If you are thinking about having your teeth whitened before Christmas, it is worth planning your treatment rather than leaving it until the last minute. With parties, family gatherings, and plenty of photographs, December can be a very popular time to want a brighter smile.
So, how long before Christmas should you whiten your teeth? As a general guide, booking your treatment around two to four weeks before your main Christmas event can be a sensible approach.
This gives you time to enjoy your results throughout the festive season without having to squeeze an appointment into an already busy December.
Why whiten your teeth before Christmas?
Christmas tends to mean more social occasions than usual. You might have an office Christmas party, a family meal, drinks with friends or a New Year’s Eve celebration coming up.
There is also no shortage of opportunities for photographs. Whether it is a group photo around the Christmas tree or a candid picture at a party, many people feel more confident when they are happy with their smile.
Professional teeth whitening can help reduce the appearance of stains and tooth discolouration, leaving teeth looking visibly brighter.
For clients who want to freshen up their smile before the festive period, autumn and early winter can therefore be a good time to start thinking about treatment.
When should you book your teeth whitening?
There is no universal date that will be right for everyone. The ideal timing depends partly on when your Christmas events are taking place and your individual circumstances.
However, two to four weeks before your most important event gives you a useful planning window. It is sensible not to leave your appointment until a few days before an important event.
December can be a busy month for everyone, and booking earlier gives you more flexibility.
What happens during a teeth whitening treatment?
Before treatment begins, you will have a brief consultation. This is an opportunity to discuss your lifestyle, including factors such as smoking, and whether you have had teeth whitening previously.
You will also complete a consent form before treatment. Your tooth shade is checked before whitening so that it can be compared with the shade afterwards. Your teeth are then gently cleansed and scrubbed to prepare them for the treatment.
An activation spray is applied to a textured wipe, which you use to brush your teeth. This also creates a foam and helps prepare the teeth for the whitening gel.
A sterile mouth guard is removed from a sealed packet before non-peroxide whitening gel is applied. Once the mouth guard is positioned, protective goggles are provided.
You can then sit back while the whitening gel and laser light do the work. The laser light creates an oxidation reaction designed to help remove stains and discolouration.
A treatment consists of a 45-minute session under the laser light, and clients typically achieve around three to six shades whiter teeth, although individual results can vary.
Can you whiten your teeth too close to Christmas?
While there is no reason to assume that everyone needs to whiten their teeth weeks in advance, leaving treatment until just before a major event is not always the most practical option.
You need to allow time for the appointment itself and to follow any advice given to you after treatment. Booking earlier also means you are less likely to be competing for appointments during the busy festive period.
Most importantly, a consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss your expectations and find out whether the treatment is suitable for you.
What about Christmas food and drinks?
Once your teeth have been whitened, you will probably want to maintain the brighter appearance for as long as possible. Christmas can make this slightly more challenging because many festive favourites can contribute to staining.
Coffee, tea and red wine are common examples of drinks that can stain teeth. Smoking can also contribute to tooth discolouration, which is why it is useful to discuss your lifestyle during your consultation.
You do not necessarily have to avoid every food and drink you enjoy over Christmas. However, being aware of what can contribute to staining and maintaining good oral hygiene can help you look after your smile.
Is autumn too early to book teeth whitening for Christmas?
Not at all. If you already know you have several Christmas events coming up, September, October or November can be a good time to start considering your options.
Planning early gives you more choice over appointment dates and avoids having to make a last-minute decision when the festive season is already underway.
