Special events are an important part of life, and people always want to look their best when they happen. If you’re looking forward to a graduation, wedding, job interview, or family gathering, you’re probably thinking about ways to make your smile look great. The good news is that your dentist can provide you with professional teeth whitening treatments that can lift stubborn stains and leave your smile up to ten shades whiter! Here are a few guidelines to help you determine when the best time is to whiten your teeth before a big event.
What Causes Teeth to Lose Their Whiteness?
The color of a person’s teeth will change over time due to a variety of factors. A few of these include:
- Wear and tear: Years of use can erode some of the whitish outer layer of enamel, allowing more of the yellowish color of the dentin layer beneath it to show through.
- Staining and discoloration: Teeth can develop stains and discoloration due to exposure to foods and drinks that are high in dyes and pigments such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, colas, sports drinks, and colored candies.
- Tobacco use: The nicotine in tobacco can leave yellow or brown stains on your enamel, and the tar in smoke can leave deposits on your teeth.
When Should I Get My Teeth Whitened?
The best time to whiten your teeth before a special event depends on what kind of teeth whitening treatment you are interested in. After determining that you are a good candidate, your dentist can whiten your teeth in two ways:
- In-office procedures: Your dentist can perform a teeth whitening procedure in about an hour at their office that can deliver dazzling results. During this procedure, they will place barriers in your mouth to protect your soft tissues before treating your teeth with a few layers of whitening gel.
- Take-home kits: If you’d prefer to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home, your dentist can provide you with a whitening kit that is far better than any similar kit you could buy at the store. One of these kits includes a tube of powerful whitening gel and a set of customized dental trays. You’ll just have to apply the gel to the trays and wear them over your teeth for an hour every day for two weeks.
How Can I Protect My Newly Whitened Smile?
After your whitening treatment is complete, your smile will be vulnerable to accruing new stains for a few days as your teeth recover. During this period of time, avoid foods and beverages that are heavy in acids, pigments, and/or dyes, and be sure to practice excellent oral hygiene. It’s best to time your teeth whitening treatment so that it will be completed a few days to recover before the event. That way, you can enjoy all the foods of the spread offered there.
A beautiful smile makes for great photographs at special events. Consulting with your dentist can determine if teeth whitening can be a suitable treatment for you.
About the Author
Dr. Dale Greer graduated with his dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry in 1977 and continues his education with postdoctoral coursework to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and his office in Dallas, TX offers dental implant services, adult orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To schedule a teeth whitening consultation, contact the office online or dial (972) 233-4546.
