No matter if you’re part of your cousin’s wedding party or you’re preparing for a workplace event that requires you to make a special presentation, you want your smile to look its best. When looking in the mirror, you may be displeased with the stains and discoloration you see, but do you have enough time to fix it? If you’re busy asking, “How close to an event should I whiten my teeth in Castle Rock,” you’re not alone. Fortunately, a local dentist weighs in on the topic to explain the appropriate timeline to follow if you want your teeth to shine brighter for your big day.
The Process for Whiter, Brighter Teeth
No matter if you choose in-office teeth whitening or a professional take-home kit provided by your dentist, it’s important that you plan well in advance. You don’t want to be rushed and suddenly realize you have no time to take care of your smile, so make sure to schedule your appointment at least a few weeks before the big day.
If you prefer to undergo in-office teeth whitening, you can expect to see a drastic improvement in your smile in one single visit. Using professional-grade bleaching gel, your cosmetic dentist can quickly remove stains and discoloration in as little as an hour and provide you with take-home whitening trays to help you better maintain your results.
Should you opt to whiten your teeth at home, you don’t need to resort to over-the-counter kits that make big promises but come up short when seeking optimal results. Your dentist can provide customized whitening trays that are made based on impressions taken during your consultation. These can take time to create, so make sure you’re allotting a few months to account for the fabrication of your trays as well as the time it takes to whiten your teeth at home, which typically takes two weeks.
What You Can Do to Maintain Results
Once you’ve successfully whitened your teeth, you’ll want to take appropriate steps to maintain your results for as long as possible. Whether you have one month or two weeks before your big event, you’ll need to make sure you are following these helpful tips:
- Avoid darkly pigmented foods and beverages that can cause stains and discoloration to develop
- Brush, floss, and rinse regularly to remove bad bacteria and food particles from your teeth and gums
- Quit smoking and using tobacco products, as these can increase your risk for gum disease and lead to additional staining and discoloration
When it comes to achieving a whiter smile, it’s always best to give yourself plenty of time. Every patient is different, so it’s best to plan ahead and take added precautions to avoid stains so you can show off your beautiful smile the day of the event.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington opened his own practice in 2002 and has been helping the city’s residents achieve healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smiles ever since. He and the team at Cowlitz River Dental are happy to provide cosmetic dentistry treatments designed to enhance teeth by blasting away stains and discoloration. With in-office or take-home professional teeth whitening solutions, you can trust that your smile will be photo-ready for your big event. Visit our website or call (360) 703-9092 to learn how we can help you take advantage of available whitening treatment at our Castle Rock office.