Congratulations, your big day is coming up! All eyes will be on you. It’s natural that you’d want to ensure your teeth look their best on your wedding day. After all, you’ll likely be smiling for pictures all day long. Your wedding album is permanent. It’s something that will be around forever. You want to feel like you look your best on your wedding day, not look back on pictures and notice stained, chipped, cracked, or crooked teeth.
The thought of your photographer and guests snapping photo after photo to be captured for years to come can cause anxiety if you’re struggling with teeth issues. It can leave you wanting to hide your smile. But, don’t worry there are plenty of things that you can do to improve your smile before your wedding. But, you’ll want to plan ahead. Some of these things you can do pretty close to your wedding day, others you’ll want to start months — or even a year before your wedding.
Here are the best ways to get a smile that shines as bright as you on your big day. And, a timeline of when to start.
Why Improve Your Smile
Do you ever feel insecure after looking at photos of your smile? A brighter attractive smile will boost your confidence. You won’t have to worry about your smile when you are taking wedding photos.
If you feel comfortable with your smile, there’s no need to change it. But, most people want to look their best on their wedding day. And, sometimes that can mean having a better smile.
How to Enhance Your Smile Before the Big Day
It’s important to understand that there is no single solution that fits everyone’s needs. But, there are some general things you can do to make your smile look as good as possible for the big day.
Make An Appointment With A Dentist
A gorgeous smile starts with the basics — healthy teeth and gums. So, the first thing that you’ll want to do is visit a dentist for a consultation. They can take X-rays and identify any issues with your teeth and gums like gingivitis and cavities.
A dentist can also help you plan pre-wedding dental treatments like teeth whitening and braces. You’ll want to start the process early so that you have plenty of time. Some treatments, like orthodontics, can take some time. Whatever you do, don’t wait until right before the wedding to work on your smile.
When to do it: 12 months before your wedding
Have Your Teeth Cleaned
A professional cleaning is one of the best ways to improve your smile and boost your confidence. It can lift minor stains. Cleanings also remove plaque and tartar that contribute to cavities, gum disease, and other problems. During the cleaning, your dentist can identify other issues that may need to be addressed.
When to do it: 6 months before your wedding
Consider Professional Tooth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a simple solution for a bright smile. White teeth make people look healthier and younger. Tooth whitening conducted by a dentist can provide you with much better results than what you can achieve at home. Professional whitening products make teeth whiter much faster. Dentists typically use 15 to 43 percent hydrogen peroxide solutions. Whereas, at-home whitening products contain 3 to 20 percent.
Don’t wait until the last minute to whiten your teeth. The process takes a couple of weeks or more. Most in-office whitening treatments take several sessions. If possible, schedule professional whitening treatments at least four weeks before your wedding.
When to do it: 1 month before your wedding
Consult an Orthodontist
You might associate braces with middle school. But, they are not just for kids. Adults can also reap the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Adult braces and clear aligners can give you a dazzling smile on the big day by taking care of issues like buck teeth, teeth gaps, and overbite. Braces are a long-term solution for these problems and can give you long-lasting confidence. Fortunately for time-pressed brides-to-be (or grooms-to-be), modern braces don’t take years to straighten teeth like they did in the past. Treatment can last as short as six months.
Clear aligners like Invisalign are a great option for anyone who wants to straighten their teeth discreetly and quickly. Invisalign are custom-made aligners that have no wires or brackets making them virtually invisible. You can see results in as little as six months, although the exact timeline depends on the individual.
Clear aligners are removable, as well. So, this means that if your treatment is not finished before the wedding, you can remove them for that day (always check with your orthodontist first).
Another option is clear braces, which are not as noticeable compared to traditional metal braces. These braces use tooth-colored wires and clear brackets that blend in with your teeth.
They are a sophisticated alternative to metal braces and a great option for soon-to-be brides.
If you are considering braces or clear aligners, it’s best to consult with an orthodontist early. Treatments take a minimum of six months. But, in some cases, it can take a year or more. Starting early can give your orthodontist plenty of time to make adjustments and assess the results.
When to do it: 12 months before your wedding (if you can start more than 12 months in advance, even better)
Look Into Restorative Dental Work
If you have chipped, cracked teeth or spaces between your teeth, then you might want to look into veneers. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of teeth. Veneers can enhance the appearance of your teeth and ensure your teeth look stunning. Veneers will last long after your wedding. In some cases, they can last 10-20 years or longer.
The process of getting a veneer is pretty simple. It involves two visits and typically takes two to three weeks in total. However, you should still start early in case there are any issues, and to give your mouth plenty of time to heal fully.
Veneers are mainly for cosmetic purposes and can’t fix more substantial problems like major cracks. Crowns are an option if you have large cavities or a tooth that has severe damage. A dental crown fits over your entire tooth. Your dentist will advise you of the best option for you.
Some dentists do same-day crowns, but oftentimes multiple appointments are required.
When to do it: 6 months before your wedding
Prevent Future Stains
Once you have your teeth professionally cleaned and whitened, you’ll want to avoid stains. Coffee, tea, colas, cigarette smoke, red wine, and acidic juices are the worst offenders. Drinking just one cup of coffee a day can stain your teeth. If you want whiter teeth, it’s best to give up red wine and coffee. But, if you can’t function without a daily cup of Joe, rinse your mouth afterward with water. This will help wash away some of the tannins in coffee, which are the chemicals that stain your teeth. You can also use a straw to drink pigmented beverages like red wine.
Also, carefully read the side effects of any medications that you take. Some meds, including certain antibiotics, can cause stains that are very difficult to remove.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene might not be the most glamorous pre-wedding thing you do, but it’s important. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. It’s best to use an electric toothbrush. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes do a better job of removing plaque compared to manual ones. And, hold yourself accountable for flossing at least twice per day. Finally, use an antiseptic mouthwash once per day. A mouthwash can prevent stains, as well as control plaque.
Things to Keep in Mind
Make sure you have the above procedures done by a skilled dentist or orthodontist. This will ensure the best possible results. Steer clear of mail-order aligners and tooth-whitening kits that promise dramatic results. People have destroyed their teeth with these products.
Avoid the lemon water trend. Drinking lemon water is a viral hack on TikTok that celebrities also swear by. Fans say it’s a miracle beverage that improves your skin, kick starts weight loss, and more. While it may have some benefits, and drinking a little is not too harmful, drinking tons of lemon water is definitely not great for your teeth. Lemon is highly acidic and can erode enamel. This can lead to yellowing and cavities — two things you definitely don’t want right before your wedding.
We Have You Covered
As you prepare for the big day, remember Johnson Family Orthodontics is here for you. We can help you get the smile of your dreams. What’s more, is that the benefits of a great smile will last far beyond your wedding day.
Give us a call for a free consultation. We’ll work with you to ensure you feel confident on the big day.