You Asked, We Answered: How Close to an Event Should I Whiten My Teeth?

Last year, graduations went virtual, weddings were postponed, and milestone celebrations were put off indefinitely as the cases of the novel COVID-19 virus skyrocketed. Fortunately, this summer looks quite different! As a result, you likely have a handful of events to attend before fall rolls around. If your once-white smile has taken on a dull appearance since quarantine, you may be wondering, “How close to an event should I whiten my teeth?” Here’s the answer.

So, When Should You Start the Teeth Whitening Process?

In short, the sooner the better! Scheduling your initial consultation now will ensure you have plenty of time to make your smile goals a reality. After all, while the teeth whitening process itself is relatively quick, you may need a preliminary treatment to address an untreated dental issue (like tooth decay) first. Plus, you may need multiple teeth whitening sessions to obtain the look you desire. So, don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your appointment.

Take-Home vs. In-Office Teeth Whitening

Thanks to modern dentistry, you can achieve the bright, white smile you desire with in-office treatments or professional take-home kits. Although they both utilize effective whitening agents and customized trays, there are certain advantages of each. For example, an in-office treatment can lighten your teeth up to eight shades in a single visit! On the other hand, take-home alternatives allow you to transform your smile from the comfort of your own home over the course of a couple of weeks. Don’t worry – your cosmetic dentist will discuss the benefits of each during your initial consultation to help you make an informed decision on which approach is best for you.

3 Tips for Preserving Your Beautiful Results

Once you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you’ve been missing, the last thing you want is for the results to fade quickly. Fortunately, there are a few best practices you can implement to prevent that from happening:

• Avoid dark-colored beverages, like coffee. When you do indulge, use a straw.
• Follow a solid at-home oral hygiene routine. Make sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, rinse with mouthwash frequently, and visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
• Get touch-ups as needed. If your results start to fade, ask your cosmetic dentist about getting a touch-up treatment.

You deserve to feel confident while attending your upcoming event, whether it’s a small family reunion or a big wedding. So, if you’re unhappy with your smile, don’t wait to get in touch with your cosmetic dentist to see if teeth whitening is right for you!

About the Author

Dr. Steve W. Cobb is a Texas native who is now on Texas Monthly’s Super Dentist list! He earned his dental doctorate at the Baylor School of Dentistry, and he has been providing high-quality, meticulous, caring dentistry to his patients for more than four decades now. In that time, he has become a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, a high honor and testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. If you’d like to learn more about the teeth whitening process or are ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 432-367-4774.