Has the guest list been finalized? Check
Do you have the perfect cake? Check
You have something borrowed and something blue? Check and check
And you’ve got the white smile? Che…
Wait, a white smile?
If you thought that your dress was the only thing that should be white on your big day, take a second look in the mirror. Are your teeth discolored from years of drinking coffee, smoking or missed dental appointments? If so, then D. Gordon Rye, D.D.S., of Rye Smiles for Life, suggests finding a dentist to get the problem addressed before you walk down the aisle. You wouldn’t want to look through your wedding pictures later only to dwell on the contrast between your white dress and your yellow teeth.
When deciding to get your smile enhanced before the big day, Dr. Rye offers a few suggestions to make sure that the process only enhances your wedding, and doesn’t become another burden during the planning process.
Solutions For Better Wedding-Day Teeth
First, he says find a dentist that you trust. Your cosmetic dentist should really listen to every question that you have and address each one thoroughly. Use this time to talk about what aspects of your smile you would like fixed. The dentist you choose should be able to discuss with your oral health, as well as how long the treatments will last. And, don’t forget to mention when your wedding date is so that you can make sure you are completely healed in time.
If you have only slight discoloration on your teeth, than you will probably benefit from the different types of whitening methods that most dentists offer. In Dr. Rye’s office, patients are offered the treatments in his office or they can take home a whitening kit. During the in-office treatment a power bleaching method is used. A rubber protector guards the gums, while a whitening solution is applied to the teeth and activated with a laser. The laser light stimulates the release of cleansing oxygen molecules from the solution, which then penetrates the enamel to bleach away discolorations.
Within three to six whitening treatments, you can expect to notice a lasting difference in the shade of your teeth. Dr. Rye recommends that you get your last whitening treatment a few days before your wedding, as some patients have experienced teeth sensitivity or white spots on their gums. Both side effects normally disappear within three days.
If you don’t feel that you have the time to get the treatments done in the office, then you can also buy an at-home kit as well. This treatment is still much more powerful than anything you can buy at your local drug store, and will leave you with a smile that is shades lighter than before. In a single visit to the dentist, you can be custom fit for a tray that will fit over your teeth like a mouthguard. You will fill the tray with a bleaching solution and wear it everyday until you achieve the desired results. Your dentist can go over with you how long the tray should be worn for each day, and how long it will take before you see the final results.
If you have tougher stains on your teeth, or they are broken or chipped, then your cosmetic dentist can also fit you for porcelain veneers. After preparing your existing teeth for the application, the veneers, which are custom-made to fit perfectly over your original teeth, can be put on. And, because the porcelain is translucent, the veneers are extremely natural looking and blend in with your surrounding teeth.
Now, instead of worrying about how your smile will look in the photos, you can focus on more important things, like which one your guests will have to suffer and sit next to Uncle Harry during the reception.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
