Whether it is a corporate banquet, meeting your fiancé’s parents for the first time, or serving as a member of your cousin’s wedding party, you may be asking, “How close to an event should I whiten my teeth?” Naturally, you don’t want to wait too long, or you may not get the results you desire; however, if you start too soon, will your brighter smile begin to fade before the big day? Here to answer these questions is a trusted dentist who can shine a light on the topic.
In-Office vs. Take-Home Whitening
How you plan to whiten your smile is ultimately up to you and your timeline. It’s no secret that in-office whitening takes only one hour for patients to start seeing results; however, if your dentist only offers at-home solutions, there’s no need to worry. You simply need to make sure you start with the appropriate amount of time so that your teeth will shine bright on the big day.
With take-home whitening kits provided by your dentist, you can easily wear the customized trays made just for you for one full hour each day. The professional-grade bleaching gel will eliminate surface and deep-down stains, allowing you to go about your day, working toward a whiter, brighter smile. In just about two weeks, you’ll notice a dramatic difference in the shade of your smile, giving you that beautiful, showstopping look.
How to Maintain Results
So, what if you start the teeth whitening process too early? Will results fade over time? The answer is yes, teeth whitening is not a permanent cosmetic solution; however, your results can last as short or as long as you want, depending on how well you take care of your smile.
When meeting with your dentist, there’s a good chance they will go over what you can do at home to keep your whiter teeth looking and feeling their best months from now. Some of the most pivotal things you can do to ensure a pleasant appearance for longer include:
- Maintaining optimal oral hygiene habits (i.e., brushing twice daily for two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash).
- Avoiding dark-colored beverages and foods (i.e., coffee, tea, soda, berries, red wine, soy sauce, etc.).
- Not using your teeth as tools to open packages or containers.
- Not smoking or using tobacco products.
- Limiting your alcohol consumption.
- Seeing your dentist every six months for dental checkups and cleanings.
By keeping these tips in mind and talking to your dentist about the appropriate time to start the whitening process, you can guarantee that your smile will capture the attention of those around you at your big event.
About the Practice
Sedalia Dental is led by four expert dentists who are committed to caring for patients living in Groveport and its surrounding communities. Combining their knowledge, skills, and talents, they are able to offer comprehensive services to treat smiles of all types. For individuals looking to improve their smile for an upcoming event, our team can recommend at-home teeth whitening for optimal results. If you are looking to get rid of stains, contact us at (614) 836-2222.