In-office bleaching

“The most effective bleaching is done once a year in a dentist’s office,” Lituchy tells us. The dentist paints your teeth with a hydrogen peroxide solution, and then uses a high-intensity light to activate the gel’s whitening effects.

Time: One hour. “We recommend having this treatment 2-3 weeks before the wedding in case of any sensitivity.”

Cost: $500-$1,500.

At-home bleachIng trays

“Your dentist can make custom-fitted bleaching trays to be used at home to gradually whiten over about 10 days,” says Lituchy. The take-home bleach is weaker than pro in-office bleach but stronger than OTC bleaching solutions.

Time: Use 2-3 weeks before the wedding; can also be used once a month for maintenance.

Cost: $300 – $600.

At-home bleachIng strIps

“Crest Whitestrips are a great choice for bleaching on a budget. Combined with daily use of a whitening toothpaste, they are a good one-two punch to create and maintain a bright smile.”

Time: Varies. When using Crest 3D White 2-Hour Express Whitestrips, you will see a noticeable difference in just two hours; other types of strips are designed to be used for 7 days or more.

Cost: From about $16 (for slower-acting strips) to $50 (for Crest 2-Hour Express).

Regardless of your whitening method, here are a few must-know tips:

• Maintenance: Post treatment, pores in tooth enamel are still open, so be extra vigilant about food during that first week. Coffee, tea, red wine: “Anything that will stain your wedding dress will stain your teeth.” Raw crunchy veggies like celery and carrots help mechanically remove surface stains, as does sugarless gum.
• Sensitivity Issues: Teeth whitening is generally not at all painful, Lituchy assures us. That said, “Some people do experience sensitivity, usually from cold liquids. One recommended fix is to apply a fluoride gel to trouble spots for a few minutes at night.”
• Day-of Tip: Right before you walk down the aisle, brush your teeth with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to remove surface stains, and finish with a whitening pen like Go Smile On the Go Teeth Whitening Pen. Says Lituchy: “You will feel as bright and gleaming as your beautiful white dress.”

Photo Credit: Kip Meyer