A gleaming smile can work wonders for your confidence. Getting married, heading to a job interview, or maybe heading to your family reunion – teeth whitening can put you in a position to make the most out of social events. When you look your best, odds are you’ll feel great too! Unlike getting a haircut, teeth whitening isn’t something you want to put off until the day before a big event. Do you have something major marked on your calendar? “How close to an event should I whiten my teeth?” you wonder. Keep reading to get some advice from your dentist in Tucson.
When Should I Target a Teeth-Whitening Session?
Most cosmetic dentists offer two types of teeth whitening treatments: in-office and take-home. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s best to plan ahead to ensure your teeth will be whitest on your special day. Take into consideration how quickly you want to see results and your scheduling needs when making your decision.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Would you prefer to undergo treatment in the comfort of your own home? If so, your dentist offers take-home whitening kits, another common and effective procedure that involves the use of bleaching gel. First, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to produce custom-made trays guaranteed to fit your mouth perfectly. You fill your trays with the special gel and wear them for the instructed amount of time each day (usually around 30 minutes). For best results, it’s recommended to wear the trays daily for about two weeks.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Professional in-office teeth whitening treatment is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. It’s preferred over other methods because results are quick and long-lasting. In just one hour, your dentist can make your grin several shades lighter!
The procedure involves applying a professional-strength bleaching gel to your teeth, which breaks down stubborn stain molecules in your tooth’s enamel. Then, your dentist wipes off the gel, removing the stains with it. This can be repeated until you achieve your desired results.
Tips to Maintain Your Results
Even though professional whitening treatments have more longevity than store-bought ones, taking the following precautions will help you maintain your results:
- Practice good oral hygiene (brush your teeth twice a day, floss and rinse with mouthwash daily)
- Avoid poor dental habits like smoking and using other tobacco products, biting fingernails, using your teeth as tools
- Limit foods/drinks that cause discoloration (soda, red wine, tea, soy sauce, curry)
- Visit your dentist in Tucson every six months for a checkup and cleaning
“How close to an event should I whiten my teeth?” Generally, it’s recommended to start whitening your grin about 4-6 weeks before your event. It allows your teeth time to overcome any sensitivity caused by the treatment while you achieve your ideal smile!