Now that it’s December, you may want to whiten your teeth. Fair enough – treatment would help your smile look shiny and bright for holiday parties, reunions, and more. Still, you’ll need to know when to begin that work to ensure the best results; otherwise, your teeth won’t look great in time. The good news is that your Englewood cosmetic dentist is here to help. To that end, here’s a primer on when to start teeth whitening for a special event.
Context: Remember Time & Money
Time and money are important to the whitening process. Your treatment may need to go differently depending on how much you have of each.
For example, the date of an event can determine whether one type of whitening suits you better. In-office treatment could be best if the occasion is pretty soon; it’d greatly brighten your grin through a one-hour appointment. On the other hand, you may prefer a whitening kit if the event won’t happen for a while. This second option requires that you wear gel-infused trays for about two weeks.
Your finances can also influence which whitening you get. If you have a rather large budget, you may want to opt for in-office treatment; it’s a tad expensive but goes quickly and offers superior results. Meanwhile, a take-home kit with a lower cost can help cash-strapped patients.
When Should You Start Whitening?
When to start teeth whitening will depend on which type you choose. After all, each method works differently and involves different timelines.
You should start in-office whitening two weeks (at least) before your event. With this setup, you’ll have leeway to make last-minute adjustments after your initial appointment. A dentist could also use any leftover time to remove more stubborn stains.
If you opt for a whitening kit, start using it a month or two before the event. This approach gives you time to see if the treatment is working properly. Better yet, it allows any post-treatment complications to fade before your occasion starts.
Tips on Maintaining Your Bright Smile
Whenever you start whitening, you’ll want your bright smile to last a long time. Maintain your treatment results with the following tips:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene –You can prevent new tooth stains by brushing and flossing daily.
- Avoid Stain-Causing Meals – If possible, avoid dark-colored foods and drinks. These items (coffee, wine, tea, tomatoes, etc.) have stain agents that darken teeth.
- See a Dentist for Follow–Ups – When your treatment results start fading, see your dentist for follow-ups. They’ll keep your smile bright without any dip in your looks.
You now know when to do teeth whitening for a special event. So, use those details to make your smile bright for holiday festivities!
About the Practice
Davis, Roberts, Boeller & Rife Dental is based in Englewood, FL. Led by Drs. Davis, Boeller, and Rife, our practice strives to make every patient’s smile thrive! We pursue that goal by offering preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments tailored to your mouth and its needs. That way, your teeth and gums are sure to get the custom care they need and deserve. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (941)-474-6466.