So, let’s say you’ve decided to whiten your smile in preparation for an important event. Do you have a plan for how to go about it? Different teeth whitening methods may need you to start earlier or later so your smile will be ready. Are you beginning to ask yourself, “how close to an event should I whiten?”
It’s ok if you haven’t figured the problem out yet: With this guide on when to start whitening your teeth for special events, your pearly whites will be gleaming in time for the occasion.
First, How Stained Are Your Teeth?
It’s essential to keep in mind that the timing to whiten your teeth will depend on the extent of the discoloration. After all, stains can be light or dark depending on the circumstance, and harsher ones may warrant one whitener over another. For instance, coffee, tea, and soda can all lead to a dimmed smile, so those that indulge more often may need more whitening compared to others.
What You Need to Know About Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Some dentists offer convenient, take-home teeth whitening that use a customized mold or bleaching tray. Once the whitening solution is placed, the tray is worn for an hour a day. After repeating this process for one to two weeks, your teeth will be visibly whiter.
Take-home whitening is available with store-bought products as well. However, the one-size-fits-all products generally deliver lackluster results at best. Therefore, it’s more ideal to use the professional-grade, safe, and reliable treatments offered by your dentist.
What You Need to Know About In-Office Teeth Whitening
While similar to the take-home approach, in-office teeth whitening is the more comprehensive and effective of the two.
A popular treatment, professional whitening is instant, quick to attain, and long-lasting. The dentist will use high concentrations of peroxide gel during the treatment to whiten your teeth under controlled conditions. The peroxide gel then stays on your teeth for periods of 15 to 20 minutes, totaling an hour at most. Superior to more short-lived alternatives, the effects can last up to 3 years with proper care.
How to Prep for Your Whitening Process
Ultimately, whether you use take-home or in-office methods, you’ll want to start your teeth whitening journey about two months before your big event. By giving yourself such a wide margin, you’ll have time to see positive results appear and adverse side effects subside. Plus, your smile should still be radiant for many months or years afterward with the proper oral care.
You should now have a good sense of how and when to whiten your teeth for special occasions. Be confident that your smile will dazzle when the time finally arrives!
About the Practice
Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry and Orthodontics is based in Tucson, AZ. Headed by Dr. Alison Fitzgerald, who earned her dental doctorate at the Creighton School of Dentistry, it offers trustworthy dental care using the latest technology. Dr. Fitzgerald and her team have also benefited from the continuing education program at the Kois Center, which conducts and publishes independent research. For more information or to schedule an appointment, the practice’s team can be reached at their website or by phone at (520)-338-2980.