In the next couple of weeks or months, do you have an important holiday party, job interview, date, or wedding on the calendar? If you do, then there’s no time like the present to get your smile in tip-top shape! If stubborn stains have surfaced over the last couple of months, then you may be wondering if you need to schedule an appointment now or if you can wait until a day or two before. Good news: below you’ll find the answer to the question, “When should I start whitening my teeth for a special event?”
So, When Should You Start Whitening Your Teeth?
The short answer is “as soon as possible!” There are two main reasons for this. First, not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening right away. For example, if tooth decay, gum disease, or another serious oral health problem has developed, your dentist will need to intervene with the necessary restorative care before any cosmetic dental treatment is completed. Second, depending on the severity of your dental discoloration, it may take more than one round of teeth whitening to get the results you desire. In short, the sooner you get the ball rolling, the better!
How To: Prolong the Results of Your Teeth Whitening Treatment
Of course, you don’t want stubborn stains to resurface shortly after your teeth whitening treatment. Typically, the results last for three to six months, but you can prolong the lifespan of yours by:
- Committing to a solid oral hygiene regimen
- Using a straw when drinking beverages like coffee, wine, and soda
- Eating light-colored foods, such as white fish or plain yogurt
- Avoiding smoking and other unhealthy dental habits
- Visiting your dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months
- Getting touch-up whitening treatments as needed
Whether you’re going on a first date, attending a wedding, or heading to a family reunion, you want to be able to smile confidently. If dental discoloration is preventing that from happening, then don’t wait until the last minute. Instead, get an appointment on the calendar today!
About the Doctor
Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. Greg Martin obtained his undergraduate degree at Texas Wesleyan University before pursuing his dental doctorate. He chose to attend the Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington D.C. from there, and his hard work paid off – he graduated second in his class! Ever since, he’s pursued continuing education and maintained active memberships with professional organizations like the American Dental Association. If you would like to learn more about professional teeth whitening, schedule a consultation with him via his website or by phone at (817) 481-1041.