If you have a wedding, graduation, birthday party, or another special event coming up, you may be on the lookout for the perfect outfit. Though what you wear is an important part of your appearance, so is your smile. Many people like to whiten their beams before going to a special event so they can look their best in photos. So, how close to an event should you whiten your teeth? Keep reading to learn the answer as well as what methods to use.
When to Start Whitening Your Teeth
The best time to start whitening your smile is as soon as possible. One reason why you should begin whitening your grin as soon as you can is that not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment. Whitening your smile when you have oral health issues like cavities or gum disease is not recommended since it can make these conditions worse. For that reason, people with these issues will need to receive treatment before beginning teeth whitening.
Can You Use Over-the-Counter Products?
The type of whitening products you use will also affect how long it will take for you to achieve your desired results. Though some over-the-counter whitening products are somewhat effective, they aren’t usually the best option.
Store-bought kits that come with trays will not be customized to fit your smile. For this reason, product may leak out or your results will be lackluster. Whitening strips often only cover the front few teeth, meaning your smile will likely look uneven. Whitening toothpaste often provides some results, but using it too often can damage your enamel and make you more susceptible to decay.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening Is the Best Option
Though there is a range of easily accessible products at grocery and drug stores, having your teeth whitened by a dentist is the best option. There are several options available, including:
- Professional-strength whitestrips – Some dentists offer professional-strength whitestrips, which are 80% stronger than over-the-counter variants. They need to be worn for 20 minutes to achieve the desired results.
- Take-home whitening – You’ll be given custom trays and professional-strength whitening gel to put in them. The trays will need to be worn for 20-30 minutes before bed for a week or two to see a difference in your smile.
- Deep bleaching – This treatment includes two in-office bleaching sessions as well as using custom whitening trays at home.
- Express white – This in-office treatment is the quickest way to whiten your teeth and can brighten your smile in as little as 10-15 minutes.
So, how close to an event should you whiten your teeth? As soon as possible! If you’re interested in improving the look of your smile, ask your dentist about what whitening options they have available to help you achieve a gorgeous grin that will make you the life of the party!
About the Practice
Brown & Nawrocki Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry cares about the smiles of their Ormond Beach patients. Led by Dr. Andrew Nawrocki and Dr. Kimberly Dennis, they take pride in using their skills to help people achieve beautiful, brag-worthy beams. If you’re wondering how close to an event should you whiten your teeth, they can help you determine which option is best for you and when to start. For more information on their whitening services or to make an appointment with Brown & Nawrocki Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry, call their office at (386) 677-1046 or visit their website.