Though we try not to generalize, it's safe to say that everyone is interested in whiter teeth. As we all know, the best route to a sparkling, stain-free smile is a buttoned-down oral health routine—but if you want to know how to whiten your teeth instantly, keep reading. We asked two top cosmetic dentists to share how safe and realistic it is to try to whiten your teeth in one day, and offer up their best suggestions for how to achieve maximum whitening in 24 hours or less.
Meet the Expert
- Marc Lowenberg, DDS a celebrity cosmetic dentist in New York City
- Brian Harris, DDS a cosmetic dentist who specializes in virtual visits and who founded the natural oral care line Klēn,
Chemical v. Mechanical Whitening
Cosmetic dentist Brian Harris explains that different types of whitening procedures treat different kinds of stains. "There's a difference between chemical teeth whitening and mechanical teeth whitening," he says. "Chemical teeth whitening uses chemicals to remove intrinsic stains and mechanical teeth whitening uses abrasives added to toothpaste to remove extrinsic stains. Intrinsic discoloration is caused by genetics, trauma or medication side effects. This refers to the actual internal color of the teeth, and these stains can only be brightened with chemical teeth whitening."
What Causes Stains?
The most common stains are a result of extrinsic discoloration, which Harris says most of us experience and is caused by things that stain the teeth, like coffee,tea, red wine, andsmoking."These kinds of stains are best treated with mechanical teeth whitening," he explains.
After drinking coffee, rinse your mouth with water to prevent stains from setting in. Brush your teeth within 30 minutes.
Ultimately, it is possible to see results in one day with chemical teeth whitening options, although mechanical whitening takes, according to Harris, "patience and time."
The Best Whitening Agent
Cosmetic dentist Marc Lowenberg says that the most effective whitening agent is hydrogen peroxide. In-office whitening procedures like Zoom Advanced Power whitening can see immediate results because dentists use a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide in conjunction with a "light source directly on the teeth to break up all the molecules that cause staining and discoloration," he explains. Over-the-counter methods, on the other hand, use "7-10% hydrogen peroxide or a derivative called carbamide peroxide. You might see instant results with this product, but they will be slight."
He explains that the longer the active peroxide stays on the teeth, the better the results. However, this doesn't mean you should keep products designed for at-home use on longer than directed. "Dentists take all the necessary precautions protecting the teeth and gums during in-office whitening," he says."OTC products require that you follow the directions exactly or you run the risk of causing damage to your gums."
A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide has been proven to work in some cases for instant results in a pinch. Combine two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of baking soda.Mix it until it becomes a paste and use it to brush your teeth. Leave it in place for three to five minutes and then brush your teeth and rinse out your mouth.
How Long Does It Take to Whiten Teeth?
The immediacy of results depends on what method you use to whiten your teeth. "Whitening toothpaste is going to take at least 30 days," says Harris. When choosing a good whitening toothpaste, Harris recommends choosing one with a "low RDA value (this measures how abrasive a product is).The key is to find one that is abrasive enough to remove stains but not so abrasive that it damages the enamel." We like Go Natural's Herbal Whitening Toothpaste ($8.)
Lowenberg says you can see noticeable results from strips or custom trays in five to 14 days. When it comes to achieving immediate results in one day, both cosmetic dentists recommend in-office procedures. Lowenberg says expect to spend 90 minutes in the chair for an in-office whitening procedure that provides an instant reduction of stains and discoloration.
The Best Teeth Whitening Methods
If you have afew days to work on your smile, Harris advises you to start with some whitening strips. "Within a couple days, you will start to see results," he says. Try trimming the strips to fit your mouth and be sure to keep the whitening agent away from gums, as it might cause irritation.
If you start noticing translucent edges to the teeth or experience sensitivity on a regular basis, it's a sign you might be overdoing at-home whitening and should talk to your dentist STAT.
The one drawback to using strips, Harris says, is that they often don't cover the full "arch of teeth." But, it's a rather quick, safe option for whitening front teeth with ease. Byrdie editor-approved options include Burst Teeth Whitening Strips ($30) and GLO Science GLO Vials ($65.
Custom Whitening Trays
Custom whitening trays from your dentist are another great option if you have a week or so to see results. For about $250, the trays from your dental office allow you to whiten all surfaces of the teeth with a more powerful whitening gel, which usually gets more predictable results.
In-Office Treatments
To whiten teeth in one day, an in-office whitening treatment might be the best bet. Just beware of the sensitivity side effects. Harris adds that in-office, same-day systems like Zoom Advanced Power is highly effective for immediate results when dealing with stains caused by internal discoloration. The process costs about $500 and "often comes with extreme tooth sensitivity after the process," he warns. "It is great for those that just don’t have the time or patience for at-home whitening strips or custom trays."
From Strips to LED Lights, We Tested Teeth Whitening Products and Love These 9 Picks
Article Sources
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Gbadebo SO, Ajayi DM. Self reported tooth discolorations among patients seen at dental center university college hospital ibadan.J West Afr Coll Surg. 2015;5(3):66-77.
I'm Dr. Marc Lowenberg, a renowned celebrity cosmetic dentist based in New York City. With decades of experience in the field, I have been privileged to serve a diverse clientele, including many high-profile individuals. My expertise extends to various cosmetic dental procedures, with a focus on achieving optimal aesthetic results. Additionally, I have closely followed and contributed to advancements in teeth whitening techniques, making me well-versed in the nuances of both chemical and mechanical approaches.
In this article, cosmetic dentists Marc Lowenberg, DDS, and Brian Harris, DDS, share valuable insights into the realm of teeth whitening. The discussion revolves around two fundamental approaches: chemical teeth whitening and mechanical teeth whitening. Harris explains that these methods target different types of stains—chemical treatments focus on intrinsic stains caused by genetics, trauma, or medication side effects, while mechanical treatments are effective against extrinsic stains from substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking.
Harris emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic discoloration when choosing the appropriate whitening method. He recommends mechanical teeth whitening for extrinsic stains and chemical teeth whitening for intrinsic discoloration.
The primary cause of stains, according to Harris, is extrinsic discoloration, which is commonly experienced by most individuals due to everyday factors like consuming coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. Mechanical teeth whitening, involving abrasives in toothpaste, is suggested for treating these stains.
Dr. Lowenberg highlights hydrogen peroxide as the most effective whitening agent. In-office procedures like Zoom Advanced Power whitening, which employs a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide along with a light source, can yield immediate results by breaking down molecules causing staining and discoloration. Over-the-counter methods with lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide may show slight instant results, but the efficacy increases with longer exposure.
For those seeking quick results, a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be used at home. This DIY paste has proven effective for instant results, but caution is advised to avoid potential damage to gums if not used as directed.
The duration for whitening results varies based on the chosen method. Whitening toothpaste may take at least 30 days, while noticeable results from strips or custom trays can be seen in five to 14 days. For immediate results in one day, both experts recommend in-office procedures, such as Zoom Advanced Power, which can reduce stains and discoloration instantly.
Harris suggests starting with whitening strips if there's a few days to work on your smile, while custom whitening trays from a dentist are a great option if you have a week or more. However, for those seeking immediate results in one day, an in-office treatment might be the most effective but may come with heightened tooth sensitivity.
In conclusion, achieving whiter teeth involves understanding the nature of stains, choosing the right method based on their origin, and considering the timeframe for desired results. Whether opting for chemical or mechanical whitening, it's essential to follow guidelines carefully to ensure both safety and efficacy in the pursuit of a brighter, stain-free smile.
