Do you have an upcoming wedding, graduation, celebration, or some other type of formal event soon? If so, you’re probably thinking about how to ensure that you look your best for this big day. One thing on your mind should be your smile—after all, it’s the first feature that people will notice when they see you! And there’s no better way to ensure that your pearly whites captivate everyone around you than by seeking teeth whitening treatment. Here’s what you need to know about this treatment, along with when the best time is to undergo it leading up to your event.
How Can I Whiten My Teeth?
Your dentist can provide you with a kit that contains everything you’ll need to whiten your teeth. This professional-grade kit includes special, customized trays that are made using impressions of your teeth, as well as high-quality whitening gels that are more powerful than anything you can purchase yourself. Once a day, you’ll fill the trays with the whitening gel and wear them for a set amount of time. After about two weeks of this routine, your results will be fully manifested and you’ll have a dazzling smile that’s ready to show off, no matter what your plans are!
If you’d prefer for your dentist to handle things, in-office whitening is also an option; it involves the same professional-grade materials, and it’s performed by your dentist to ensure precisely tailored results.
When Should I Whiten Before an Event?
You should try to give yourself a flexible window between starting your teeth whitening treatment and attending your planned event. With take-home whitening kits, you have a little leeway and can whiten on your own schedule, but ideally, you should aim to begin treatment at least a few weeks before your event—two months beforehand is a good rule of thumb.
This way, you’re certain to have enough time to fully complete your whitening treatment, and if any negative side effects occur, such as sensitivity, they’ll have plenty of time to subside. As far as in-office treatment is concerned, speak with your dentist about when the best time to come in is – it’ll usually be within two weeks of your event.
How Can I Keep My Whitening Results Intact?
Unfortunately, teeth whitening doesn’t offer permanent results, and once your teeth have been whitened, it falls on you to keep your results intact until your event, as well as following it. However, with the right care, this is relatively straightforward, and you can enjoy whitened teeth for several months or even years. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid foods and beverages that are known to cause staining: berries, red sauces and wines, coffee, and more.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products—these won’t just stain your teeth but can also lead to undesirable oral health issues.
- Brush and floss your teeth every day and avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol.
If you’ve got a special event on the horizon, rest assured that your smile can be whitened in advance—and by doing so, you’re ensuring that your pearly whites are camera-ready!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Angela Courtney and Dr. Christy Cox, the talented team at Artistry Smile Center has proudly served the needs of patients and families in the Columbus area for several years. They offer a wide range of dental services, including cosmetic options like both in-office and at-home teeth whitening. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please visit their website or call today for more information. Telephone: (614) 451-7393.