While a bright grin is always a plus, having one “in time” for big occasions is especially great. Anyone would want to show a shiny smile at a birthday, anniversary, wedding, and so on. That said, it’s natural to wonder: When should you whiten your teeth for a special event? Rather than leave you hanging, your Waverly dentist is here to provide an answer. Just keep reading to learn the right time to whiten teeth before your next major affair.
You Must Consider Time & Money
Before anything else, consider how time and money impact the whitening process. They’ll impact the nature of your final treatment.
The date of your event will affect whether a type of whitening suits you. For example, a take-home kit may work well if the occasion won’t happen for a while. This type of whitening requires you to wear gel-infused trays for two weeks, so a more distant occurrence won’t interfere with it.
Similarly, your budget can influence how you pursue whitening. Patients with ample funds may prefer an in-office experience, as it offers quick results despite a higher price. On the other hand, a take-home kit – an option that doesn’t cost as much – can help cash-strapped patients.
When to Time Your Whitening
Ultimately, when you start whitening will depend on the type you get. Each kind works differently and has its own timeline.
If you opt for in-office whitening, get it at least two weeks prior. This setup offers enough leeway to make last-minute adjustments after your initial visit. Also, a dentist can use any leftover time to remove stubborn stains.
Those who get a whitening kit should use it a month or to beforehand. That way, you’ll have time to see if the treatment is working properly. You’ll also be able to address any post-treatment complications before your event begins.
How to Maintain Your Bright Smile
It’s best to keep your smile bright as long as possible, regardless of when you whiten. You should thus adopt the following tips:
- Keep a Clean Smile – By brushing and flossing daily, you can prevent new tooth stains.
- Avoid Stain Agents – Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks if possible. In particular, refrain from coffee, wine, tea, and tomatoes; their stain agents darken teeth.
- See Your Dentist Often – See your dentist for follow-up treatments when your bright smile starts fading.
When you whiten your teeth for a special event matters, as it affects your final experience. Keep that in mind as you pursue your treatment!
About the Practice
Smiley Family Dentistry is based in Waverly, IA. Led by Dr. Jonathan Smiley, our practice makes the pursuit of healthy, beautiful, and long-lasting grins our top priority. We thus offer various dental treatments tailored to each patient, ranging from dental checkups and teeth whitening to outright tooth replacement. Whatever your smile needs, our team will provide it! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (319)-352-2270.