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BEAUTY & HEALTH
62 | FALL & WINTER 2018
CHICAGO WEDDING & PARTY RESOURCE
CHICAGOWEDDINGRESOURCE.COMNice 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. 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.
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.
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. 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. If a bride must have her coffee on her
wedding day, add a lot of milk and drink
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.
© CTW Features