How to Make Your Teeth Look Whiter and Brighter Instantly, According to Cosmetic Dentists

How to Make Your Teeth Look Whiter and Brighter Instantly, According to Cosmetic Dentists

Fast, safe, and expert-backed.

Key Takeaways

• In-office whitening treatments provide rapid results by using a strong hydrogen peroxide solution for immediate stain removal.
• Whitening strips can offer slight improvements quickly, but may not cover the full arch of teeth.
• Overusing at-home whitening products can lead to tooth sensitivity and damage, requiring professional intervention.

Though we try not to generalize, it's safe to say that everyone is interested in whiter teeth. And the best route to a sparkling, stain-free smile is an oral health routine that's complete with fast-acting whitening treatments. But is it actually possible to get white teeth in one day with toothpaste that promises fast—if not instant—results? How quickly do tooth-brightening treatments work, anyway? We asked cosmetic dentists Marc Lowenberg, DDS, and Brian Harris, DDS, if it's possible (or even safe) to whiten your teeth in 24 hours or less.

Types of Teeth Whitening
According to Dr. Harris, 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."

Common Causes of Stains
The most common stains are a result of extrinsic discoloration, which Dr. Harris says most of us experience and is caused by things that stain the teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. "These kinds of stains are best treated with mechanical teeth whitening," he explains. Ultimately, it is possible to see results in one day with chemical teeth whitening options, although mechanical whitening takes patience and time, says Dr. Harris.

Byrdie Tip

After drinking coffee or tea, rinse your mouth with water to prevent stains from setting in. And when possible, brush your teeth within 30 minutes.

How Long It Takes 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 Dr. Harris. When choosing a good whitening toothpaste, he 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 Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste.

Dr. 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. Dr. Lowenberg says to 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

Whitening Strips
If you have a few days to work on your smile, Dr. Harris advises you to start with some whitening strips. "Within a couple of days, you will start to see results," he says. However, keep in mind that OTC products use "seven to 10 percent hydrogen peroxide or a derivative called carbamide peroxide. You might see instant results with this product, but they will be slight," says Dr. Lowenberg. And they often don't cover the full "arch of teeth," adds Dr. Harris. Still, it's a rather quick, safe option for whitening front teeth with ease. Byrdie editor-approved options include Burst Teeth Whitening Strips and GLO Science GLO Vials.

Byrdie Tip

Try trimming whitening strips to fit your mouth and be sure to keep the whitening agent away from gums, as it might cause irritation.

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. According to Dr. Lowenberg, 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. "OTC products require that you follow the directions exactly or you run the risk of causing damage to your gums."

Try a DIY Solution
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.

In-Office Treatments
To whiten teeth in one day, an in-office whitening treatment might be the best bet. Dr. 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. That's because dentists use a 35 percent 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," explains Dr. Lowenberg. 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."

Side Effects
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. You should talk to your dentist immediately.

For those trying out an in-office procedure, just beware that teeth will be sensitive afterward. "Dentists take all the necessary precautions protecting the teeth and gums during in-office whitening," says Dr. Lowenberg. Still, experiencing general sensitivity and sensitivity to the temperatures of food and drink following your appointment is common.

The Final Takeaway
If you're looking to whiten your teeth, you've got options. Of course, results will vary depending on the teeth whitening method you choose. Those looking for immediate results are advised to try a professional teeth whitening procedure that promises a brighter smile fast. OTC products, from strips to toothpaste, also help to whiten teeth, but results will take longer to achieve, and they won't cause as stark of a contrast. To figure out the best way to whiten your teeth, it's also important to identify the cause of your stains and weigh the side effects of each treatment. If you have any doubts or questions, always speak to your dentist for advice.

FAQ

What is the best teeth whitening ingredient?
According to Dr. Lowenberg, the most effective whitening agent is hydrogen peroxide

Will coconut oil whiten teeth?
No, there is no evidence to support that coconut oil can whiten teeth. Still, it can make them appear brighter after application, albeit temporarily. And swishing coconut oil in your mouth (a.k.a. oil pulling) can act as a natural mouth wash

Do porcelain veneers stain?
Since they're not porous like natural teeth, porcelain veneers will not absorb stains. However, their tone can fade over time and you should still brush them to remove surface-level stains teeth, porcelain veneers will not absorb stains. However, their tone can fade over time and you should still brush them to remove surface-level stains.