If there’s one thing incredibly common at special events these days, it’s photography. Cell phone cameras have made everyone into photographers, and pictures are constantly being taken at weddings, graduations, birthdays, and other special occasions. Many people would like to have their teeth whitened for these occasions, but they might wonder how soon before the event they should start the process. Here are some tips for knowing when to start whitening your teeth before a wedding, job interview, or other important event.
When Should I Start Whitening My Teeth?
There are several methods of achieving a whiter and brighter smile. While store-bought teeth whitening kits can be decently effective, they are not as effective as professional whitening treatments from your dentist. Your dentist can provide you with a whitening treatment in the form of an in-office visit that takes about one hour or a take-home kit that takes about two weeks. It’s best to time your treatment to be completed about two weeks before the event so your teeth can be both at their whitest and past the post-treatment sensitivity.
How Do Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Work?
In-office treatments take about one hour. During a single appointment, your dentist will place barriers in your mouth to protect your soft tissues before treating your teeth with a few coats of professional-grade whitening agent. They will then apply a special UV light to your teeth to eliminate stains and discoloration.
Take-home kits, on the other hand, include professional-grade whitening gel and special dental trays customized to fit over your teeth. All you must do to whiten your smile is apply the gel to the trays and wear them for about an hour every day for two weeks.
Teeth whitening treatments from your dentist provide superior results to those of any store-bought whitening product, and they can leave your teeth up to ten shades whiter. These treatments can leave your teeth sensitive for a few days after being completed, but this is a temporary effect that should get better with time. The best way to preserve the results of your treatment is to practice excellent oral hygiene afterward. Whitening your teeth can help you look great for any special occasion, and knowing how to time it can help you enjoy the event with a flashy smile and without tooth sensitivity.
About the Practice
Indianapolis Family Dentistry provides the best dental health care services available in Indianapolis, IN. Led by Drs. Mark M. Farthing and Armin M. Tepner, the staff delivers effective treatments in a friendly and accommodating environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. For more information about what teeth whitening can do for you, contact the office online or dial (317) 898-3384.