Healthy human teeth are usually a slightly yellowish shade of off-white, but they can develop unsightly and distracting stains and discoloration due to factors like chemical exposure, certain medications, and age. Thankfully, your dentist can provide you with a professional-grade take-home teeth whitening kit that can deliver magnificent results in about two weeks. Here’s a quick guide to how this process works and when is the best time to start whitening your teeth before a special event.
How Do Professional Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits Work?
While you can probably find an over-the-counter teeth whitening kit at your local grocery store or pharmacy, these products often deliver lackluster results and may lead to oral injuries due to user error. A professional-grade teeth whitening kit, on the other hand, includes a tube of concentrated whitening agent and customized dental trays designed to protect your gums while completely covering your teeth. You’ll only need to apply the gel to the trays and wear them over your teeth for about an hour daily for about two weeks to whiten your grin by up to eight shades.
When Should I Start Whitening My Teeth Before a Special Event?
Many people wish to achieve a prettier smile so they can grin proudly at special events like weddings, graduations, and job interviews, and professional teeth whitening treatment can be a great way to brighten your teeth in a brief timeframe. While a professional-grade teeth whitening kit can deliver astounding results by bleaching out discoloration and lifting stubborn stains in about two weeks, it may be best to begin your treatment three weeks or a month before the anticipated event.
Having one or two weeks between the end of your teeth whitening treatment and the upcoming special event will give your teeth the time they need to recover. During this period, it will be especially easy for your teeth to develop new stains due to exposure to acidic or heavily pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, cola, candy, berries, and dark sauces. After your teeth have had some time to remineralize, you should be able to enjoy all the tasty fare at your special event without worrying too much about stains (as long as you practice excellent oral hygiene, that is).
Don’t let stubborn discoloration and stains make you anxious about showing off your grin. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to achieve a smile you’ll be proud to show off.
About the Practice
South Ridge Dental offers the finest oral healthcare in Lincoln. Led by Drs. Ryan and Steven Shaffer, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dental care such as teeth whitening. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact the office online or dial (402) 423-1616.