If you are considering treatment to whiten your smile, you may be asking yourself, “ How soon can I get results from teeth whitening?”. The answer to this question depends on the type of treatment and the condition of your teeth. In this article, we are going to discuss how teeth whitening in NE Calgary works, when you can expect to see a difference, and how long the results will last.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a dental treatment designed to make your teeth appear whiter, shinier, and cleaner. It removes stains caused by food, drinks, and habits like smoking. Dentists use bleaching agents with safe levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These compounds work to chemically break down stains on your teeth into smaller pieces to give the appearance of shinier teeth.
There are two common types:
- Professional Teeth Whitening (done by a dentist)
- At-home whitening products (like whitening strips or gels)
How Soon Can You See Results from Teeth Whitening?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask before starting a teeth whitening treatment.
Here’s a table that breaks down how quickly results can show up depending on which whitening method you are using.
| Teeth Whitening Method | Time to See Results |
| In-office whitening | 1 to 2 hours |
| Take-home trays from dentist | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Whitening toothpaste | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Whitening strips (over-the-counter) | 1 to 2 weeks |
Professional Teeth Whitening (Fastest Results)
Professional teeth whitening is the quickest way to see results. As it is performed in the clinic by a dentist in NE Calgary, when you receive teeth whitening from your dentist, they apply a very strong whitening gel, sometimes using a special light to help accelerate the whitening process.
You should notice some difference even after just one appointment (which generally takes 60 to 90 minutes). You could have two to eight shades of whitening, right after a single clinic visit.
This is a common choice for dentists to recommend for someone who is looking for immediate and safe results. This approach is also useful to consider for someone with heavy and/or deep stains.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments
If you are using custom whitening trays from your dentist, the concentration of the whitening gel will not be on the same level as a treatment from a professional clinic. You will use the trays daily for one to two weeks. You may notice some difference after only a few days of wearing these trays. Your teeth may have their own process, so the full results may take up to 14 days.
Whitening strips and whitening toothpaste bought from a store generally work slowly. These products are not as strong as professional options. You may need to use them for a few weeks to see a small difference.
What Affects How Fast You See Whitening Results?
There are so many factors that could influence how white your teeth might get during a whitening treatment:
- Type of stains – Yellow food or drink stains will whiten faster than gray or brown stains.
- Type of whitening product – Stronger gels used by dentists work quicker.
- Status of your teeth – If you have mostly strong enamel, your teeth will probably respond much better.
- Your habits: Drinking coffee, drinking tea, or smoking may affect, slow or reverse your results.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
After teeth whitening near you, results usually last from 6 months to 2 years. How long it lasts depends on how well you care for your teeth.
To make your professional teeth whitening results last longer, follow these tips:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid drinks that stain, like coffee, tea, or red wine
- Quit smoking or using tobacco
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups
- Use touch-up kits if your dentist gives them to you
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Yes, teeth whitening treatment is safe when done properly. Professional whitening done by a dentist is the safest option. Some people may feel slight sensitivity or gum irritation, but this usually goes away in a few hours.
If you have sensitive teeth, tell your dentist before starting the treatment. They may adjust the gel strength or recommend a different method.
Do You Need More Than One Whitening Session?
In many cases, one session is enough to see visible results. However, some people may need more than one session if:
- Stains are very deep
- Teeth are naturally darker
- You want a brighter shade
Your dentist near you will let you know how many sessions you might need after checking your teeth.
Should You Choose Professional Whitening?
If you want results quickly, safely and noticeable results, then choose professional teeth whitening. Dentists are trained to whiten your teeth, plus they know how to protect your teeth and gums while using safe amounts of whitening gel.
Most patients will try over-the-counter products first, and if they do not notice good results from that, they will generally return for professional whitening.
Get Teeth Whitening at Coral Springs Dental!
At Coral Springs Dental, our experienced, professional dental team is dedicated to helping you achieve a whiter smile with our safe, professional whitening procedures. We use proven techniques that will help remove any stains on your teeth. If your teeth have discoloured from coffee, tea, or smoking, we can help you get results! Call us today to book your teeth whitening appointment!!
