Toward Radiance: How Many Teeth Whitening Sessions Will You Need?

If you have stains in your smile, then you might be looking for ways to get it bright once again. After all, you deserve to feel confident showing off your grin! Your dentist is here to help with professional whitening, but how many sessions will you need to get your aesthetic results? Keep reading to learn the expected timeline of this service and how it may be more effective than you think.

In What Ways Can My Dentist Whiten My Teeth?

There are two ways your dentist can perform professional whitening, with the first being an in-office visit. You will sit in their chair, lie back, and relax. They will first protect your lips and gums, then apply a high-quality bleaching gel to your teeth. It will break down stains on and in your enamel, often taking an hour to get up to an eight-shade difference.

A more convenient option you can choose is a personalized take-home kit. You will apply a professional-grade bleaching gel on custom trays and wear them. The strength will be tailored to your specific needs, but you will have them in for a specified amount of time for two weeks. Afterward, you can get similar results as if you went in-office.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

With a promising transformation ahead, you may wonder how long it will take to get you to your goals. The answer depends on your unique case. Minor discoloration can be fixed with just one visit or several days with the kit. Major ones may need another trip or multiple days to ensure your enamel stays healthy throughout the service.

The best way to know how many sessions you need is by talking to your dentist. They will take a look at your grin and understand your goals to come up with a more accurate estimate.

Can I Use Over-the-Counter Products Instead?

In order to speed up the process, you might think to pick up store-bought whitening products at your local department store. However, these may not be the best for you! They use a weaker bleaching agent, meaning you may only brighten your teeth by a shade or two after a couple of weeks of consistent use. Not only that, but you may accidentally mis- or overuse them, leading to sensitivity or gum irritation.

Simply put, your dentist is here to give you an aesthetic smile. By using effective and safe treatments, you can get to your dream grin quickly without harming your oral health.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gaches earned his dental degree from the University of Southern California. He is dedicated to helping the Owasso community get rid of flaws in their teeth by offering services like professional whitening. By tailoring them to you, you can get to the results that let you feel your best. If you want to see how long it will take you to get to your smile goals, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Gaches’ office at (918) 928-2383.