Whitening Your Teeth for a Special Event: When Should You Start?

For big events like weddings, family reunions, or graduations, you want to make sure that your smile is looking its best. As such, you may be thinking of having teeth whitening performed before the special day arrives. But how far in advance should you start the whitening process? Here’s what you need to know about enhancing your grin for any upcoming events that you may be looking forward to.

What are Your Options for Teeth Whitening?

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are plenty of over-the-counter products to choose from. However, you can also ask your dentist for a professional take-home whitening kit. Over-the-counter whitening options tend to have a lower cost, but professional whitening kits are often more effective since they contain stronger bleaching gels.

How Soon Should You Start the Teeth Whitening Process?

The amount of time needed to whiten your smile can vary depending on how severe the discoloration is. When it comes to over-the-counter whitening products, some might have to be used for up to three or four weeks before you start seeing any results. Meanwhile, professional whitening kits can often brighten your smile by several shades after just two weeks of use.

If there’s a specific event that you want to whiten your smile for, it’s recommended that you start the process at least a month or two in advance. This will give you plenty of time to decide whether you’re happy with the results.

How Can You Maintain the Results of Teeth Whitening?

Once you’ve achieved a brighter smile, all that’s left is to maintain the results so that your teeth are still looking their best when the big event arrives. Here are some tips for taking care of your smile after teeth whitening:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Keep your teeth as clean as possible by brushing at least twice a day (or after every meal if you can). You should also get in the habit of flossing on a daily basis.
• Be Careful Around Staining Foods and Beverages: Coffee, blueberries, tomato sauce, tea, and certain candies are all examples of foods and beverages that are known to stain teeth. Try to avoid consuming anything that might discolor your newly brightened smile.
• Avoid Smoking: Using any kind of tobacco product can lead to tooth discoloration. It is therefore best to stay away from cigarettes after having your teeth whitened.

If there’s a big event in your life coming up soon, now’s the time to start making sure that your smile is ready. Talk to your dentist to learn more about the teeth whitening options they offer and see what they recommend for creating the brighter grin that you have in mind.

About the Author

Dr. Warren G. Hoffman has more than three decades’ worth of experience when it comes to general dentistry. He holds membership with multiple professional organizations such as the West Coast District Dental Association. He can help his patients improve their smiles with take-home whitening and other treatments. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hoffman at his Sarasota practice, Parkway Ridge Dental, visit his website or call (941) 358-8830.