Sensational Smile
Smile and the world smiles with you. How often have you heard that phrase? But not everyone is comfortable with his or her smile, and some feel awkward and self-conscious baring their not-so-pearly whites. Since your smile will be the focus of your wedding photos, now is a great time to check out all the options that cosmetic dentistry has to offer. Whether it be whitening, straightening, or filling in gaps, a cosmetic dentist can recommend a procedure to perfect your pearly whites.
White out
There are a number of different procedures for whitening teeth, and your dentist can evaluate your smile and your teeth to prescribe the procedure that is best for you. In many cases, your dentist can whiten your teeth very easily using a hydrogen peroxide-based solution that is applied to a mouth guard and worn for a few hours each day. The mouth guard is a soft, pliable piece of plastic that can be formed to fit precisely around your teeth. Once it’s filled with the whitening gel, it can do its job when worn for a few hours each day for 2-4 weeks. Many brides find this at-home whitening procedure to be an easy way to achieve great results.
There’s also a laser procedure that can be done in your dentist’s office. A similar peroxide gel is applied to the teeth, and then a laser is used to activate the gel. The process usually takes about an hour and a half, and results can be seen almost immediately. For severely discolored teeth, or if a brighter shade of white is desired, the procedure can be completed at a different session. Laser whitening is usually more expensive than the peroxide and mouth guard option; however the results can be seen immediately as opposed to waiting 2-4 weeks.
You’ve probably seen ads for at-home whitening products in the form of strips and paint-on gels. Available at mass retailers across the country, these products are inexpensive and easy to use. If your teeth are already white and you just want to brighten them a bit, these products might be a good option for you. Most contain peroxide, similar to professional whitening products, but in a lower concentration. When using the strips or gels be sure to follow the manufacturer directions, and stop using the product if you experience tooth or gum sensitivity. These products are usually effective within two weeks, and the results last around six months.
Top shape
If you’re smile needs a bit more help than an over-the-counter whitener can offer, then it’s time to see a professional who can explain the options for repairing or covering tooth gaps, cracks, and chips. Porcelain veneers are a popular option for covering stained, chipped, or crooked teeth. Though results aren’t instantaneous because obtaining veneers takes approximately three separate visits to a cosmetic dentist, the final outcome of your smile should be worth the time for long-term results. The first visit usually consists of a consultation to be sure that porcelain veneers are the right choice for you. During the second appointment, the teeth are prepared for the veneers by removing a small amount of enamel and then taking an impression of the teeth. The veneers will be applied on the final visit and are adhered to the teeth using bonding cement that is cured by a blue light.
Bonding is another way to give your teeth the appearance of perfection. During the bonding process, a cosmetic dentist selects the shade of composite resin that most closely matches your other teeth and applies it to the teeth that need repair. Once the resin has hardened, the dentist will then shape and polish the bonded tooth until it looks the same as the rest of your teeth. This procedure usually takes around 30 minutes, but if you’re having multiple teeth bonded you may have to schedule a few return visits to the dentist to achieve the results you desire.
Fill it in
Many of us have old fillings or crowns from our childhood that give dark, metallic looking spots to our smiles. Though it’s unlikely that they’ll be noticeable in your wedding photos, they might be glaringly apparent to you. Tooth-colored resins and porcelain caps are great for returning smiles to their natural appearance. A dentist can remove the old fillings, caps, and crowns to replace them with a resin or porcelain version. The removal process takes about the amount of time it would to fill or crown your teeth, and afterward you’ll have a smile that won’t be marred by dark spots and shiny metals.
Dental distress
Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be all pain and suffering. Most professionals can offer a variety of pain relief options, along with a number of ways to distract you from the procedure. Personal CD players can be worn during most dental work; bring along something from your own music library or check out what your dentist has to offer. It’s a drug-free way to tune out the sounds of suction and drills and helps you relax without side effects. In addition to tunes, many dental professionals have small televisions so that you can watch your favorite sitcoms or DVDs while you undergo dental procedures. You can catch up on all the daytime dramas you miss while at work, and you won’t have to fight anyone for the remote!