How Long Does It Take To Get a Whiter Smile?

added on: February 14, 2023
Dental Designs by Alisa Reed

There’s nothing quite like having a bright, white smile. But many things in our lives can cause teeth to appear discolored or yellow. Thankfully, there are many different ways to whiten teeth. However, if you’re wondering just how long it will take to get whiter teeth, there is no one answer as treatment times vary between products. Let your dentist in The Woodlands help. 

Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

With so many different smile whitening options available, it can be hard to figure out which one will work the best for you. Different types of tooth whitening treatments have pros and cons, including how long it takes to see results. 

  • Professional Tooth Whitening in The Woodlands

The fastest way to transform the color of your teeth is through a professional smile whitening treatment at your dentist’s office. Professional whitening systems can brighten teeth by several shades in as little as an hour. 

  • Over-The-Counter Whitening Strips and Trays

Whitening strips and trays that you can buy on your own may be cheaper than professional whitening, but they do take longer to work. If used as directed, many trays or strips can start to show results in a few days and can show full results in 10-12 days. 

  • UV Whitening

UV lights partnered with a whitening solution are a relatively new way to whiten teeth, but are comparable in cost and efficiency as whitening strips or trays. As with any whitening product, use as directed and you should start to see results in 10-14 days. 

  • Whitening Toothpaste

Sometimes considered more of a maintenance product, whitening toothpastes can brighten teeth in about two to six weeks and help keep additional staining from causing additional discoloration. 

Alternatives to Tooth Whitening

It’s important to know that not all tooth discoloration can be reversed through tooth whitening treatments. This is one reason why you should talk to your dentist in The Woodlands before starting any smile whitening treatment. If smile whitening isn’t right for you, don’t worry, various forms of cosmetic dentistry such as dental veneers can help. 

If you’re looking into getting a whiter smile, start by talking to your dentist. They can help identify the type of tooth staining you have and what treatments will give you the results you’re looking for. 

We have two dental offices in The Woodlands on Panther Creek and Medical Plaza Drive, and we’re always accepting new patients. Call the location closest to you to schedule an appointment today! 

About The Author
Dr. Alisa M. Reed

Dr. Alisa Reed is a seasoned dentist with over 25 years of experience in the dentistry field spanning preventive to cosmetic dentistry. She regularly attends continuing dental education classes and seminars on advanced dental procedures. Passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal oral health and well-being, she has recently started treating those with sleep apnea through effective sleep medicine treatments.