Preparing Your Smile for Wedding Photos

A picture-perfect smile in a wedding photo is timeless, and with proper preparation, anyone can have one. Whether you think you’re photogenic or not, you can prepare your smile, and yourself, for your wedding or any occasion. So, here are a few ways to encourage a happy, healthy smile for the camera.

Schedule Exams

The first step to preparing for a wedding photo is to schedule an exam with your dentist a few months prior. In case there’s a more severe condition affecting your oral health, such as cavities, your dentist can help you take care of it, with one popular suggestion being whitening treatments, in office or at home. Whichever you prefer, your dentist’s opinion won’t hurt and will get you on the fast track to a better smile.

Invest in Products

Using the right products is half the battle towards healthy teeth. In addition to whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, consider using a water flosser. Water flossers or “waterpics” are great devices for cleaning underneath gums and getting rid of any lingering bacteria or debris. Using these flossers helps prevent plaque buildup, which is known to give teeth a yellow color. To encourage a brighter smile, you can add water with equal amounts of three percent hydrogen peroxide. Overtime, you’ll quickly see the difference in your smile.

Smile Ajar

When taking the actual wedding photos, smile with your mouth slightly open—there should be a bit of room between your lower and upper rows of teeth. If your smile is too wide, or if you’re pressing your lips too tightly together, you might look stressed or tense in the photos. Instead, act natural and smile slightly ajar—and, above all else, relax.

Makeup

Makeup can make a huge difference in your smile—and that can be a good or bad thing depending on how it’s applied. Too much color or glitter can make a person look sweaty or slightly older in a photo. Neutral colors and a more natural application will match your skin tone and make you look great—shimmery makeup may look good in person, but that may not translate for a photo.

Another important makeup aspect is choosing the right shade of lipstick to enhance your smile. Avoid using colors with a yellow or brown undertone as this will reflect in your teeth. Instead, opt for darker colors like red with a semi glossy finish for a radiant grin.

Use Angles

Look your best by focusing on flattering angles and finding poses you're comfortable with. Photographs from higher angles can be great for lighting while forcing you to tilt your head and balance features. With photographs face on, you should elongate your neck, tilt your chin slightly, and keep your shoulders back. These poses may come off more candid and relaxed while also showing off your healthy smile.

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Photo via Shutterstock.com