No matter the time of year, having a brighter smile is always a good idea. Walking around with teeth that appear healthy and free of flaws can help you make a great first impression. But if you’re like most people, achieving this kind of look takes professional treatment, so when you have a big event coming up, you may wonder when it’s best to seek a cosmetic dentist for help. Read on to determine how much time is needed to help you see a whiter, more beautiful smile with teeth whitening.
How Soon Should You Start Whitening Your Smile?
Whether it is a wedding, graduation, company-wide presentation, or a high school reunion you’re preparing for, it’s important that you consider how much time you’ll need to achieve the smile you want.
If in-office teeth whitening is what you prefer, you may not need as much lead time. Why? Because the results are virtually instantaneous. With just one session, your pearly whites can improve by multiple shades, with results lasting months or even years with proper care.
If stains exist beneath the enamel’s surface, it may be necessary to return to your cosmetic dentist’s office to undergo additional sessions – a factor you and your dentist will need to discuss during your initial consultation.
Should you opt for take-home teeth whitening kits, you will need a bit more time just to make sure you are not rushing the process. In general, professional trays and whitening gel can produce a brighter smile in two weeks, but this might vary from person to person.
These results can last six months or even a single year. Again, this is based on how well you take care of your whiter teeth.
Ways to Prolong Results to Ensure a Beautiful Smile
Since professional teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, it’s necessary that you adopt healthy habits to keep stains from forming again. Naturally, your age and daily wear and tear will cause your pearly whites to become discolored over time, but you can follow these tips to slow the process:
- Practice good brushing, flossing, and rinsing habits at home.
- Limit your intake of dark-colored beverages and foods.
- Quit smoking or using any kind of tobacco products.
- Continue to see your cosmetic dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Seek touch-up treatments if necessary.
There is no reason to wait until the last minute to whiten your smile. With professional products used to eliminate stains and boost the color of your teeth, you can feel confident that you will look your best on the day of your big 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 pleased to provide in-office and take-home teeth whitening to patients looking to achieve a brighter smile. If you are interested in trying this method of professional treatment for an upcoming event, visit our website or call (360) 703-9092.