Nice Day for a White Smile

The ivory gown might get all the attention, but on the big day snow-white teeth are just as important

By Kate Sullivan
CTW Features

A white wedding gown should never outshine a bride's smile.

Softer, off-white shades like eggshell may work for gown fabrics - but not for teeth. But obtaining a bright smile calls for more than brushing. Here's how to keep your pearly whites shining on your wedding day.

In-Office Whitening

The best combo for any whitening treatment involves concentrated hydrogen peroxide and a good amount of time for the bleach to remain isolated on teeth, says Dr. Bryan Kantor, a cosmetic dentist with Lowenberg & Lituchy, New York. "In-office bleaching is the most effective because the percentage of hydrogen peroxide is very high compared to over the counter products." Most dentists also provide take home trays for use one week after the in-office treatment to achieve best results. Kantor's budget bleaching tip? "If in-office whitening is too expensive... pass on the in-office treatment and ask your dentist to make custom trays for at-home whitening."

Over-the-Counter

While drug-store brands of hydrogen peroxide contain lower level of concentration, they still remove some surface stains and give the appearance of a whiter smile. "Crest Whitestrips offer superior at-home bleaching power while GoSmile features an easy application process that is ideal for a hectic schedule," says Kantor.

DIY

For gals that prefer a more organic homemade approach to bright whites, "Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to the consistency of toothpaste and use it daily to brush teeth," recommends Dr. Kantor. This mix reduces plaque build-up and helps achieve a whiter smile by effectively cleaning surface stains and killing bacteria that sit on teeth.

Eat Light, Get Bright

Certain foods naturally whiten teeth, so stick to nature's finest. Kantor suggests rubbing strawberries on teeth to make them shine. Buffing with an orange peel creates the same effect. Chewing raw crunchy vegetables like celery, carrots, apples and pears mechanically removes surface stains and produces saliva that washes away stain-causing bacteria.

Day-of Dental Details

On the big day, avoid certain foods to keep a smile shiny. Stay away from red wine and coffee. Try a coat of Vaseline to act as a barrier to stains and to keep lipstick off the teeth. Dr. Kantor advises to those that crave caffeine: "If a bride must have her coffee on her wedding day, I recommend adding a lot of milk and drinking through a straw to decrease staining."

Whether you reach for the phone to make a dentist appointment or reach for the produce in the grocery store, nothing is more important that a bright smile on the big day.

Copyright © CTW Features

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