It’s the time of year when everyone seems to be getting married, graduating, or applying for new jobs. Do you have one of these special occasions coming up? If so, you naturally want to look your best. However, it can be hard to feel confident when your teeth are discolored or stained. The good news is that your dentist can help with professional teeth whitening treatment. There’s just one thing you might be wondering, “How close to an event should I whiten my teeth?” Continue reading to learn the answer!
Should I Choose In-Office or Take-Home Teeth Whitening?
Whether you want to remove a few stubborn stains or improve the overall color of your smile, it’s best to leave teeth whitening to the professionals. You may have noticed that over-the-counter whiteners tend to use one-size-fits-all trays and subpar bleaching gels that deliver barely noticeable results that don’t last long at all. Not to mention, there’s also the risk of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
In contrast, dentists utilize safe, effective whitening agents and a personalized approach to ensure successful treatment. If you’re looking to dramatically brighten your smile as quickly as possible, ask your dentist about their in-office teeth whitening. If you’d prefer to do so in the comfort of your own home, they can provide take-home whitening kits that transform your smile in about two weeks.
How Close to an Event Should I Whiten My Teeth?
To make sure your smile looks its best before your special event, you should start whitening as soon as possible. Just because it’s possible to brighten your teeth in a single visit doesn’t mean you should schedule your appointment for the day before your event. Not only does starting early give you time to make sure you love the results, but it also gives you plenty of room to take care of any procedures you might need beforehand, like tooth-colored fillings for cavities. So, make sure to book your initial consultation as soon as you can!
Tips for Making the Results Last
Depending on how well you take care of your smile, you can expect the results of your teeth whitening treatment to last from a few months to a year or more. To help your teeth stay bright long after your event, be sure to:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day (using a whitening toothpaste can help).
- Floss every night.
- Limit darkly pigmented foods and beverages (coffee, wine, berries, soy sauce, etc.).
- Sip staining drinks through a straw to minimize direct contact with your teeth.
- If you smoke, consider quitting.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
Whether you’re about to get married, obtain your hard-earned degree, or interview for your dream job, it’s important to have a smile you can be proud of. If tooth discoloration has prevented that from happening, ask your dentist about teeth whitening!
About the Authors
At D’Andrea and Pantera, DMD, our four dentists are skilled in a variety of areas of dentistry. We pride ourselves on forming lasting relationships with our patients and helping them maintain confident smiles. We offer take-home teeth whitening kits as well as in-office treatment. To find out which potion is best for you, visit our website or call (203) 288-0951.
