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How Quickly Can You Whiten Your Teeth? 

added on: February 15, 2023

It’s incredibly common to want to have the whitest smile possible. In fact, 80% of Americans between 18 and 49 reported that they’d like to have whiter teeth. Even if you brush and floss your teeth religiously, everyday things like your morning cup of coffee can cause tooth discoloration. But the good news is that this discoloration doesn’t need to affect your teeth forever. Your dentist in Chapel Hill can whiten your teeth safely, effectively, and quickly.

The Fastest Way to Whiten Teeth

The fastest way to whiten your teeth is through a professional smile whitening treatment with your dentist. Professional whitening treatments are fast and efficient, so much so that you can see results after one hour-long appointment. Additionally, these treatments are so powerful that they can brighten teeth by several shades. Ask your dentist about tooth whitening in Chapel Hill that can give you the bright smile you’re looking for quickly. 

Other Ways to Get a Whiter Smile

Even though professional treatment is the fastest way to whiten teeth, we understand that you may be looking for more affordable alternatives. Keep in mind that you should still talk with your dentist about whitening your teeth before you invest in a product to make sure your teeth are healthy enough and that the treatment you choose will give you the results you want. Some other ways you can get a whiter smile besides a professional whitening treatment include: 

  • Whitening Strips or Trays

Another relatively quick way to brighten your smile is through over-the-counter whitening strips or trays. These treatments are affordable and effective, but the results can take some time to see. Depending on the product you choose, you may start to see changes in about 3 to four days with final results showing around day 10 or 12. Always follow the product directions and don’t overuse the treatment to help avoid reactions such as increased tooth sensitivity. 

  • UV Light Whitening

A fairly new tooth whitening option includes using a whitening gel along with a special UV light. This option is similar in cost and can give you results in about the same amount of time as strips or trays. Teeth should appear whiter in about 10-14 days if used as directed. 

  • Whitening Toothpaste

Using a dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste can work to brighten your smile, but the results may be less noticeable and it can take some time – usually about two to six weeks – if used twice a day. However, this is the most affordable option. 

Remember, not all types of tooth discoloration can be removed through smile whitening treatments. Sometimes your dentist in Chapel Hill will recommend a form of cosmetic dentistry, such as dental veneers, to give you the results you’re looking for.  

Before you embark on your smile whitening journey, schedule an appointment with your dentist to find the best whitening treatment for you.