Don't spoil that special day with ugly teeth!

Along with a perfect wedding, many brides also want a perfect smile. When making appointments this summer for dress alterations, floral arrangements, and reception details, schedule a dental visit too, suggests the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education.

"Schedule a thorough check-up and cleaning at least a year before the wedding," says Paula S. Jones, DDS, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. "If you're unhappy with your smile, your dentist will have enough time to perfect your teeth by the wedding."

Several options exist to correct the shape, color, alignment and look of teeth. New and improved smiles don't happen overnight; timing needs to be considered. Veneers and bleaching can take up to two weeks to two month and braces can take from one to two years.

Have procedures completed at least two months in advance, in case problems need to be corrected, and so the mouth has time to adjust to cosmetic changes, advises Dr. Jones.

In addition to cosmetic appearance, consider breath. "What could be worse than saying I do with dragon breath?" says Dr. Jones. Try a piece of sugarless gum, breath mint or chewing a piece of parsley.

There's much more than just this. Read the entire article, courtesy of the Academy of General Dentistry.