Teeth come in many shades and they change color over the years from various factors, like drinking a lot of coffee. Although few people have bright, white teeth naturally, tooth discoloration can make your smile look aged and dull. If you have a big event coming up, you can revamp your pearly whites and boost your self-esteem with teeth whitening. As the big day approaches, here’s when you should start teeth whitening to ensure your smile is its brightest in time.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?
Every mouth and situation differs, so you don’t want to wait until the last minute to visit your cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening. Here’s what you can expect while on your journey to a white smile:
Consultation
Your first step is a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. They will examine your mouth to look for anything concerning, like untreated decay or gum disease. Your teeth gums must be healthy before any elective procedure, including whitening treatments. They will also determine the source of your discoloration because not all stains will respond to teeth whitening.
Preliminary Treatments
It’s not unusual to require a little prep work before teeth whitening, like a dental cleaning, filling, or gum disease therapy. You’ll need to factor in the time it will take to treat any issues to determine the best time to restore your smile. Your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan and explain how long you can expect it to take to reach your goals.
Teeth Whitening Treatment
After any preliminary treatments, your cosmetic dentist will give you everything you need to enhance your smile at home. You’ll enjoy the convenience of an over-the-counter product and the results of an in-office treatment with a take-home kit.
Your dentist will give you a professional-grade whitening gel and trays to use daily for about 2 weeks. Your teeth will get whiter gradually to enjoy noticeable results that can last for many months or years with the right aftercare.
Maintaining Your Results
You can protect your radiant smile from new stains by following a few tips:
- Good Oral Hygiene Habits: Brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy while preventing new stains.
- Watch What You Eat: Limit your consumption of dark food and drinks. If you can’t resist a cup of coffee or a bowl of blueberries, rinse your mouth with water after you’ve finished.
- Don’t Smoke: Stop smoking to prevent tar and nicotine stains.
- Visit Your Dentist: Visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. They’ll keep your mouth healthy and can provide you with a touch-up to keep your smile its whitest.
You won’t think twice about showing your teeth during an upcoming special occasion. You will look and feel your best with a bright, beautiful smile.
About Dr. Markus Wilson
Dr. Wilson earned his dental degree at the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry and spent 10 years continuing his education. He provides a broad scope of services, including cosmetic dentistry. If you are ready to revitalize your smile with teeth whitening, request an appointment through our website or call (306) 802-4578.