How long does it take before color change is perceptible?

Tooth whitening treatments are known to last anywhere between one and three years. The results of the treatment depends greatly on your at-home compliance, dental hygiene, life-style patterns, diet, and the type of tooth whitening treatment used.

Your dentist will usually advise you on the duration that your new whiteness will last based on the methods of treatment you have used. However, maintaining good oral habits and being cautious about your intake of certain food and drinks will actually keep your teeth whiter for longer.

Drinking red wine, tea, coffee, consuming foods high in sugar, drinks and soda, or smoking can shorten the life of the new whiteness. Over time, the teeth are likely to become less white, just as they were before the bleaching was done. It is recommended that you practice a routine of brushing and flossing twice a day and have frequent checkups by your dentist. This will ensure more permanent effects of teeth whitening. You may also wish to do whitening touch ups once a year or so to reverse any discolorations. What is important is that you take an interest in paying special attention to the health of your teeth and make it a part of your lifestyle so that your teeth will always look good.

Once you have undergone the teeth whitening procedure, color change can be perceptible after the first application. Although some patients notice immediate whitening, it is usually difficult to notice this change because all your teeth are gradually changing color at the same time.

Generally a visible difference in color is noticed within one week, but this differs based on smoking and coffee consumption during the bleaching procedure and the type of the stains removed. It usually takes around one to three days for light teeth stains to be removed, while darker stains can take anywhere between seven to 10 days or even longer. Some severe stains could require further treatment such as veneers and/or composite bonding.

Teeth whitening can have side effects such as increased tooth sensitivity, pain and tenderness in the gums, tongue and other soft tissues caused by the concentration of peroxide and its repeated use. There is usually minimal discomfort involved as patients typically have very good tolerance of whitening gels. Some have minor sensitivity while bleaching is underway, but under the care of a professional dentist, it goes away shortly after the bleaching ceases.