How Long Does It Take to See Results with Home Teeth Whitening?
Are your pearly whites not as bright as they used to be? If you’ve been wanting to restore the natural shine to your teeth but find it challenging to make it to the dentist’s chair, or you’re simply looking for long-lasting results, then professional take-home teeth whitening might be an ideal solution for you.
In this blog, we’ll provide a practical guide to professional take-home teeth whitening – discussing the process, expected timelines, maintenance, and benefits so you can make an informed choice for a brighter smile from the comfort of your home.
Professional Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home teeth whitening kits are the convenient alternative to in-chair whitening, often offering more benefits and longer-lasting results. They come with the same safe, effective and professional-grade whitening gel but with custom-fitted take home teeth whitening trays, which are the key to an effective and lasting result.
These trays ensure the even distribution of the whitening gel while protecting your gums from sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, you can opt for a low-strength gel that can be used on alternate days to get a more comfortable whitening experience that will be just as effective in the end. It just requires a little more time. On the other hand, if you want quicker results, a stronger gel with trays used daily may be better for your lifestyle. Professional take home teeth whitening treatments are flexible and tailored to your specific requirements, from the gel’s strength to when and how you want to wear them.
Another benefit of take home teeth whitening treatments is that you can continue the treatment until you achieve the whiteness that you desire. Or you can use them occasionally post-treatment to maintain the whitening results. With professional take home teeth whitening, you can lighten your teeth for as long as you want without worrying about enamel damage and safety because the whitening product is mixed according to the safety standards, providing both effectiveness and long-term results.
Also read: Professional Teeth Whitening: Types and Benefits
Factors Influencing Whitening Results
Some of the factors which can influence your teeth whitening results include:
Natural Tooth Colour and Genetics
Your natural tooth colour is determined mainly by genetics. Some people have naturally whiter teeth, while others have teeth that are inherently more yellow or grey. Home teeth whitening can help improve the colour of your teeth, but the starting point plays a role in how long it will take to get the shade you want.
Type of Whitening Product Used
Professional take-home teeth whitening typically involves custom-made trays and high-strength whitening gel chosen by your dentist. This method is known for its effectiveness, but the concentration of the whitening gel can vary. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate strength for your specific needs.
At Whitehorse Dental, we customise the strength of the whitening gel according to your usage and lifestyle. Whether you prefer to leave your whitening kit on at night daily, wear it for one to two hours every day or use it every other day, our dentists work with you to provide personalised treatments for bespoke results.
Consistency and Duration of Use
Consistency is key to achieving optimal results. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for the duration and frequency of whitening treatments. The more consistent you are, the quicker you’ll see noticeable improvements.
Existing Dental Issues
If you have dental issues like cavities, gum disease, or tooth sensitivity, it’s essential to address these before starting a whitening regimen. Treating underlying dental problems can ensure a smoother and more effective whitening process. Additionally, getting dental cleaning done before treatment, if required, also provides a cleaner surface, removing plaque and tartar buildup for more successful outcomes.
Lifestyle and Dietary Factors
Your daily habits can also influence the speed and longevity of your teeth whitening after treatment. Avoiding stain-causing substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can help maintain your brighter smile for longer.
The Whitening Timeline: What to Expect
Professional take home teeth whitening results will usually become obvious after just a few days of use, though results may vary based on your original shade. Yellower teeth are often quicker to whiten, and the frequency of usage may also affect how soon the results may show. Most patients find that by the 2-3 week mark, they are usually satisfied with the colour, though some people choose to continue whitening for longer to achieve an even brighter colour. Once the desired colour is achieved, the results are a permanent colour change.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect during a take home teeth whitening treatment:
Short-Term Effects
After your first application, you may notice a subtle change in the shade of your teeth. This initial change is a promising sign that your teeth are responding to the treatment.
The First Week of Whitening
During the first week of consistent use, you’ll likely see a more noticeable improvement in the colour of your teeth. Many people report a significant brightening effect within this time frame. However, remember that individual results can vary.
Beyond Two Weeks: Continued Improvement
As you continue with your whitening routine beyond two weeks, your teeth will continue to improve. The whitening process isn’t instantaneous, but the gradual changes are generally more stable and long-lasting. You can stop your treatment once you reach the shade you want or continue for touch-ups and maintenance. Once the colour of your teeth changes, it is a permanent change. Most people may only need to redo the treatment after 3-5 years, not because their teeth have become yellow again, but because they have gotten used to the colour of their teeth and want to make them even whiter.
At Whitehorse Dental, we are proud to offer these high-quality, custom-made teeth whitening kits at a reduced and upfront price of $189 each, with no hidden or additional charges. This is because our state-of-the-art machine allows us to create these kits in-house, ensuring they meet our exacting standards for safety and exceptional results. However, if you want to whiten your teeth further, you can get the top-up gel for $90, which can cover two more weeks.
Related: HOW MUCH DOES TEETH WHITENING COST?
Your Brightest Smile is Just a Kit Away!
Experience the convenience and flexibility of a teeth whitening treatment customised for your smile. At Whitehorse Dental, we understand the importance of a healthy and beautiful smile. Our caring dentists work closely with you, listening to your concerns and offering gentle support and guidance to help you maintain your oral health and smile aesthetics. Schedule a consultation today.
