Planning Whitening Treatments Before the Big Day

You have a big event coming up and you want your teeth to look their dazzling best.

You also have a to-do list a mile long, right?

So, when is the best time to schedule an appointment with your dentist for teeth whitening treatments? The answer depends on several different factors. Here are some tips for taking the guesswork out of this important step in the planning of your wedding, vacation or other big occasion.


First, schedule an appointment for a dental checkup. This is important for several reasons. A thorough cleaning and polishing will help you determine just how much whitening your teeth will need. Also, it’s wise to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy before your whitening treatments. During your checkup, your dentist will work with you to find the shade that will make you look your smile look its natural best. It’s recommended you plan your checkup at least two months out from your big day.

Next, learn what type of treatments work best with your budget and your schedule.

In-office Options

Your dentist can perform a one-time whitening procedure with dramatic results in about an hour. While this choice costs the most, it gives you “one-and-done” convenience if you’re tight on time. This is a good option if you need an instantly whiter smile for a last-minute job interview or other unplanned event.

Another quick option is a whitening varnish your dentist applies to your teeth in about five minutes during your checkup. Once you’ve left the office, all you need to do is wipe or brush the varnish off 30 minutes later. This treatment costs less than the traditional in-office procedure, and can still whiten your teeth by as much as four shades.

Take-home Treatments

If you have time to plan ahead, you can opt for a take-home whitening system you can use when it’s most convenient for you; day or night. These give you much better results than over the counter whitening products, and are the most affordable professional treatments available. We offer a wide range of take home treatments; you can read about the choices here.

With most take-home products, you’ll see optimum results in about two weeks. To make sure you don’t have any sensitivity issues, and to ensure you’ve allowed enough time for these treatments to reach your whitening goal, it’s recommended you begin them at least 30 days prior to your event.

Finally, remember to pay close attention to what you’re eating and drinking if you want to your newly-brightened teeth to look their most dazzling before your big day. Avoid having too much coffee, tea, red wine or brightly-colored foods (like berries) to prevent surface staining.

OK -- now relax, smile and enjoy your special day!