IT’S A NICE DAY FOR A WHITE (TEETH) WEDDING
Billy Idol and I have something in common (obviously not the punk, peroxide, or penchant for tight leather pants), but we agree—summer is a great time for a wedding; bright blue skies, colorful flowers, and some of the most picturesque scenery, Maine should really be re-named, “the Wedding State.”
Planning for one’s nuptials often starts months in advance and requires military precision to get location, catering, photographer, and other vendors scheduled correctly. Then there are the meta details—coordinating the bride’s dress with the wedding party, flowers, table linens, manicure, the pet golden retriever’s collar…
However, when it comes to teeth, you don’t want to adhere to the tradition of something old (usually gray or brown and therefore not very wedding-y), borrowed (this is just gross and unhygienic), or blue (sounds like a deficiency); your teeth are more than just an accessory or cosmetic detail for The Big Day.
The Big Day
Amidst all this preparation, one essential element often takes center stage—the bride’s smile, where more smiling is done in one day than in a two-hour Miss Universe pageant. In addition to the official paid photographer, every guest with a smartphone will be tagging you in more selfies than you can keep up with approving (and not all with a flattering Instagram filter). When we say the bride traditionally wears white, that now means matching her teeth to her dress. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology have made achieving a stunning smile more accessible and affordable than ever.
Creating the Perfect White Triangle
In dentistry, there is an invisible triangle from the eyes to the mouth. The goal is to match the shade of your teeth with the whites of your eyes. As a dentist, “toothpaste commercial white” is not the goal. Teeth whitening is a chemical process targeting discoloration/stains on the enamel and dentin, resulting in a brighter appearance. During the whitening process, oxygen molecules are released and interact with chromogens (responsible for the yellow/brown stains), breaking them down to reduce discoloration. This process doesn’t damage the tooth structure and causes very little sensitivity when done professionally.
Eradicating the Black Triangles
Modern injection molding techniques can further enhance your smile, by addressing the ‘black triangles’ created where your teeth meet the gumline. Bioclear restorations can close these spaces as well as repair and reshape chipped/worn teeth. (see our Pros page in the Spring 2024 issue of LA Metro Magazine) This is a more conservative and cost-effective treatment option than traditional veneers because it requires minimal removal of tooth structure, meaning your wedding budget can still afford the midnight taco truck/custom ice luge/reception bounce house.
A bridal gown is worn once, but pictures last forever. The good news is, your teeth (and the wedding photos) will be on show long after the dress is boxed up on a shelf. If you’d like to schedule a consultation to see how our dental office can help make your very own “white wedding” (or help put together the ultimate 80’s music playlist), give us a call.
ABOUT THE PRO
Dr. Peter Drews is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, past president of the Androscoggin Valley Dental Society, and past President of the Maine Dental Association. He is currently serving as Treasurer for the Androscoggin Valley Dental Society. Practicing general and cosmetic dentistry in central Maine, Dr. Drews professionally serves families and individuals of the Lewiston and Auburn Maine communities.
207-782-5308
