Weddings, high school reunions, annual galas, first dates – no matter what kind of big event you have coming up, you want to make sure you look your best. While picking out the perfect outfit and making sure your hair looks just right may be important, have you thought about your smile? Teeth that appear yellow or dull are a distraction and can get people talking for all the wrong reasons. If you are considering teeth whitening to boost your appearance, learn when to start so that your results last longer.
When Should You Start Whitening Treatment?
Most experts agree that you should start whitening your teeth a few months before the big day. Depending on the type of treatment you choose – in-house or a take-home kit – the time it takes to see results varies.
Generally, when choosing to let your cosmetic dentist in Frankfort brighten your smile in-house, you will walk away with a brighter set of teeth in about one hour. However, if you choose to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home with custom trays and bleaching gel, you will notice a dramatic change within two weeks.
What Can You Do to Make Your Results Last Longer?
How long your newer, brighter smile lasts ultimately depends on how many treatments you receive and how well you take care of your teeth before the big event. You will want to follow your dentist’s instructions to avoid staining or discoloration, which means you will need to:
- Stay on top of your oral hygiene routine by brushing for two minutes twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Continue to floss between teeth to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque that can accumulate and cause gum disease.
- Rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash, as this flushes out any remnants left behind after brushing and flossing.
- Avoid dark-colored foods and beverages that can easily stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, soda, soy sauce, curry, berries, etc.
- Drink lots of water to flush away tooth-staining particles and encourage proper saliva production to help neutralize acids.
- Give up smoking and the use of all other tobacco products, as nicotine easily stains teeth.
- Inquire about touch-ups from your cosmetic dentist to maintain your results.
Meeting with your dentist early on for a consultation can help you better understand when to start working toward a brighter smile – one that stands out for all the right reasons on the big day.
About Grand Dental – Frankfort
At Grand Dental – Frankfort, our dentists enjoy helping patients achieve brighter, more beautiful smiles. With professional teeth whitening services, we can eliminate stains and discoloration caused by age, darkly pigmented foods and beverages, and poor lifestyle habits. If you want your smile to look its best for an upcoming event, visit our website or call (815) 277-2840 to schedule a consultation today.