“A great set of teeth is part of your beautiful smile – so take care of them wisely” – All brides want to have amazing wedding photos – as they will lock in the memory of this day forever. Needless to say, pretty whites are crucial for stunning photos. Apart from losing a few pounds to working towards radiant skin, your teeth will also take center stage on your wedding day! Just imagine how many times would you have to smile when all rishtedaars would want to click a picture with the bride and groom.
Your million-dollar smile deserves a vital place in your bridal routine. From professional treatments to natural remedies, here are some hacks to make sure your smile shines through as much as your bridal glow on the D-day!
First things first, before going for any of the following tips, visit your dentist. He will be able to look into the core of the problem and suggest what treatments you need accordingly. Teeth discoloration can happen due to a variety of reasons – from extrinsic factors like excessive consumption of coffee, tea, coke, tobacco, etc. to intrinsic factors like diseases, genetics or the environment. Depending on the cause, your dentist can recommend any of the treatments mentioned below! So get yourself into a dentist chair as soon as your bride-to-be tag gets attached to you.
Dental Procedures
Teeth Whitening:
Also known as teeth bleaching, this procedure is done by a dentist. Your dentist will analyze the condition of your teeth and do the procedure accordingly. The number of sittings depends on the initial color of the teeth. Whitening will last from 6 months to about 2 years. The cost for the procedure can start from anywhere around Rs.8000/- and can go up to Rs.20,000/-. The prices also depend on the number of sittings you will need.
We recommend scheduling the process at least 2 months before the wedding. The color shows in around 10 days and you might want to get another sitting done. You might experience some sensitivity after the treatment and there’s no way you would want to deal with it during your wedding revelries. So schedule the treatment in advance.
Dental Veneers:
Also known as porcelain veneers or dental laminates, they are custom made shells that cover your whole tooth. It is best for brides who have severely discolored, misaligned or irregular-shaped teeth. A good set of veneers can dramatically improve your smile. This is typically a permanent process and requires around 3 sittings.
Veneers are expensive with cost ranging from 10k-20k per veneer. The price depends on factors like experience of the doctor, type of material used per veneer, location and number of teeth being treated. A painless procedure, veneers don’t require any after care. We recommend going for this procedure at least 3 months before the wedding.
The above procedures are quite costly and considering how much weddings really cost, these procedures can just add up to the total expense. We also have some budget-friendly teeth whitening options that brides and grooms can opt for.
Things You Can Buy:
If you are not too keen on getting dental procedures done, then these here are the best at-home options for you.
Whitening Toothpaste:
You are already brushing your teeth so why not add a little boost to your daily routine. Try a whitening toothpaste and start brushing your teeth twice a day, if you aren’t already! This can work for brides who suffer from low to moderate stained teeth that are just mildly discolored. It’s easy to use, accessible and economical. However, don’t expect it to work for intrinsic stains.
Here’s are some effective toothpastes you can try:
- Colgate White Dazzling Toothpaste
- Himalaya Herbals Sparkling White Toothpaste
- Crest Vivid Whitening Toothpaste (This is pricey but has amazing reviews from worldwide customers)
Whitening Strips:
Both in-office whitening procedures and thee strips use hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient to lighten the teeth. The only difference is that the former uses a much higher concentration so they are expensive and more effective. However, this doesn’t downplay the strong effect of whitening strips. They claim to remove upto 10 years of stain with regular use for 2 weeks.
Here’s a good one you can buy off Amazon: Crest 3D Whitening Strips. They are priced at Rs.4341/- but as you can see from so many reviews, they will be worth it!
Whitening Powder:
There are a number of whitening powder available in the market that have shown desired results for many. The main ingredient in them is charcoal powder, which is widely used as a natural remedy to whiten your teeth. They are reasonably priced, easily available and ready to use.
Here are some effective powders you can try:
- Finecare Charcoal Powder
- UrbanBotanics Teeth Whitening Powder
- Honest Choice Coconut Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder
P.S.: If you have sensitive teeth and experience zingers while trying hot, cold or sour things, please check for sensitivity in the products before you purchase. We would also recommend that you use prescribed products in case your teeth sensitivity is something that worries you a lot!
At-Home Treatments:
Banana Peel: Being rich in potassium, magnesium and manganese, banana peels gently exfoliate the surface of teeth and remove gentle stains that cause discoloration. Just rub a banana peel on your teeth so that they are completely coated. Rinse your mouth after about 10 minutes. Do it regularly to see visible results.
Coconut Oil Pulling: You must have heard about this Ayurvedic technique and its many benefits before. Known to draw out toxins from the body and improve overall health, oil pulling kills bad bacteria in your mouth. To practice, just swish coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 mins first thing in the morning. You can brush your teeth normally after doing this. This dental technique can also help those who are prone to bad breath.
Mustard Oil and Salt: An ancient remedy that scrubs away all the stains from the teeth and clean your gums. Just mix some mustard oil and salt and rub it on your teeth using your toothbrush gently. Rinse off after 5 mins. You can also add a pinch of turmeric to the mixture to step up the benefits of this remedy.
Charcoal Powder: You might be wondering how something black can help make your teeth white. Well, charcoal is a highly absorbent substance that is known to adhere to toxins and remove them from any surface. It’s also a popular ingredient in many teeth whitening powders and toothpaste. To use, just dip wet, clean toothbrush in charcoal powder. Apply it on your teeth in slow, circular motion. Rinse it off after 10 mins. You can purchase it here: Indus Valley Charcoal Powder.
Eat & Drink well: Are you a regular tea, coffee or wine drinker? We have some bad news. All of them can stain your teeth when consumed excessively. So limit their intake in days leading up to the wedding! Furthermore, eat foods that contribute to your beautiful smile. Strawberries, apples, crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery etc. are great for your oral hygiene and can prevent tooth discoloration.
Burnt Toast: Next time you mistakenly burn a piece of bread, don’t worry, just burn it even more. We aren’t kidding. Char it completely and rub it on your teeth for 5 minutes. Leave it on for a while and wash off with normal water. That’s natural charcoal powder right there. This is an amazing natural remedy to whiten your teeth.
Swishing after eating: Water is a simple fix to almost your beauty goals and here’s one more to add. After your meals, just swish some water in your mouth for 10-20 seconds before spitting it out. This will help remove any leftovers from your mouth and prevent tooth stains and cavities.
Wedding Day Pro Tip:
Carry a set of floss in your bridal emergency kit. You don’t want anything stuck between your teeth to show in pictures – especially those HD bridal portraits. Just floss and rinse your mouth once before taking that walk down the aisle!
Adding to these tips and tricks, proper hygiene is key to a stunning set of teeth. Go for a dental cleaning procedure once in 6 months, brush your teeth properly and floss twice a day!
We hope this blog helps you in getting the pearly whites for your wedding so you can grin away all you want on your big day without any qualms!
