A dental expert has said that patients may be able to get whiter teeth more quickly than they think.

Martin G Goebbel, a dentist in the US, wrote an article in response to a reader query submitted to KRQE News, which asked if it is possible to achieve brighter-looking teeth in a month.

“You can have whiter teeth in about two hours with a chairside teeth whitening procedure if your teeth are in good shape,” he commented.

Dr Goebbel added that if they are not, patients could still get a better smile by having dental veneers fitted.

Patients may also be able to have teeth whitening treatment in less than two hours if they opt for a Zoom procedure.

Dentist Dr Sherzoy told the Daily Rosetta last month that Zoom teeth whitening is safe, gentle and quick, often taking less than one hour.

The process uses a special gel and a light to get the teeth looking a few shades brighter.