What is the typical duration of an in-office tooth whitening treatment?

The typical duration of an in-office tooth whitening treatment is usually around one hour. This timeframe allows dental professionals to effectively apply the whitening agents, provide necessary precautions, and monitor the patient's response during the procedure. Treatments often include multiple applications of the whitening gel, with intervals for activation or adjustment, all of which can typically fit within this hour-long session.

In contrast, shorter treatments, like 30 minutes, may not provide enough time for a significant whitening effect and might be more suited for maintenance or very mild cases. Longer durations such as two hours or even half a day are not standard for in-office treatments, as they can lead to increased sensitivity or discomfort for the patient without necessarily improving the results. Therefore, one hour is generally seen as the optimal and most common duration for these professional whitening procedures.