Teeth whitening can make your smile significantly whiter, usually by 2 to 8 shades depending on your starting colour and the type of treatment you choose. Understanding teeth whitening shades helps you know what to expect before you start. Not everyone’s teeth whiten the same amount because everyone’s teeth are different colours to begin with. The shade of white you can achieve also depends on whether you use professional whitening or over-the-counter products. A dental office near you can examine your teeth and tell you realistically how much whiter they can become.
Understanding Tooth Shade and Colour
Your teeth have a natural colour that comes from the inside and outside of the tooth. The outer layer, called enamel, can be stained by coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods. The inside of your tooth also has colour that shows through the enamel. Both layers affect how white your teeth look.
People’s teeth start out different colours. Some people naturally have whiter teeth than others. Someone with naturally yellow teeth might whiten more noticeably than someone who already has white teeth. Your starting colour matters a lot when deciding what results you can expect.
Professional teeth whitening in Riverview can lighten both the surface stains and the deeper colour of your teeth. Dentists have stronger whitening chemicals than what you can buy in stores. These stronger products work better and faster. When your dentist whitens your teeth, the results are usually more dramatic than home whitening kits.
How Much Whiter Will Your Teeth Get?
Professional whitening typically makes teeth 2 to 8 shades lighter. Some people see dramatic changes. Their teeth go from yellowish to bright white. Other people see smaller changes because their teeth were already fairly white. Teeth whitening results before and after pictures show how different the change can be from person to person.
Your dentist uses a shade guide to measure your tooth colour before and after treatment. The shade guide has multiple white shades from light to dark. By comparing your teeth to these shades, you can see exactly how much whiter your teeth became.
The amount of whitening depends on how stained your teeth are and how long the whitening treatment works. Some stains are easier to remove than others. Surface stains from coffee or tea come off quickly. Deep stains from smoking or certain medicines take longer to lighten.
Professional Whitening at the Dental Office
When you visit a dental office in Riverview for professional whitening, your dentist applies a strong whitening gel to your teeth. The gel sits on your teeth for 15 to 30 minutes. Sometimes your dentist uses a special light to help the gel work. The process is repeated several times during one appointment.
Professional whitening usually takes 1 to 2 hours. You walk out with noticeably whiter teeth the same day. Results look amazing immediately. Your teeth continue to whiten slightly over the next few days as the whitening process continues.
Professional whitening is faster and stronger than home kits. You see bigger results in less time. For this reason, many people choose professional treatments even though they cost more money.
At-Home Whitening Options
You can also whiten your teeth at home using trays your dentist makes or store-bought kits. These products use a weaker whitening gel than professional treatments. They take longer to work—usually 1 to 2 weeks of daily use.
Teeth whitening kits at home usually whiten your teeth 1-3 shades. The results may not be as strong as a professional whitening application, but it will save you a lot of money. Some people use professional whitening first, then home kits to keep their teeth white.
How Long Does Whitening Last?
Professional whitening results last 6 months to 2 years, depending on what you eat and drink and how well you care for your teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking stain teeth again quickly. Avoiding these things helps your whitening last longer.
You can maintain your white teeth by touching up every 6 to 12 months. Many people do a professional touch-up once a year to keep their smile bright.
Things to Know Before Whitening
Whitening works best on natural teeth. If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings, they won’t whiten. Your dentist might need to replace them after whitening so they match your brighter teeth.
Some people have sensitive teeth. Whitening can make sensitivity worse temporarily. Tell your dentist if you have sensitive teeth so they can protect them during whitening.
Achieve the Bright Smile You Want
When you’re ready to brighten your smile and want to see what is possible with your teeth, Everglades Dental Studio can help. Our team knows your bright and confident smile is important to you. We use products that a professional dentist would use, and you will see; you’ll love the results. Your satisfaction and comfort are our concern. We are here to do what you want. You can get a bright and white smile as you desire. Reach out to us today to arrange for a whitening consultation and take one step closer to your beautiful smile.
Common Questions About Teeth Whitening
Can you whiten teeth that are naturally yellow?
Yes, yellow teeth whiten very well because the yellow colour responds to whitening treatment better than other tooth colours.
Will whitening damage your tooth enamel?
No, professional whitening is safe for your enamel when done by a dentist following proper procedures.
How soon will you see results after professional whitening?
You’ll see results immediately after your appointment, and your teeth may continue to whiten slightly over the next few days.
Can you whiten your teeth if you have crowns or fillings?
Crowns and fillings don’t whiten, so your dentist might need to replace them after whitening to match your brighter teeth.
