Professional teeth whitening is a useful treatment that can deliver incredible results. Your teeth naturally pick up stains over time. Staining comes from the pigment that is found in the food and drinks you consume, as well as the lifestyle products, like tobacco, that you might use. When you develop stains on your teeth, you aren’t stuck with them. You can choose professional teeth whitening to bleach these stains away and give yourself a whiter, brighter smile. How long does this process take, and what can you expect along the way? In today’s blog, we cover the timeline for teeth whitening.

How Long Does it Take to Get Started with Teeth Whitening?

If you’re someone who knows they’re interested in teeth whitening, you may want to get started with treatment right away. So, are there any steps you need to take before treatment? You should first schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this consultation, you can discuss your cosmetic goals and create a treatment plan. This will also give your dentist the chance to examine your teeth to determine whether or not they’re healthy enough for treatment. Any outstanding cavities or infection needs to be addressed before you can start whitening.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Treatment Itself Take?

The precise answer to this question can depend on your goals and the nature of the stains on your teeth. Generally, you’ll start to see noticeable results in around 10-14 days. It’s a good idea to check back in with your dentist around that time anyway. Your dentist will first fabricate the whitening trays to fit you comfortably. You’ll take home the whitening trays and apply a small amount of whitening gel inside. You’ll then wear the trays for an hour or two, whenever it works for your schedule.

If You’ve Got Stubborn Stains, Your Timeline and Treatment May Be Different

If you don’t notice results in 10 to 14 days, you should talk to your dentist about the treatment. It could be that you have particularly stubborn stains, or that your staining is intrinsic. If the staining is coming from within the dentin, your dentist will need to diagnose the cause and treat the condition if necessary. In cases of intrinsic staining, porcelain dental veneers are often a good option for providing you with the same whitening effect. Your dentist can help you make this decision.

Schedule a Whitening Consultation at Coppertop Family Dentistry

To get started with whitening treatment, you should schedule an initial consultation at Coppertop Family Dentistry. During this visit, Dr. Campbell can go over available treatment options, discuss treatment goals, and create a timeline for your cosmetic care. Schedule this appointment at Coppertop Family Dentistry in Redmond, OR by calling the office at 541-923-5927.