With the spring season here, there are a host of events taking place. Maybe you’re preparing for a wedding, job interview or reunion and desire to display an “award-winning” smile. If you’re considering teeth whitening, you may be wondering, “how close to an event should I whiten?” Keep reading to get the answer!
The Best Time to Get Your Teeth Whitened
When it comes to whitening your teeth before an event, what’s most important is to plan in advance. Therefore, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to achieve your desired results. If you’re using an over-the-counter product, you should start the whitening process around two months before your big event. This will allow time for the whitening agents to work and to make any necessary adjustments.
If you’re receiving professional teeth whitening, you typically don’t need as much lead time. You can start the treatment process around two weeks before the event.
Considering Your Whitening Options
Without question, you’ll see the greatest results from having your teeth professionally whitened. Whether you choose the in-office or take-home route, you can look forward to big changes in the appearance of your smile, leaving you feeling like a million dollars when it’s time to put your ivories on display.
The following explains how the two treatment options work:
- In-Office Whitening – The dentist will apply a small amount of high-powered bleaching gel to each of the visible teeth. Then, using a special lamp, he or she will activate the whitening agents, leaving you with a brighter smile in just an hour’s time.
- Take-Home Whitening – The take-home kit you get from your dentist is light years ahead of what you could purchase from your local retailer. Instead of inferior products, the professional kit contains the same bleaching gel that would be used at the dentist’s office, along with a set of custom trays that allow for safe application.
How to Maintain Your Results
So you’ve had your teeth whitened with plenty of time to spare before the big day. How are you to maintain your results? For starters, you’ll need to practice excellent oral hygiene, which should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day.
It’s equally important to avoid any tobacco usage, as the toxins released from smoking or chewing can ruin your smile. Additionally, you’ll want to monitor your consumption of darkly pigmented foods and beverages. That means you may want to rethink sipping that morning cup of coffee or glass of red wine in the evening.
By being proactive in your efforts and following the simple guidelines provided above, you’ll be able to bring your best smile to your event, take plenty of photos and have pleasant memories that will last for a lifetime!
About the Author
Dr. Publio Silfa earned his dental degree from the Columbia College of Dental Medicine. He has since remained an avid learner, taking several hours of continuing education. Dr. Silfa successfully fulfills the roles of technician and artisan to create beautiful smiles with teeth whitening at Meadowbrook Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.
FAQs
If you know you have an upcoming event, like a wedding, family get-together, school reunion, or another important social event, you can schedule your whitening weeks in advance. We recommend getting this cosmetic procedure about four to six weeks prior to your special event.
When is the best time to whiten your teeth before an event? ›
If you want to fully enjoy any food that may be available at your upcoming event, you should complete your whitening at least a couple weeks beforehand. Leave some wiggle room. If you plan to try over-the-counter whitening products, you should test them out well before your event.
How long before the wedding should you get your teeth whitened? ›
End-to-end teeth whitening treatment can take from two weeks to more than two months, depending on the health of your teeth and the type of treatment you choose. If you're planning for a wedding, we suggest you book teeth whitening treatment at least two – three months in advance of your big day.
How long should you wait to whiten your teeth? ›
How often teeth whitening treatments are recommended by dentists. Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.
How long before eating can you whiten your teeth? ›
When the dentist whitens teeth, your teeth can become sensitive to different foods that can stain. After 24-72 hours, you can resume your regular diet. The following are the things that you need to avoid after teeth whitening. Sugary foods can irritate your teeth and trigger the bacteria responsible for causing decay.
Is it better to whiten teeth day or night? ›
The filled trays are usually worn overnight. You should not eat, drink or smoke whilst wearing the trays. The whitening process works at different rates for each individual, but most patients report that a noticeable effect after just four treatments.
Should I whiten my teeth in the morning or night? ›
The pores in your teeth are slightly more open and can more easily allow stains in. Smile Brilliant and dentist professionals recommend whitening before bed as it reduces the opportunity for staining and gives your teeth the night to begin rehydrating and remineralizing.
Do teeth get whiter days after whitening? ›
Color Spotting on the teeth may occur after in office Whitening due to temporary dehydration of the teeth. This should diminish within a few days after treatment. The whitening process will continue for 48 hours after treatment.
When should I brush my teeth after teeth whitening? ›
As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.
How long does professional teeth whitening last? ›
If you maintain good oral hygiene, a chairside (or in-office) procedure should provide long-lasting results for 1 to 3 years. This procedure is done in your dentist's office.
Soft tissue or gum irritation caused by teeth whitening gel is considered a chemical burn, very comparable to a sunburn. When a chemical burn occurs, the area becomes mildly sore, turns white, and will eventually flake off. The tissue will return to normalcy within twenty-four hours.
How to rehydrate teeth after whitening? ›
Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth? ›
Generally at this concentration you would need to have your teeth in contact with the 3% hydrogen peroxide for about 5 hours a day for about 2-3 weeks to have meaningful tooth whitening, which is very difficult to do with a watery liquid.
What not to do before teeth whitening? ›
Avoid eating food or drinking beverages that can stain your teeth. Anything that might leave stains should be avoided. That includes black teas, coffee, red wine, blueberries, and anything else that can stain your teeth.
Why can't you drink water after teeth whitening? ›
After you whiten your teeth with Philips Sonicare teeth whitening products, acidic or staining foods and drinks are more easily absorbed by your teeth. This can lead to discoloration, and this why it is advised to wait 30 minutes after whitening before eating or drinking.
Can I drink coffee through a straw after teeth whitening? ›
However, it's still advisable to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after the whitening procedure before consuming coffee, even with a straw, to allow your teeth to fully settle and rehydrate. Following this initial period, using a straw can be a practical way to enjoy coffee while maintaining the brightness of your smile.
Is it better to whiten teeth before or after brushing? ›
Wait before applying Whitestrips: It's essential to wait 30 minutes after brushing before applying Whitestrips. Brushing can temporarily weaken your enamel, making it more sensitive. Waiting allows your teeth to recover and minimizes the risk of sensitivity.
What is the minimum time for teeth whitening? ›
As a general rule, it is recommended to leave whitening gel on your teeth for 30 minutes to 1 hour for first-time users and increase the wearing time if there is little or no tooth sensitivity. If your teeth are stained or very yellow, it will take longer to bleach them.
