5 Things to Do For Perfect Teeth On Your Wedding Day

While we've never counted the exact number of times a newlywed couple is asked to *say cheese*, we reckon it could be a few hundred times, at the least. And since one can't possibly escape photographs on their D-day, it becomes necessary to make sure that those pearly whites look their best. 

Dental treatments including teeth straightening, whitening, and cleaning are often found to be at the top of a bridal checklist, and understandably so. While makeup can conceal blemishes and you can sneakily throw on a pair of kicks under your wedding lehenga (6-inch heels, God no), your teeth have nowhere to hide!

In fact, something as basic as plaque can wreak havoc on your teeth. Research studies suggest that dental plaque if not removed when soft, tends to harden and becomes increasingly difficult to get rid of, consequently resulting in possible tooth damage, decay, or even tooth loss (Source: Apollo Hospitals & others). 

But don't you worry brides, we've got your back! Dr Arpi Mehta, Co-founder and CEO, toothsi, offers a few dental care tips that can go a long way in guaranteeing a million-dollar smile. 

Consult a Dentist Regularly

While it is a good habit to pay regular visits to your dentist, seeking orthodontic consultation before the wedding has become part and parcel of the process. "If you too are looking to tweak your dental aesthetics as part of your pre-wedding plan, be sure to communicate the same to your dentist. Be open to their suggestions and inform them about any cosmetic changes you think your dental structure may need. Since certain procedures require more time, ensure that you get the ball rolling well in advance," explains Dr Mehta. 

Teeth Cleaning and Whitening

Getting your teeth cleaned professionally before your big day is a no-brainer. "A clean, healthy set of teeth also serve as the foundation for subsequent whitening procedures that can further improve your smile. Plus, cleaning procedures help identify the areas that demand further professional intervention, and those that can be dealt with at home," she adds.

Zoom Teeth Whitening

Zoom whitening is a bleaching process widely used to lighten the discolouration of enamel and dentin. The procedure uses the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp—said to accelerate the bleaching process—to activate the 25% hydrogen peroxide. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to bleach the stained substances, leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged. "This procedure is one of the easiest and safest non-invasive dental treatments that can give you 2-3 shades of whiter teeth in just 30 minutes," claims Dr Gunita Singh, Director at Dentem and Associate Consultant, Sri Ganga Ram Hospital. 

Maintain Basic Oral Hygiene

The route to a sparkling set of teeth begins with simple at-home dental practices. Dr Mehta recommends that you invest in a quality toothbrush and pair it with a flossing regimen to prevent plaque build-up, tooth decay, and gingivitis. "Avoid drinks such as red wine, coffee, and tea, that have the tendency to stain your teeth. Instead, incorporate crunchy foods into your diet—including apples or celery—that act as natural abrasives and help naturally clean your teeth." NYC-based Cosmetic Dentist, Nancy Rosen adds, "The friction caused by chewing these harder foods can help gently scrape away any plaque, which leads to staining."

'Straightening' Up Important Matters

Long-lasting, noticeable results from dental treatments take a while to become fully apparent. Furthermore, many solutions—especially the ones that focus on teeth realignment—involve braces that can be ungainly and may detract from the aesthetic appeal you desire to achieve. In such a case, you could opt for more discreet, modern smile makeover solutions that promise to give you the smile of your dreams! 

For instance, clear aligners are transparent dental appendages that are a pain-free alternative to metal braces and are digitally customised to your dental structure. The best part? They can be worn on special occasions, such as your wedding, as well as daily use. The easy remove-and-plug technique also lends to its convenience and comfort. Plus, a few leading smile makeover service providers are offering various modes of assistance such as video consultation, in keeping with the current pandemic scenario.

Pre-wedding jitters, anxiety, and a few bridezilla moments can be expected before your big day. And as you experience this rollercoaster of emotions, a bright, shiny smile might be the perfect antidote to help allay your fears and insecurities. Happy wedding!