.

You will see results in two days, but they do not last long. 

Whitening Gel Trays

While whitening gel trays are used at home, contact your doctor first. The doctor will custom-create a tray for you and supply a whitener or recommend one from over the counter. 

Depending on the specialist's advice, you may have to use the tray overnight or for long hours daily for up to a week. 

Results will start showing in the first week, with the best results in two to four weeks. The results will last up to a year with proper aftercare. 

In-office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening or chairside bleaching is a procedure conducted by a dentist in their office. It is usually a single visit.

The specialist will use a strong bleaching product with hydrogen/carbamide peroxide for the process. Sometimes they may use heat and light to speed the process.

The results should last between a year and three as long as you maintain healthy oral care. 

What are the Side Effects of teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening products contain ingredients that may cause sensitivity issues to the teeth and gums. However, the effects are not prolonged, and most times, all you’ll feel is a little discomfort. Some of the more severe side effects include:

• Surface grooving and enamel thinning.
• Gastrointestinal irritation or distress
• Gum bleaching
• Gum burns and irritation

Ensure to contact your dentist immediately if the effects persist.

How to maintain teeth whitening results

Teeth whitening does not repel stains. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good oral health practices if the results are supposed to last. 

Exposing yourself to the same things that stained your teeth will reverse the process within a month.

Here are some tips on maintaining the white glow:

• Go easy with foods and drinks and smoke(tobacco products) that stain
• Clean your teeth and mouth after having stain-causing drinks and food
• Brush your teeth daily with good toothpaste and mouthwash.
• Use a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week
• Use a straw to sip drinks. It minimises touch between the drinks and the teeth
• Continue with your regular six-month dentist visit

Get that Perfect White GlowYou should whiten your teeth if you wish to achieve the perfect smile. There are various at-home and in-office treatments available for you.

Contact your dentist for the best advice, or check out the revolutionary Parla Pro for your teeth whitening needs.Ensure you follow or guidelines on the products and take care of the teeth afterwards.