If there’s one accessory that goes with absolutely any outfit, it’s a gorgeously white smile. However, teeth can develop unsightly stains and discoloration due to years of exposure to richly colored items like coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, and dark sauces. Dental stains can be especially frustrating if you have a special event such as a graduation or a wedding coming up, but your dentist can address this issue with an in-office teeth whitening treatment. Here’s a guide to how the process works and how long it takes.
How Does In-Office Teeth Whitening Work?
While you can certainly find a host of purported teeth whitening products at pharmacies and grocery stores, these methods frequently lead to lackluster results and may even cause injuries. Your dentist, on the other hand, can perform an effective and comfortable teeth whitening treatment that takes about an hour at their office.
To perform this procedure, your dentist will apply several coats of professional-grade whitening gel to your teeth before treating your smile with a specialized UV light to activate the bleaching effect. This is only done after placing barriers in your mouth to protect your gum tissue, and the process is completely painless without anesthesia. After about an hour, your teeth will up to eight shades whiter.
When Should I Whiten My Teeth Before a Special Event?
While in-office teeth whitening treatments only take about an hour to deliver amazing results, it will leave your teeth sensitive and vulnerable to new stains for a few days afterward. While this issue will only be temporary, it’s probably best to have your smile whitened about a week before your special event so your teeth have time to recover. During this period, you’ll want to be mindful of the following guidelines to keep your teeth comfortable and stain-free:
- Stick to mild and colorless foods and beverages for a few days. A few great options include water, milk, white fish, chicken, steamed veggies, and yogurt.
- Avoid foods that are richly colored, acidic, or sugary. Take special care to avoid items like coffee, tea, soda, and red wine.
- Drink lukewarm water until you can enjoy hot or cold beverages comfortably.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication or apply oral analgesics if necessary.
After your teeth have had a little time to recover, you’ll be able to proudly show off your new smile while consuming sweet or acidic snacks and beverages in moderation at your upcoming special event. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine the best timeframe for whitening your teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham earned her dental degree at Temple University School of Dentistry and attended rotations at Albert Einstein Medical Center. She proudly serves as a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Seattle Study Club. Her office in Leesburg provides general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact her practice online or dial (703) 666-3867.