As summer approaches, there are so many things to look forward to! Summer is often the time for weddings, graduations, job interviews, and even family photoshoots. For big events like these, chances are you’ll want to look and feel your best. One of the best ways to instantly feel more confident is to have a brighter smile. If you’re considering whitening your teeth before this event-heavy time of year, here’s what you need to know about planning teeth whitening for events.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take? Planning Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be immediate or take days to several weeks to get your desired results, depending on the method you choose. Here is a general timeline for teeth whitening, taking whitening options into consideration:
2-3 Months Before Your Event
If you still have a few months before your event to whiten your teeth, you have plenty of options to choose from. The best teeth whitening options for you include professional in-office whitening, whitening strips, and custom whitening trays.
When done in a professional in-office setting, your dentist will use a high-concentration bleaching gel and may use UV or LED light to make the process go faster—some see their teeth become 5-10 shades lighter after just one visit! At Krengel Dental, we use Zoom Whitening, a process that uses a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel.
Another option is using custom at-home teeth whitening trays that you can also get custom-fitted for at the dentist. When doing this method, you can expect to use these trays daily for 2-3 weeks.
These options are best for long-lasting results!
4-6 Weeks Before Your Event
The best teeth whitening options for a month or so before your event including using at-home whitening strips or LED whitening kits. These are best used when you apply them consistently for 2-3 weeks. These options are generally less expensive, but they do require consistent use to work effectively. They work by removing surface stains from your teeth.
1-2 Weeks Before Your Event
If you are limited on time, it’s best to visit your dentist for a professional treatment as they can usually whiten your teeth in just one visit.
However, if you’re looking for less expensive options, you can use intensive whitening strips and whitening toothpaste/mouthwash. For intensive whitening strips, you can brighten your teeth in a week by using them twice a day. Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes can help prevent future stains from appearing.
A Few Days Before Your Event
If you’re short on time, you can try using a charcoal toothpaste or a DIY baking soda and hydrogen peroxide rinse. These options work best for surface stains and work after just a few uses. To make your own baking soda and hydrogen peroxide rinse, you can mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Use this mixture as toothpaste and brush gently for 1-2 minutes. With both of these options, be sure to brush carefully as they can be abrasive on your teeth enamel.
Day Of Whitening
If you’re short on time, don’t panic, as you can try a whitening pen for a quick touch-up. This won’t give you all-over brightness, but can help with unexpected teeth stains.
How to Keep Your Teeth White
After you’ve whitened your teeth, chances are you’ll want to do what you can to make sure they stay that way. Here are our best tips for keeping your teeth glowing:
Rinse After Eating
Take a sip of water after meals to flush out any pigments that could stain your teeth enamel. This helps prevent cavities and bad breath, too!
Use a Straw
When drinking darker liquids like Diet Coke or coffee, drinking a straw can help reduce teeth staining.
Use a Whitening Toothpaste
Brushing your teeth with a whitening toothpaste can help prevent new stains.
Touch-Ups
Use whitening strips or a whitening pens for touch-ups every few months.
Interested in Zoom Whitening in St. Louis Park or Bloomington, MN? Contact Us!
You can make an appointment online at one of our St. Louis Park or Bloomington, MN dental locations and we’d be happy to help you achieve a brighter smile.
