Everyone wants to feel confident on the big days of their lives. Whether it’s wedding bells, a thrown cap and gown, or a long-coming promotion, you should live these days to the fullest. But when your teeth are sore or you’re thinking about yellowness, it is easy to let dental insecurity distract you from these important moments. Many patients seek out dental services in advance of these big days, to ensure they can smile with ease. But it can be tricky to know how long your desired procedures may take and when to make your appointments: too early and you may miss the best of the benefits, too late and you might not fit it all in. This blog is designed make the process simple, going over three common dental procedures and their recommended timelines to help ensure you can smile easy on your big day.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is common prior to special events. There are two main options for teeth whitening: over the counter products and prescription strength whitener. Over the counter whitening products come in a variety of different forms: strips, rinses, gel, etc. Application and use are typically extremely simple. However, this form of whitening often causes increased sensitivity to temperature and touch, so be careful and cautious with usage of it is your first time. If you can handle the sensitivity of over-the-counter products and still desire your smile to be whiter, then we recommended discussing a perception strength treatment. The sensitivity developed through whitening treatments can be unbearable to certain people; here at Westtown Dental Care we like to ensure that it will be of practical use to you as the prescription strength gel’s higher whitening content increases the levels of awareness.
Our practice offers in-office and take-home whitening treatments, for whatever works best for your schedule. Plan to undergo the whitening treatment 10-14 days before your big event. The roughly two weeks between your treatment and the event the event is to allow your teeth to recuperate and desensitize. If you plan treatment any closer, you run the risk of persistent tooth discomfort or pain. If you plan your treatment too far in advance, you leave yourself vulnerable to new staining in the event’s lead up.
General Dental Concerns
Other times patients come in with more general concerns before special events, looking to address things like a toothache or advanced plaque. Though we always recommend coming to get your teeth cleaned at least every six months, we understand that dental health can often be neglected. We encourage patients that haven’t been to the dentist for a while to make their initial appointment; there is no shame and oral health is an important component of your overall health. If your overall dental health is what worries you, we recommend coming in at least six months in advance of a big event. This allows our dentists time to properly review your dentition, examine what treatment you require, and administer any treatment, with plenty of buffer time in-between. Concerns like plaque buildup, cavities, and gum health can all be discussed and handled by our dental professionals. With proper planning, there is no reason a toothache should keep you from the dance floor.
Orthodontic Alignment
Finally, many people see important life moments as opportunities to realign the over-crowding and buckling in their smile. Westtown Dental Care offers Invisalign®, which is a hassle free and invisible way of realigning any misaligned teeth; no painful brackets and braces required. Invisalign treatment involves a consultation, scanning for a series of aligner trays, and wearing those trays from eight months to a year, depending upon the severity of your case. Because of the time required, both for treatment preparation and administration, we recommend starting any Invisalign treatment at least a year and a half in advance of these special events.
Your Smile, Your Timeline
Keep in mind there is no single timeline that works for everyone. Every patient’s dentition is unique, requiring specific care and attention. To avoid the flutter before a big day, we recommend a diligent commitment to your oral health. The best treatment is prevention; be sure to keep up with your oral health to prevent any stress or worry. Twice daily brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular dental visits all keep your teeth in tip-top shape every day – not just these special ones.
Everyone deserves to feel confident on the important days of their lives. To schedule an appointment before your big event, give us a call at 484-887-0777. Our staff will be happy to assist you!