Great Expressions Dental Health and Wellness.

According to The Knot, the cost of a wedding has increased by more than $5,500 in the past five years, with couples spending more than $32,000 on average in 2015. As brides and grooms seek opportunities to save money wherever possible, one area that receives substantial attention is pre-wedding beauty prep. Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC) wants all brides and grooms to know they understand how important a pearly white smile is on the big day – but getting there doesn’t have to break the bank.

“More than ever, we are seeing an increased pressure on brides and grooms to be the best version of themselves on their wedding day – sometimes spending a large portion of their budget on expensive beauty procedures,” said Dr. Robert Brody of Great Expressions Dental Centers. “The surest way to look great on the big day is with a beautiful smile. Additionally, unlike other beauty procedures, working on your smile is something that will last long after the ceremony is over.”

Following are GEDC’s four cost-effective tips and tricks on how to achieve the smile you love for your wedding day and the rest of your life:

• Avoid certain beverages and foods. In the days leading up to your wedding day, help ensure your pearly whites are as white as they can be on your wedding day by avoiding certain beverages and foods that can stain your teeth, such as red wine, coffee, dark berries and soy sauce.

• Don’t wait to begin your beauty routine.  Many brides and grooms think they can dramatically whiten their teeth in just a matter of days – leading to extreme tooth sensitivity that can ruin the big day. Instead, begin a whitening regime two months prior to ensure you have the smile you want, without worrying about tooth sensitivity.

• Carefully select your lipstick color. Pick a color that not only matches your skin tone, but also enhances your teeth and smile. Find a pink or coral color with a blue base to make your teeth look even whiter.

•  Pack a “tooth kit” for the wedding. Between posing, sipping, eating and kissing, you are going to want to be sure your mouth is clean and fresh. Pack a small kit with mouth wash, toothpaste, floss and mints for quick pick-me-ups throughout the night and to ensure your smile is perfect in your photos.

To schedule a dental appointment for your whiter teeth on your wedding day, call 888-764-5380 or visit www.greatexpressions.com.