A bright smile offers priceless benefits, but teeth come in many shades and tones naturally. Not to mention, they can change color over time for various reasons, like drinking a lot of coffee. If you’re worried about saints or discoloration affecting your appearance or self-esteem during an upcoming special event, your cosmetic dentist can reveal a bright smile with teeth whitening. However, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to visit your dentist. Here’s when you should start the process to ensure your smile is its whitest before the big day.
You’ll Need a Consultation
Your first step to a stunning smile is a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. They will examine your mouth to determine the source of your staining to ensure teeth whitening is right for you. Teeth whitening is recommended for surface stains. Your dentist will also look for any untreated dental issues, like gum disease or cavities.
You May Require Prep Work
Your teeth and gums must be healthy before any elective service, including teeth whitening. It’s not unusual to require a little prep work before getting started, like a dental cleaning, filling, or gum disease therapy. If you require any additional procedures, they’ll be factored into your timeline.
Using Your At-Home Whitening Kit
After you’ve recovered from any preliminary procedures and your mouth is healthy, your cosmetic dentist will give you your at home teeth whitening kit. You will use the custom-fit trays and highly concentrated whitening gel every day for about 2 weeks. As each day passes, your teeth will become gradually whiter. At the end of your treatment, your teeth can be up to 8 shades brighter.
Maintaining Your Results
Your results can last for many months or years with the right aftercare. You can keep your smile bright long past your special event by committing to good oral hygiene at home and regular dental care. Avoid anything that may stain your teeth, like drinking coffee, smoking, or eating a lot of blackberries.
You can have a confident smile before your upcoming event by getting the process started at least 1 to 2 months before the day. Don’t wait until the last minute to contact your dentist for teeth whitening.
About Dr. Kallen Wheeler
Dr. Wheeler achieved his dental degree at the University of Louisville and has continued his education regularly to provide the latest solutions in dentistry, including at-home teeth whitening. He strives to help each patient achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (623) 257-7333.