Updated: 2/19/2020
Many people are speculating whether Kate Middleton, now Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, had her teeth professionally whitened shortly before announcing her engagement. Some even say she saw an orthodontist to fix a small gap between her upper front teeth, but others say there was no such gap. Her new husband, now The Duke of Cambridge, wore a brace on his teeth for a decade, according to Clarence House.
Dental Care for the Royal Couple
Either way, all eyes, cameras and television networks were trained on her and the royal family for the wedding. With all that attention (and the criticism/praise sure to follow), who wouldn’t want their teeth to look perfect?
Reports say she went to Dr. Didier Fillion, an orthodontist who specializes in applying braces behind the teeth so they remain invisible. He helped pioneer a new 3D digital technique a couple of years ago, and he says it shaves several months from the treatment time for braces due to more precise technology.
If you want a royal smile, teeth whitening and orthodontic braces could be a step in the right direction (in addition to regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups, of course).
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening procedures come in many levels and techniques. If you have serious stains (often caused by coffee, red wine, smoking or failure to properly care for the teeth), you may want to consider a stronger method, but if you simply want to brighten your smile, you may opt for a milder version. These are the typical whitening methods:
- In-Office Whitening
The dentist administers this treatment in the dental office to monitor for effectiveness and tooth sensitivity. This is the most expensive and most effective treatment. In addition to removing surface stains, it also bleaches the existing color of the teeth to whiten them beyond their natural tint. The bleaching solution is stronger than the other methods, and the treatment time is very short.
- Tray-Based Bleaching
Your dentist is still involved, but he or she only supervises the at-home treatment. The dentist creates a custom tray and supplies a stronger whitening agent than what is available in stores. It usually takes several treatments over the course of a few weeks.
- Over-the-Counter Whitening
Resulting in less dramatic results, this method is usually applied to the teeth by placing strips of plastic coated in bleaching gel over an entire row of teeth. These systems usually require daily application for about 2 weeks.
- Whitening Toothpaste
This option merely scrubs surface stains using gentle abrasives and mild chemicals. The color difference may be minimal, since it can’t bleach teeth beyond their natural color.
If you are reluctant to pay the expense or are concerned about potential harm to your teeth caused by these traditional whitening methods, you may want to explore some teeth whitening home remedies.
Orthodontics and Braces
Braces can align the gnarliest of smiles as well as repair serious oral structural problems. Learn more about the different types of braces and orthodontic treatment by reading these articles:
Dental Insurance for Adult Braces
Dental Insurance – How Much Braces Cost
How to Choose a Quality, Affordable Dental Orthodontist
How to Get Your Dental Orthodontia Off Faster
If you have questions about braces for children, visit the Mom’s Guide to Caring for Little Teeth.
The best way to maintain a beautiful smile is to brush at least twice a day, floss every day and visit your dentist for twice-yearly oral exams and cleanings. If you want that extra sparkle, though, you can give your mouth the royal treatment with a simple whitening procedure and some orthodontic adjustment.
