How Long Does It Take to Whiten Your Teeth?

A teeth whitening treatment removes stains and discoloration to enhance the appearance of your teeth. However, the first thing every patient wonders before is how long this procedure would take. The answer depends on two factors - why your teeth are discolored and which treatment you are going to choose. 

Dr. Allen Korte from Korte Family Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska, can help you with the right treatment depending on the condition of the teeth. Meanwhile, let’s explore the different kinds of teeth whitening treatments.

• Whitening Toothpaste

This toothpaste generally contains mild aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate, silica, and baking soda to remove teeth stains. It lightens your teeth by about one or two shades and takes about 2-6 weeks to show results provided you brush your teeth twice a day. It does not contain any bleaching agents. 

• Bleaching 

This teeth whitening method is safe and produces fast results. It is performed in a dental office. At Korte Family Dentistry, we use a bleaching agent that contains about 35-40% peroxide, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, for this treatment and can brighten your teeth by up to 8 shades in one dental visit. 

• Whitening Trays

Customized whitening trays such as the ones we offer at Korte Family Dentistry are made from flexible plastic, molded to the desired shape, and fitted to your teeth. Fitted trays minimize leakage of the bleaching agent that can cause gum irritations or sensitivity and ensure better results. They show results in one week. 

• Whitening Rinses

This teeth whitening process involves rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash. It will help you get rid of stains from your teeth and maintain oral hygiene. Using a mouthwash takes a few minutes but the results will be visible on your teeth after several months (approx. 3 months). 

• Strips and Gels 

Teeth whitening strips are shaped to fit over the teeth and cover them. You must use whitening strips at least twice a day for about 30 minutes and you can expect to see results in about 14 days. 

If you are wondering what kind of teeth whitening treatment is best for you, contact our team at Korte Family Dentistry. You can find us at 3901 Normal Blvd Suite 202, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506, or call us at (402) 489-3115.