You’ve ordered the flowers, picked the color palette, arranged the DJ, and picked a photographer. Everything seems to be in place for the perfect wedding. But when you look in the mirror, you suddenly realize your teeth are way more yellow than you thought. Teeth whitening treatments can solve the issue, but do you have time? If you want to learn more about teeth whitening treatments and know if you can brighten your smile in time for the big day, continue reading.
How Do Teeth Whitening Treatments Work?
Teeth, contrary to how they may feel, aren’t solid all the way through. They are made of layers. The outer layer, your enamel, is mostly responsible for determining the color of your teeth.
Over time, stains from dark-colored drinks and food get into your pearly whites through the microscopic pores on the surface of the tooth. This is how staining occurs. To get rid of these stains, whitening treatments use hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to penetrate the teeth and cleanse the discoloration.
How Long Do Whitening Treatments Take?
The average time for teeth whitening depends on the system you choose:
- In-Office: If you go to your dentist for this treatment, you’ll be done in about an hour. One of the benefits of the concentrated gel that dentists use is its speed and ease of use.
- Professional Take-Home: Professional kits from a dentist are a little more economical than single-visit whitening, but they can take anywhere from 1 – 3 weeks to deliver results.
- Over-The-Counter: These treatments are a mixed bag. If this Is the only option you have, then you’re looking at 2 – 4 weeks for any change. This is because these kits contain less concentrated versions of the chemicals that are in professional treatments.
When Should I Start Whitening My Teeth?
It’s important to note that even if a treatment says that it whitens in a certain amount of time, you should begin whitening a few weeks to a month ahead of time. This can be especially important if you’re using over-the-counter treatments. You may finish the treatment but dislike the result, necessitating another round.
If you want to whiten your teeth for an event as important as your wedding day, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. Weigh your options, call your dentist, and start your treatment well in advance to ensure that your teeth will be as white as the dress.
About the Author
Dr. Maryam Bemani loves her job and loves getting to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds. Making smiles beautiful is her passion and she makes it happen with the latest dental technology and techniques. Dr. Bemani earned her dental degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and is still expanding her knowledge and training through continuing education courses. To schedule a whitening treatment at Advance Dental Clinic, call (443) 251-5580 or visit the website to learn more.