Do you have a special event marked on your calendar? It might be a wedding, your high school reunion, or a job interview. Regardless of what the occasion is, you no doubt want to look your best when you attend. To that end, you might want to get your teeth whitened. But when should you start the whitening process — right before the big event or a bit sooner? This blog post provides some helpful advice.
How Long Does Whitening Take?
Teeth whitening tends to work quickly, but its exact timeline depends on which whitening method you choose.
- At-home teeth whitening kits usually use trays to apply a whitening solution to the teeth for a certain amount of time each day. Most products recommend two weeks of daily use in order to see optimum results. These kits can be purchased over the counter, but custom kits from a dentist tend to be more reliable and more effective.
- In-office professional teeth whitening is available only from a qualified dental team. It has the potential to brighten teeth by multiple shades in a single brief appointment (it usually takes one hour or so).
Plan Ahead and Leave Some Wiggle Room
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you are deciding when to start whitening your teeth:
- Planning ahead is wise. Remember that dental offices can be very busy at times, so you should call your local practice well ahead of your special event to see what appointment slots they have available.
- Do not wait until the last minute. Teeth whitening is a fast treatment. However, it sometimes causes an increase in dental sensitivity that can go on for at least a few days. You might also be admonished to stick to a “white diet” during the initial 48 hours after an in-office treatment. You do not want to have any dietary restrictions at your special event, so try to plan your whitening for at least a couple of weeks before the big day.
- Leave some wiggle room for trial and error. If you want to use an over-the-counter whitening option, you should test it several months before the event so you can determine if it will work for you. You should also still visit your dentist beforehand to make sure it is safe for you to whiten your teeth. (Whitening your teeth when you have untreated cavities or gum disease can be extremely uncomfortable.)
Maintain Your Results
Here are some simple things you can do to maintain your freshly whitened smile in the days leading up to your special event:
- Limit your consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages.
- Enjoy dark liquids through a straw.
- Keep up with a thorough oral hygiene routine.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco.
Carefully timing your whitening treatment can allow you to look your best for any occasion! Use the above tips to plan exactly when you will start brightening your smile.
Meet the Practice
The expert oral health professionals at Four Town Dental Care are proud to offer both in-office and take-home professional whitening kits. If you are interested in getting rid of dental stains and achieving a more confident smile, we are ready to consult with you. To learn more about us and the services we provide, contact our Enfield team at 860-856-6928.