Your wedding day will be one of the happiest days of your life. On top of the festivities with friends and family, pictures will capture the occasion for years to come. Many brides and grooms may feel insecure about their smiles and want to look their best when they begin their beautiful new lives together. Here's a look at some simple and involved ways a dentist can help make your big day perfect.

What Dental Procedures Are Often Performed Before a Wedding?

1. Veneers or Bonding

If you have misshapen, chipped, or permanently stained teeth, veneers and bonding may be options to consider. Veneers are custom-made, thin shell-type covers that fit over the teeth, while bonding is tooth-colored material that is painted on or between teeth.

Although bonding and veneers don't take much time in the dentist's chair, tooth and gum health must be evaluated beforehand. These treatments can also take some getting used to, so it's advised to plan procedures like these three to four months before your wedding. 

2.  Implants

If you're missing one or more teeth, implants can make a huge difference to not only your oral health but also the appearance of your smile. A metal rod is implanted in the jawbone to serve as a tooth root, and then an abutment is attached to allow a crown to replace the original tooth. 

Ultimately, an implant becomes a part of your mouth, looking and functioning just like a natural tooth. However, this procedure takes a few visits and some time to heal, so the procedure is recommended at least six months in advance of your wedding.  

3. Whitening Treatments

Whitening treatments are by far the most popular treatment before weddings. Depending on whether you're choosing in-office treatment or at-home gel trays, you will want to start around four to six weeks before the day of your nuptials. You may feel some sensitivity in the days following treatment, and the color might need a little time to fully set in.

4. Invisalign®

If you're thinking of an orthodontic solution like Invisalign® for your smile, it's best to start early. Depending on your specific dental needs, there are different time frames for how long you would need to wear the clear aligners. It also takes time to make the molds and schedule the appropriate visits. You'll likely need to start a year out from your wedding date to get the best results. If that isn't possible, you can discuss other options to straighten your teeth with your dentist as soon as you can. 

If you need dental work before your big day, look to the skilled expertise of Jim S. Caudill, DMD, PSC, in Hazard, KY. Dr. Caudill has been offering a wide range of comprehensive dental services to his patients since 1975, and his staff members pride themselves on compassionate care and patient education. For more information on their services, visit the website. Call (606) 436-3432 to schedule an appointment with the dentist.