In the run up to a wedding, it's not uncommon to think about making changes in order to look your best on the big day. This might mean getting in shape, growing your hair or even working on your teeth.
Having the perfect smile is something brides and grooms far and wide will no doubt be thinking about, but what results can you achieve in time for the big day?
"We get a lot of brides in our practices looking for that perfect smile for their big day but most of them are concerned about the timeframes they leave themselves," Gemma Astill, head of marketing at Oasis Dental Care, told HELLO! Online. "We thought it would be useful to make them aware of what treatments they can proceed with, depending on the timeframes before their weddings."
Read on for the guide on how to get that perfect white smile...
One to two years – Invisalign
If you want to straighten your teeth and prepare well in advance, but don't want to have to wear metal braces, Invisalign is a great way to do this without it being noticeable. You simply have a series of aligners designed by the dentist that will gradually move your teeth into place. They're clear, and you can take them out whenever you like. You'll have to have check-ups along the way, and depending how far your teeth need to move to give you a straight smile, this treatment usually takes between one and two years.
Average Cost: £2,500 to £3,500
Six months to one year – C-Fast
Cosmetic teeth straightening is ideal if you're looking to just align the teeth at the very front of your mouth. It can take as little as six months to do this, as it focuses on just the front six teeth to eight teeth in your smile line, on both the top and bottom of your mouth. It's perfect if you're looking for a quick result in time for the big day, but in some cases it may be more suitable to have full orthodontic treatment, which will take longer to achieve results but will align all of your teeth and bite. Cosmetic teeth straightening can be done with a number of techniques, usually including tooth-coloured wires or clear brackets.
Average Cost: £1,500 to £2,500
Six months – Implants
If you have any teeth missing, dental implants will fill the gap with a replacement tooth. These work really well and can last a long time too. With implants, you usually have the artificial root installed first, then the tooth on top around six months later once it's healed. This often depends on the patient though, and some dentists do offer to install the root and tooth on the same day, but of course this isn't suitable for everyone.
Average Cost: £1,750 to £2,500 per implant
One month – Teeth whitening
There are two ways you can whiten your teeth, either at home or at your dental surgery. If you choose to do this at home, it can take a few weeks to achieve the desired results, as you'll need to wear a tray using a special gel either overnight or for a couple of hours a day. If you have the treatment at the dentist it can usually be done within one or two appointments. Your dentist will only provide whitening treatment if your teeth are healthy, and will need to fix any existing issues with your teeth or gums before starting the whitening treatment.
Average Cost: £150 to £300