I am in my sister’s wedding in 3 weeks. I am her maid of honor. I want to get my teeth really white. I need to get it done fast. How can I do it without a dentist? – Kelli C.

Kelli – You can whiten your teeth without the assistance of a dentist, but you may not get the brilliantly white smile you want.

If you choose over-the-counter whitening strips that contain carbamide peroxide, they will whiten your teeth. Carbamide peroxide breaks down the stains in your teeth. You won’t be able to find over-the-counter gel with the same strength you can receive from a dentist. It will take two to three weeks to a bright smile.

Dentists provide professional-strength gel that will give you the brightest smile. In-office treatment will whiten your smile within an hour. Take-home treatment will whiten your teeth in about two weeks, but it will be significantly whiter than the results from over-the-counter products.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune, whom many people consider to be the best dentist in New Orleans.