We get asked this question a lot, and there are no straight up answers. Some people's teeth are easier or harder to whiten than others and your results are slightly influenced by your own genetics. For the most part, our customers are quite happy with the results they get from one session. As a general rule of thumb, on average:
60 MIN SESSION - Could possibly lighten 6 shades
40 MIN SESSION - Could possibly lighten 4 shades
However, there are exceptions to this rule. We have seen people lighten 10 shades with a 40 min session, and likewise we have seen people only lighten 3 shades with a 60 min session (everyone is different!).
As a guide, please refer to the image below:
POSSIBLE RESULTS FOR MEDIUM STAINING
If you have medium staining (Shade 20 on the shade guide), a 40 min session could possibly lighten your teeth to a Shade 12 (4 shades lighter). If you want your teeth lighter than a Shade 12, then a 60 min session might be the best option for you, where you could possibly end up a Shade 8 (6 shades lighter).
POSSIBLE RESULTS FOR HEAVY STAINING
If you have heavy staining (Shade 26 on the shade guide) a 40 min session could possibly lighten your teeth to a Shade 18 (4 shades lighter) and a 60 min session could possibly lighten your teeth to a Shade 14 (6 shades lighter). You would most likely need two sessions for heavily stained teeth, you can schedule a follow up session in 4 weeks time.
If you want to go lighter after a 60 min session, you would need to lighten again, until you get to your desired shade (or at least close to it). Your options are:
Schedule a follow up session in 4 weeks time
Purchase a whitening pen or kit and boost your results at home by whitening your teeth for 1 - 5 days for 30 min/day (do not exceed 5 days) after your session.
PLEASE NOTE: There's a LIMIT to how white your teeth can get, and that's determined by your genetics!
For example, if your natural teeth color is a Shade 6 (the color that is determined by your genetics), then we CANNOT whiten your teeth past that shade. Teeth whitening just removes stains, it doesn't alter the color of your natural teeth.
We hope this helps with your research! Feel free to give us a call 604 559 7117 or email us: hello@mint-canada.com and we can answer any questions you may have about teeth whitening!