Learning About The World Of Dentistry

Getting married is an exciting time, but the various tasks needed to plan your special day can be overwhelming. From choosing the dress and cake to sending out invitations and registering for gifts, it is easy to see the stressful challenges involved in wedding planning. Unfortunately, you may not be placing enough importance on your smile. Not only is an appealing set of teeth important for your wedding photos, but you will also want your groom to see your white, bright smile when walking down the aisle. If you are part of the 2.3 million couples who plan to wed this year, consider using these tips to ensure your smile is white and bright on your wedding day.

Start the Whitening Process Early

One of the benefits of having a longer engagement is the time it allows for whitening your teeth. You can start browsing bridal magazines and websites after the proposal, but you should also schedule a consultation with a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry.

After a basic exam and cleaning, your dentist can offer a few solutions to whiten your teeth. Here are a few effective ways to match your smile with your white wedding dress:

• In-Office – A bleaching treatment can be performed in your dentist's office. After protecting your gums with a gel or shield-like device, a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth.  A specialized light is directed to the teeth, activating the bleaching agents. After a few minutes, your teeth will appear whiter and brighter.
• At Home – Your dentist can also create customized whitening trays to use at home. Impressions will be taken of your mouth to create trays that fit your teeth. When home, you will apply the bleaching gel to the trays and place them onto your teeth. While not as strong as the gel used in your dentist's office, the at-home bleaching treatment is a more convenient option.

Protect Your Teeth from Stains

There are many causes of light yellowing and heavier stains on your teeth, so you should protect your teeth from certain foods, drinks, and habits.

To get started, avoid or reduce your consumption of the following foods and beverages:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Juice
• Wine
• Tomatoes and Pasta Sauce
• Berries
• Curry
• Balsamic Vinegar

The dark pigments found in these foods and drinks will stain the surface of your teeth, but the above items also contain acidic properties that can erode tooth enamel. Dental erosion increases your risk of heavy stains, cavities, and tooth decay.

The wedding-planning process may not be an ideal time to break habits, since it can be stressful and time-consuming. However, if you want to whiten and brighten your teeth, you should quit using any tobacco products.

Do not smoke or use chewing tobacco, since these habits cause nicotine to build up on your tooth enamel, heavily staining your teeth. Smoking and using chewing tobacco also causes you to have foul breath, which will not be appealing when it is time to "kiss the bride."

Practice Smiling

Practice makes perfect, and this applies to smiling, as well. To ensure your smile is ready for wedding photos, spend some time each day looking at yourself in the mirror.

Hold your head at different angles while practicing to determine which side of your face looks best when smiling.

While looking in the mirror, smile with the majority of your upper teeth showing. Then, smile showing a small portion of your lower teeth. Frame your smile by showing all of your upper teeth, but do not allow any gum tissue to be visible. This positioning will make your smile appear wider and brighter for your wedding day.

Color Your Lips

You may choose a lipstick based on your skin color and tone, but certain colors can also make your smile appear whiter and brighter.

To enhance your whitened teeth, apply a coat of red or berry-colored lipstick on your wedding day. If you prefer a more neutral look, use a nude gloss on your lips. The glossy finish will reflect the grey color of your tooth enamel, making your smile appear whiter and shinier.

Your wedding will be a joyous event that will make you smile all through the day. With these tips and the help of your dentist, you can have a wedding-white smile on your special day.