Do you have big plans this summer? Perhaps you are going to get married, be a guest at someone else’s wedding, or attend a high school reunion. Regardless of what type of event you have coming up, you will likely want to look your best. That might involve whitening your teeth! But when should you get started with your treatment? This blog post provides some practical information that you should keep in mind.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?
There are two basic types of teeth whitening:
- Professional in-office treatment. In-office treatments from a dentist usually take just one hour to complete. They can brighten your teeth by several shades!
- At-home whitening. Whether you use a professional kit or an over-the-counter option, at-home teeth whitening usually takes around two weeks.
When Should You Book Your Appointment?
You should not plan on waiting until the last minute to whiten your teeth because:
- Dental appointments can have limited availability. Some dental offices are quite busy, so you should call to request an appointment well before the date of your special event in order to secure a time slot that will work for you.
- You should get a checkup before teeth whitening. Very often, dentists require patients to undergo a checkup before they get their teeth whitened. If you have any cavities or other oral health concerns, they should be addressed prior to your cosmetic treatment. (Even if you plan to use an over-the-counter treatment, a checkup is still a good idea! The last thing you want is to accidentally harm your teeth just before a special event.)
- Whitening can cause sensitivity. In some cases, teeth whitening causes a temporary increase in dental sensitivity (this usually lasts just a few days). If you whiten your teeth too close to your special event, you might not be able to enjoy whatever food and drinks are available.
The Best Time to Whiten Your Teeth
The results of teeth whitening can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. If you start the whitening process well before your special event, you can be confident that you will still have a bright smile by the time the big day rolls around. This is especially true if you take reasonable precautions to prevent new stains. For example, you should avoid smoking and limit your intake of coffee, tea, and other dark beverages.
A beautiful smile is a timeless accessory! Call your dentist’s office now to learn about your whitening options so you do not miss out on your chance to bring a healthy and bright smile to your special event.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Sara Curcio has more than 15 years of experience in the field of dentistry. She is proud to offer both take-home and in-office teeth whitening. If you would like to brighten your smile or enhance it in other ways, she and our team would be pleased to serve you. Contact our South Windsor office at 860-644-2476.