Getting whiter teeth is a goal for many people looking to improve their smile. Teeth whitening can produce dramatic results, significantly brightening teeth by several shades. However, it does take time for teeth whitening to work. So how long does it actually take to whiten your teeth?
How Long Does It Take for Teeth Whitening Strips to Work?
Teeth whitening strips are a popular over-the-counter whitening product. They are easy to use and generally take about 1-2 weeks of daily use to see significant tooth whitening results. Here’s a more detailed timeline of what to expect when using whitening strips:
- Day 1 – You may notice a slight difference in tooth shade. Whitening strips can begin to work after the very first use.
- Day 3 – After 2-3 consistent days of use, you’ll likely see a noticeable jump in tooth shade, about 1-2 shades brighter.
- Day 7 – After a week of daily use, expect to see a 2-3 shade improvement in tooth color.
- Day 14 – After 2 weeks, the full effect of the whitening strips will be visible. Your teeth can be 4-6 shades lighter after 14 days of consistent use.
So in summary, allow about 2 weeks of daily application for whitening strips to work fully, although some results will be visible after just a few days. Be patient and consistent with your regimen.
How Long Does Professional Whitening Take?
Professional teeth whitening done by your dentist in office can provide dramatic results in just one visit. Here are the timeframes for different professional whitening treatments:
- In-Office Whitening – This produces the fastest results, whitening teeth by 6-8 shades in about an hour. A single 60-90 minute appointment is required.
- Custom Tray Whitening – Your dentist makes custom-fitted trays for you to use a whitening gel at home each day. Results are seen within 1-2 weeks of daily use for 30 mins to an hour.
- Accelerated Whitening – This uses higher concentration whitening applied in-office followed by custom trays for you to continue whitening at home. Teeth can whiten 6-10 shades in about 5-10 days.
Professional whitening is the fastest route to dramatically whiter teeth. With in-office power whitening, it takes only 90 minutes to see a 6-8 shade improvement. Other professional methods take 1-2 weeks since you whiten at home with custom trays after the initial office visit.
How Long Does Whitening Toothpaste Take?
Whitening toothpastesgradually lift surface stains off teeth to make them appear whiter. It does not actually change the natural tooth shade. Here’s the typical timeline:
- Day 3 – You may notice a slight surface stain removal and increased tooth brightness.
- Week 2 – Continued use can lift away more stubborn surface staining for a 1-2 shade whitening effect.
- Month 1 – After 1 month of use twice daily, average whitening effect is about 2 shades from removing surface stains.
- Month 3 – Max whitening from toothpaste alone is typically 2-3 shades, visible after 3 months of consistent use.
Whitening toothpaste works gradually over time, unlike trays and strips that whiten from the inside out. It takes 2-3 months to see the maximum whitening effect from removing external stains from the teeth.
How Long Does Activated Charcoal Whitening Take?
Activated charcoal has become a popular natural teeth whitening ingredient. It is found in toothpastes, powders and oral supplements. Here are the typical timeframes for activated charcoal tooth whitening:
- Day 1 – First use may immediately brighten teeth 1-2 shades by removing surface stains.
- Week 1 – After 3-5 uses, expect a 2-3 shade whitening improvement.
- Week 2 – Consistent use can remove more stubborn stains for a 3-5 shade boost in tooth brightness.
- Month 1 – Maximum whitening from charcoal is 3-5 shades, seen after daily use for 4 weeks.
The mildly abrasive properties of activated charcoal work quickly to lift surface stains off the teeth. Initial brightening is visible right away, with full effects seen in about 1 month. However, activated charcoal does not change the inner tooth shade.
How Long Does Baking Soda Whitening Take?
Baking soda is another popular home remedy used for teeth whitening. Here is how long it takes to see results from baking soda:
- Day 1 – Just sprinkling it on teeth and brushing may brighten teeth 1-2 shades immediately.
- Week 1 – Using it 2-3 times daily can lift more stains for a 2 shade improvement.
- Month 1 – Continued daily use of baking soda will gradually polish off extrinsic stains for a max of 2-3 shade whitening.
Like activated charcoal, baking soda only removes surface stains from the teeth. It does not actually bleach or whiten the enamel. The maximum whitening from daily baking soda brushing is 2-3 shades over 1 month.
How Long Does Apple Cider Vinegar Whitening Take?
Apple cider vinegar is said to whiten and brighten teeth. Here is the expected timeline:
- Day 1 – The first use can make teeth appear a shade whiter by removing some stains.
- Week 1 – Using ACV 3 times per day may lift more stains for a 1-2 shade whitening effect.
- Month 1 – Maximum improvement is 2-3 shades, seen after daily ACV use for 2-4 weeks.
Apple cider vinegar does not actually bleach teeth. But its mild acidic properties help scrub away some tooth discoloration. With regular use, it takes about 1 month to see the full whitening potential of ACV.
How Long Do Other Home Whitening Remedies Take?
Here is a table summarizing how long you can expect to wait to see whitening results from other natural ingredients:
| Whitening Ingredient | Time to See Results | Max Whitening Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon Juice | 5-7 days | 2 shades |
| Banana Peel | 7-10 days | 1-2 shades |
| Coconut Oil Pulling | 2 weeks | 2-3 shades |
| Strawberries | 10-14 days | 1-2 shades |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | 5-7 days | 2-3 shades |
Natural home remedies can help externally whiten and brighten teeth 1-3 shades by scrubbing away surface stains. They do not change the inner tooth color though. It takes 5-14 days of consistent use to see their max potential whitening benefit.
Conclusion
So how long does it take to substantially whiten your teeth? While home remedies make teeth appear a bit brighter from surface stain removal in 1-2 weeks, dramatic whitening of 6-8 shades only occurs through professional in-office power whitening done in 1 visit or custom tray whitening done daily for 1-2 weeks at home.
Over-the-counter whitening strips applied daily for 1-2 weeks can whiten teeth 4-6 shades. Toothpaste may gradually lift some stains for a 2-3 shade improvement over 2-3 months. For fast dramatic whitening of more than 4-5 shades lighter, professional whitening methods are required.
Maintaining that bright white smile will require occasional touch-up whitening sessions every 6-12 months. Proper dental hygiene and avoiding staining foods/drinks also helps retain your new lighter tooth shade.
Common Questions About Teeth Whitening Timelines
How long does it take to see results from whitening toothpaste?
Whitening toothpastes take about 2-3 months of consistent twice daily use to lift away surface stains for a 2-3 shade whitening effect. Toothpaste does not actually change the natural tooth color. Removing external stains brightens the teeth.
Do whitening strips work overnight?
Whitening strips take about 1-2 weeks of daily use for 30-60 minutes to see full results. Using them overnight is effective as the whitening gel stays in contact with teeth for hours. But strips must be used daily either overnight or during the day for 14 days.
Can I sleep with whitening strips overnight?
Yes, wearing whitening strips overnight while you sleep is safe and effective. Just be sure to carefully apply strips before bed so they stay in place overnight. The longer contact time with teeth results in better whitening.
How long does professional whitening last?
In-office power whitening and custom tray whitening results can last 1-3 years. However, duration varies based on habits like smoking and drinking staining beverages. Annual touch-up visits help maintain the max whitening.
Does activated charcoal really whiten teeth?
Activated charcoal cannot bleach teeth internally. But it does help remove some exterior stains for a temporary whitening effect. Used daily for 1 month, it can brighten teeth 2-3 shades by scrubbing off surface discoloration.
Does coconut oil pulling whiten teeth?
Coconut oil pulling does help lift some stains on the tooth surface for a modest whitening boost. With daily use for 2 weeks, it can brighten teeth about 2 shades. It does not change the inner tooth color though.
How long do you leave baking soda on your teeth?
Baking soda should be left on teeth for 2-3 minutes when brushing. Gently scrub teeth with baking soda for stain removal. Rinse thoroughly after brushing. Using it for too long can damage enamel.
Tips for Faster Teeth Whitening
Here are some tips to help speed up the teeth whitening process:
- Use whitening strips or custom trays daily as directed without skipping applications.
- Try combining chemical whitening treatments with activated charcoal for added stain removal.
- Stick to a teeth-friendly diet low in staining foods and beverages.
- Practice good oral hygiene and brush twice daily.
- Use a whitening toothpaste to help maintain results.
- Get touch up whitening treatments annually to avoid restaining.
Warnings About Whitening Your Teeth
While teeth whitening can brighten your smile, there are some cautions to keep in mind:
- Whitening treatments can increase sensitivity, so patients with sensitive teeth should check with a dentist first.
- Overuse of whitening products can damage the enamel.
- Home remedies are less effective than professional whitening done under dental supervision.
- Children under 16 should not undergo teeth whitening.
- Pregnant or nursing women should avoid chemical teeth whitening products.
Consult a dentist to find the safest, most effective teeth whitening method for your situation. Proper application and dosing of whitening gels is important to avoid complications.
Conclusion
Most over-the-counter whitening methods like strips and toothpaste take 1-2 weeks to produce noticeable results while professional options work much faster for dramatic whitening in one office visit. Consistency is key when whitening to continually lift stains off the teeth. Follow directions closely and supplement whitening treatments with good oral hygiene habits to get your brightest smile.