Should You 'Wear White' For The Wedding? A Closer Look at Options For a Brighter Smile

(WMS) - Should the bride wear white? Nowadays, the question is not limited to future brides. Filled with plenty of smiles, laughter and of course, pictures, it's no surprise that the groom, the guests, and just about everyone else is seeking a whiter smile for the big day. Why? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), even if you brush every day, residue buildup from braces, coffee, tea, colas, red wine and cigarette smoking can, over time, dull the color of your teeth.
Methods for cleaning discolored teeth date back hundreds of years, although most of them were neither safe nor effective. For example, many products developed during the 19th century by doctors, chemists and dentists contained highly abrasive substances like brick dust, china and cuttlefish. However, in recent years there has been what appears to be a "boom" in both the number and variety of tooth-whitening products on the market and getting a brighter smile is safer, easier and faster than ever.

FILLED WITH SMILES, LAUGHTER and of course, pictures, it's no surprise that the groom, the guests and just about everyone else is seeking a whiter smile for the wedding day.

If you're thinking about having your teeth whitened for your wedding, the ADA strongly recommends that you consult with a dentist first. Bleaching may not correct all kinds of discoloration, and may also prove ineffective if you've had bonding or tooth-colored fillings. Your dentist can tell you whether -- and which -- products and procedures would be the most effective for you. Here's a closer look at some of the more popular options:

IN-OFFICE BLEACHING
In-office, or chairside bleaching, describes whitening procedures that can be done in a dentist's office. Some may require more than one visit, each one taking 30 minutes to an hour.

The quickest way to whiten your teeth is a one-hour laser technique in which the dentist uses a low-peroxide whitening gel and a gas plasma light to lighten teeth. Many dentists offer this treatment, as well as companies like BriteSmile, Inc., which offers whitening services through private dentists and its own treatment centers. During the BriteSmile procedure, a whitening gel is applied by a dentist or dental assistant, then activated by its patented light source.

AT-HOME PROCEDURES AND PRODUCTS
There are also several whitening options that are available from a dentist or can be purchased over-the-counter for use at home. Bleaching solutions typically contain peroxide and come in a gel. To use, you place the gel in a tray and wear it inside your mouth for an hour or more per day, depending on the product. If you purchase the bleaching solution through a dentist, he or she can create a custom-fitted tray or mouthguard designed to fit your mouth precisely. Some products are designed for use twice a day for a few weeks, while others, like NiteWhite, are intended for overnight use over a shorter period. Look to brands like Ultra-White and Brite White for other daytime options.

Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and bleaching systems like Crest Whitestrips and the Mentadent Tooth Whitening System may not last as long as laser whitening or bleaching solutions, however they can help whiten your for your big day. While all toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives, some whitening toothpastes also contain special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Look to brands like Rembrandt, Arm & Hammer and Mentadent for quality, whitening toothpastes. Each has the ADA seal of approval. However, unlike bleaches, they do not alter the actual color of your teeth.