Do you have a special event coming up where you’d like to look your best? Perhaps you’re getting married, have a major presentation, or will be taking senior photos for graduation. If you’re considering whitening your teeth to prepare your smile for your big day, you may be wondering when you should start, and which method works best. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular products, and a suggested timeline for smile success!
White Strips
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth on a tight budget, you might consider trying a product like OTC white strips. These typically cost around $20 to $60, but because they contain diluted active ingredients, it could take a long time to see noticeable results, meaning they could end up costing you a lot of time and money in the long run. Worse yet, because you will need to use them for a lengthier duration, you will be exposing your teeth to whitening chemicals for longer than you would with other products and subjecting them to extended sensitivity.
If you do decide to try white strips, you should begin treatment approximately six months before your event to allow them time to work.
Over-The-Counter Gel
Whitening gels are becoming more and more common to see online and in department stores. They are typically stronger than white strips, but they’re also more expensive, ranging from $100 and up. These products take about two weeks to start showing noticeable results, but because they too have weaker active ingredients, their cost can really add up. For best results, you should begin treatment at least two months prior to your big day.
Professional Take-Home Whitening
Your dentist is proud to offer professional take-home whitening products to get that office-white smile from anywhere. These kits contain whitening gel as well as custom fit trays to keep the activator gel on your teeth during treatment. The gel is refillable, and the trays can be used repeatedly for touch ups.
Professional whitening is a bit more expensive than OTC whitening products, but you can expect to remove up to eight shades of discoloration in about two weeks, saving you time and money. For best results, begin treatment about four weeks before your event.
Maintaining Your Smile
While your first instinct may be to wait until the very last minute to start whitening so your teeth stay white for your event, it’s very important that you allow some extra time to achieve your desired shade and get your teeth past the sensitive stage.
The good news is that as long as you don’t eat anything dark or staining, and you properly clean your teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day, your whitening results could last for years.
Remember, using professional teeth whitening products is very safe and can be extremely effective, but for best results, you’ll need to allow them time to work. To save yourself both time and money, speak to your dentist today about how professional whitening could help your smile.
About Our Practice
At Blue Coast Dental Group, our team of skilled and compassionate dentists work together to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care under one roof. We are proud to treat patients of all ages with procedures ranging from routine checkups and cleanings to restorations and even cosmetic dentistry.
Whether you have a big event coming up or you’d just like to whiten your smile for aesthetics, we offer take-home whitening kits that can help you remove up to eight shades of discoloration in about two weeks.
To schedule a consultation for professional whitening or any other service, please visit our website or call us today at 310-424-3100.