Archive for October, 2008

Assessing Your Teeth Whitening Alternatives

October 29, 2008

Does the discoloration of your teeth give a you look that is older than you actually are? Peoples teeth become discolored for an assortment of reason. There are some of us that have teeth that are naturally dull compared to other peoples teeth.

Then there are some people who unintentionally stain their teeth over a period of time, either from smoking, or consuming drinks that stain their teeth such as tea, coffee, red wine, as well as cola type beverages. Then there are others that experience discoloration of their teeth due to a side effect of an illness or medication that they are taking

Choices for Getting Your Teeth Whitening

There are basically three options for the person who wants to get his teeth whitened and those are; utilizing special types of tooth whitening toothpaste, utilizing home whitening remedies, and getting your teeth whitened at your local dentist’s place of practice, through your dentist oversight.

Teeth Whitening Through Toothpaste

One of the least costly as well as most accessible whitening method that is available is that of tooth whitening toothpaste. Numerous individuals try these toothpastes to increase the brightness of their smiles prior to getting the more expensive whitening treatments. Sadly, these types of toothpastes that encourage whiter teeth simply take away stains from a persons teeth through the use of mild abrasives. The reality is they don’t actually whiten your teeth in the way people think.

This fact is not very surprising when you take into consideration that the toothpaste only comes in contact with the surface of a persons teeth for a very short time period, and whatever agents used for whitening are very diluted because of the contact with the water and your own saliva you use to moisten your own toothbrush.

Home Whitening Treatments

Teeth whitening treatments that are sold over the counter are typically the most popular method to brighten a persons teeth, These types of treatments normally are made up of strips that are coated with bleaching gel that the user sticks to the six front teeth on both the top and bottom of their mouth.

These strips are typically very effective; your teeth will be noticeably whiter once you finish a two-week treatment of them. Nevertheless, there are some individuals who report going through a period of both tooth as well as gum sensitivity after utilizing bleaching gel; then there are other people who have complaints that the gel’s taste stays in their mouth after they have completed the treatment. And lastly, there have been some individuals who have complained that this methods overall effect is to whiten their teeth in an irregular way, leaving areas of discoloration where the strips do not stick completely to the teeth they were supposed to.

Additionally, there are some individuals who show more then just their 6 front teeth whenever they smile. People who see these individuals smile might be able to notice a variance in the color from the teeth that are treated and the teeth that want untreated.

Whitening Your Teeth Under Your Dentists Supervision

One of the most effective methods of getting your teeth whitened is to get them whitened professionally through your dentist or a hygienist. These types of professionals have the knowledge as well as the resources to prescribe a more concentrated and more powerful substance of bleach than many home whitening remedies have within them. Your dentist also has the ability to make up custom trays to hold the bleaching gel in place against your teeth.

There are some dentists that utilize whitening gels in combination with a unique light which augments the brightening properties of the special gels. These teeth whitening treatments have a tendency to be more expensive than the do-it-yourself methods around, yet they typically have a longer lasting effect, more consistent results throughout your whole mouth, not simply your 12 front teeth.

To learn more go to Brighton Teeth Whitening and at Teeth Whitening In Pennsylvania

Zoom Teeth Whitening – The Latest System For Whitening Your Teeth

October 29, 2008

No one is doubting that professional teeth whitening systems employed by dentists yield better results than kits, strips or toothpastes used at home. There have been countless make-over programs that have shown this remarkable difference. Zoom teeth whitening is one of these chair side methods that has immediate results and can produce an average of eight shades difference in the whiteness of your teeth. If you have never heard of the Zoom system, then keep on reading to help make your decision a little more informed.

The Zoom system is done in a professional’s office. The patient has a hydrogen peroxide mixture applied to the teeth. A special ultraviolet lamp is then directed at the teeth to speed up the procedure. The hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleaching agent and has long been acknowledged as a safe method for removing superficial stains from the teeth. The procedure takes about an hour and the effects are immediately noticeable.

There are a few things to keep in mind when electing to use the Zoom method. The first is that patients should have their teeth cleaned by a professional before undergoing the whitening treatment. This ensures that the teeth are free from plaque. The second is that there may be some side effects. People who have severe tooth decay, have a serious gag reflex and sensitive gums may not be suitable for this treatment. Only your dentist can make the determination, so it is wise to talk with your regular dentist before going in for a Zoom consultation.

Zoom teeth whitening is more expensive than the at home kits, which are comprised of whitening trays, gels or whitening strips. It does require a trip to a specialist, but if you consider the cost of the treatment in comparison to the effects and the cost of at home kits, then you may be surprised to see that it is affordable. Those strips you apply to your teeth can take up to thirty days to show an improvement of only a few shades. Zoom yields immediate results and can produce six shades difference.

Only a trip to a Zoom teeth whitening specialist can determine if the Zoom process is the best option for you. The specialist can show you the actual color of your teeth compared to a color chart. Be forewarned though! The shock of seeing exactly how yellow or dull they have become can be a bit disheartening. Cheer up though, you are in the office and are going to have a whiter, brighter smile again.

To learn more go to Highland Park Zoom Tooth Whitening and at Teeth Whitening In Texas

How Tooth Whitening Kits Have Revolutionized The Industry

October 27, 2008

The 90′s were an important era for mankind. Sure there were great political upheavals, scandalous affairs, sitcoms leaving the air and of course big hair was the ultimate accessory. However, during this time people were also introduced to the concept of whitening their teeth at home with a kit you could purchase at the local store. These tooth whitening kits were a bit bulky and very time consuming. Teeth bleaching took a concentrated effort and had a few nasty side effects that made many people give up on their desire of having pearly white teeth.

The first commercial teeth whitening system was a plastic cup designed to be molded to your teeth and a whitening gel that would fill the cup. You first had to boil the cup and then shape it specifically to your mouth. Each night at bedtime, you would fill the cup with the proper amount of gel and then you would sleep with the contraption in your mouth. The gel would do the work while you slept. Simply wake up and take the pieces out. Sounds really easy, right?

The actual problem, besides the hassle of molding the plastic pieces, is that the gel lost its effectiveness within an hour or two. The gel would also be swallowed during the night. Many people reported sore throats and increased gum sensitivity. Tooth whitening kits began to decline in sales because people became disillusioned with the safety of the product and the hassle of using it, just to get whiter teeth.

Scientists, after making the discovery that the primary ingredient in the gel lost its effectiveness after an hour, devised different kits that meant the user would wear them for a less amount of time. Today’s kits contain a higher concentration of the whitening agent used in tooth bleaching. Most kits are now strips that the user wears for a very short amount of time, either in the morning or the evening.

The 90′s are gone and the archaic tooth whitening kits that were prevalent at the time have also gone the way of big hair. People seeking whiter teeth do not have to spend a fortune and go through the incredible hassle of molding a plastic tray to their teeth. Toothpaste made specifically for teeth whitening has helped many people have a brighter smile. Crest Strips have become the popular method of whitening.

To learn more go to Teeth Whitening In Michigan and at Teeth Whitening In San Diego

The Benefits Of Laser Tooth Whitening

October 27, 2008

Laser teeth whitening can be a frightening thought for those not familiar with this cosmetic procedure. After all, the use of lasers has normally been associated with military, medical and scientific applications. The one used for laser tooth whitening is different than those used to cut through sheet metal or used during surgery. It is a great technique used to attain whiter teeth and is a common application in the field of cosmetic dentistry. This form of whitening treatment can yield immediate results and may be cheaper than you imagined.

Laser teeth whitening works by focusing a laser light on a specific bleaching gel that is applied directly to the surface of the teeth. The light speeds the bleaching process and helps the whitening gel permeate the enamel. Discoloration of the teeth is a process that takes years, until the natural whiteness of the teeth is greatly diminished. It may have taken years of drinking coffee to turn those teeth an ugly color, but usually one office visit can yield a brighter smile that is noticeably whiter.

Obviously the pro’s of professional teeth whitening is that your smile, now whiter and brighter, will give you a more youthful appearance. The con’s range from an allergic reaction to the bleaching gel, to the cost. The procedure can cost well over $1000 and can take more than one visit to yield the desired results. Also, dental condition plays a tremendous factor in whether or not the procedure will work for you. Extensive damage or discoloration may only be corrected through dental veneers or crowns.

Something many people consider a plus, but may actually be a minus where you are concerned, is how obvious the results will be. Some people are uncomfortable with other people knowing they have had “work” done and do not want to seem vain. There is nothing wrong with wanting a brighter smile and to look younger. If you do not want a dramatic change you may want to consider a home tooth whitening kit that will gradually lighten the color of your teeth.

Laser teeth whitening procedures can be very affordable to those truly desiring whiter teeth. Some people balk at the idea of paying out a thousand dollars just to have a whiter smile. The process does work, and it works well. Insurance typically does not cover the procedure but you may be able to work out a payment plan with the dentist when you go in for an initial consultation.

To learn more go to Los Anngeles Tooth Whitening and at Zoom Teeth Whitening

Home Teeth Whitening Techniques – From Baking Soda All The Way To Pig Hair

October 27, 2008

Home teeth whitening products have become a major industry in today’s oral healthcare market. If you consider how much money is spent on whitening chewing gum alone, then you are looking at an easy $17 million dollars for one brand. Now add in the whitening toothpastes, the whitening strips, the brushed on bleaching gels and you will quickly realize how huge an industry it has become. However, it was not always this way. Oral care had some rather humble beginnings that you may not know about. Knowing the past is a great way to truly appreciate our modern conveniences.

Oh, how wonderful it is to get up in the morning and brush your teeth. You should not take it for granted though. The first home teeth whitening step was considered to be just a good brushing of the teeth. Thankfully, you do not have to utilize what your ancestors had to use in order to brush, as they would have used a frayed twig. The twig became outdated when the first toothbrush was designed. It was made out of whittled wood and boar bristles.

Whiter teeth have always been fashionable. Early dentists, a.k.a the nearby barber, would file the tooth surface down before applying a solution of Nitric Acid. The blinding white teeth came with a steep price. This combination is devastating to enamel and the Dandy or Lady found themselves without teeth before long, due to decay. A tooth is only as good as the protection surrounding it.

Think about that fresh minty taste of your toothpaste. Most whitening toothpastes now contain baking soda. It is still a common practice to brush the teeth with baking soda straight out of the Arm & Hammer box. If you do not want that baking soda taste, then you may want to stick with toothpaste. At least the toothpaste no longer contains urine, a common ingredient in the 1800′s!

Home teeth whitening begins with the toothbrush and goes from there. There are ways you can lessen the impact of daily wear by avoiding tobacco products, which are bad for your health anyway, and by chewing special gum after you have indulged in coffee or soda. On the bright side, you do not have to brush your teeth with a boar bristle toothbrush and you do not have to go to your Barber and be subjected to his tooth whitening system.

To learn more go to Laser Teeth Whitening and at San Francisco Tooth Whitening

Teeth Whitening Gel – How Can It Benefit You?

October 24, 2008

You will find numerous unique products on the open market nowadays that are available to assist individuals in whitening their teeth. The teeth whitening gel is one of the more popular options and certainly one of the more effect types. You will find that teeth whitening gel is also one of the least expensive which is significant since this way everybody has the ability to afford it and not simply the people who have large amounts of money.

What are The Details

You will find on the market a few different brands of teeth whitening gels that you can select from, and this has included some of the top names such as Opalescence, Nite-White, Achromasia and Nupro-Gold.  These types of products utilize the chemical glycerin as their base which functions by drying out the pulp of the patients teeth and also takes away the stains from their teeth.

Having The Gel Applied

The application of the gel is typically a quick and simple process. The first step is to brush and floss your teeth before you insert the tray, and then put a small amount of teeth whitening gel halfway up the front of each tooth in the tray. After that cap off syringe and keep it for the next treatment until you finally finish it off. Insert the whitening tray in right way into your mouth over your teeth and then seal the tray in a firm way against your teeth.

Remember to wipe off any of the extra gel from your teeth and tray now that at has been applied, then you will typically wear the tray for several hours. The amount of time that the tray needs to be worn will vary depending on how severe the discoloration is on the persons teeth. Once the tray has been left on your teeth for the proper amount of time, take the tray off and then rinse off your teeth and gums. Brush away any of the gel that may remain.

At this point the tray should be cleaned up by placing it underneath cool running water until the gel is completely washed off and then the tray should be stored in the tray holder that came with the package.

The Benefits

There are numerous benefits to teeth whitening gel, and one benefit in particular is that the results are so quick as well as long lasting. Teeth whitening can go up to eight shades whiter or even more, and the end result is there is a high probability of it being more permanent than many other teeth whitening procedures.

Also it is significant that individuals recognize that they have the choice of whether they should be doing this procedure by themselves or traveling to the dentist and having it done there.

Certainly you will have an added expense to pay for these services however numerous individuals think of it as well worth it to realize that they are getting it done in the right way and that they will be obtaining the best results possible.

To learn more go to Cleveland Teeth Whitening and at Teeth Whitening System

How to Choose the Best Teeth Whitening System

October 22, 2008

There are numerous teeth whitening systems to select from nowadays, they can range from the at home types of procedures that you can leave on and then go about your daily activities all the way up to laser teeth whitening systems.

So you ask yourself; which teeth whitening system should I use? Well, that really depends on various factors, each individual will discover their own method that will work best for them. Actually, even the use of of an at home teeth whitening system that you purchase over the counter can provide you with a similar result as a visit to your local dentist.

Time and Cost as Factors

Two of the factors to take into consideration when selecting which teeth whitening system to use are cost and time. If you have a highly busy schedule and because of this would be unable to follow the directions of an at home tooth whitening system that need you to use it for several hours or more over a time period of a few days or even weeks, then in that case you are better off taking a trip to your dentist and letting him take care of it.

This way you will only have to go a few times and in some cases only once to have your teeth whitened. Bear in mind of course that the convenience of acquiring such results so rapidly goes with extra cost. Nonetheless if you have a big event happening then a professional teeth whitening system is worth investing in to look your best.

Potential Side Effects

There are some side effects to professional teeth whitening systems, even though they are typically minimal, you might want to look into them prior to going forward with this type of treatment. The chemicals that make up these teeth whitening procedures are caustic and may cause you irritation to your cheeks, gums and even to your lips if it comes in contact with anything other than the teeth that it is intended for.

Dentists will make certain that your mouth is thoroughly protected while the procedure is taking place through the use of a dental dam. After the procedure is finished you may experience some degree of sensitivity to cold as well as hot foods and drinks when in the past you did not have this sensation. After a few days has passed the sensitivity should go away.

To make any discomfort that you experience while eating or drinking you can use a toothpaste that is meant for individuals with sensitive teeth. You should also inquire with your dentist to have a fluoride treatment done after your teeth whitening to minimize this type of side effect.

You should not take aspirin or even ibuprofen or any other type of anti-inflammatory medicine before your teeth whitening procedure without initially consulting with your personal dentist. Various dentists have differing opinions in regards to this and you should make certain that it is permissible to do something like this before taking any medicine.

Teeth Whitening – Learning About Your Choices

October 21, 2008

You may not realize it but the color of your teeth can cause you to look older than your real age. People naturally associate white teeth and a shining smile with youth. Whiter teeth can also help the gaze focus away from those tiny lines around the mouth that appear as people age. Having a teeth whitening procedure done is a great way to look and feel younger. There are a few ways you can go about bringing back that youthful grin. You can spend thousands of dollars on cosmetic surgery or you can get a brighter smile. Which teeth whitening procedure would your checkbook appreciate?

It helps if you think of the surface of teeth as a ceramic tile. Just as tiles can become discolored and lose their brightness, so too do teeth. Dark liquids and tobacco are the chief causes of brown and yellowed teeth. Even some illnesses and medications can cause discoloration. Many people turn to teeth whitening as a way to feel younger and have a smile to show off.

There are two ways a person can whiten their teeth. They can visit a dentist or they can try a whitening product at home. Both can achieve some success. Typically, a dental visit can yield the best results, as some dentists can whiten teeth up to fourteen shades lighter than what the initial visit showed. If whitening cannot be achieved with standard procedures, then the dentist may suggest porcelain veneers to cover the damaged teeth.

Home teeth bleaching systems can be anything from specialty toothpastes, to whitening strips placed on the teeth at certain times of the day. There are also trays that can be molded to the shape of your teeth and filled with a special whitening gel. However, there are risks involved with any procedure. Bleach, while it can whiten teeth, can also erode the protective layer on your teeth. This is why it is very important to pay attention to the manufacturers’ directions.

Most teeth whitening products are very affordable, especially the home teeth whitening kits. If you have tried a home kit in the past and were disappointed with the results, then you may want to consider visiting a cosmetic dentist. Be forewarned though that their procedures will be more expensive than the whitening treatment kits for home use. The bright side is that you will see immediate results and it may be the best option for your particular case.

To learn more go to Los Anngeles Tooth Whitening and at Teeth Whitening In Pennsylvania

Dental Whitening Systems – What Are The Real Facts?

October 21, 2008

There is little doubt that a professional dental whitening system is very expensive. Some of the procedures cost more than $1000 and may require more than one visit. Most people, unless their teeth are very stained, elect to use a home tooth bleaching system, such as Crest White Strips or other home kits that lighten the color of the teeth. If you are curious as to how the kits work, then today is your lucky day. Keep reading and you will get a clearer perspective on having a brighter smile and you may even save yourself a visit to a cosmetic dentist.

A dental whitening system works by applying a gel directly to the surface of each tooth. In the early days of seeking whiter teeth, a person would order a home kit that could potentially do more harm than good. First, you had to shape the plastic tray into a mold of your teeth. The tray would be worn overnight. The problem was that the active ingredient in the gel was effective for only an hour or two, and the gel would be swallowed during the night. This sometimes caused irritation of the gums and the throat.

Items such as Crest White Strips have eliminated the need for the bulky whitening trays and bleach that stayed on overnight. These whitening strips are applied to the teeth and then left on for fifteen to thirty minutes twice a day. Some of the new lines are applied only at night. The reason is that most people, after brushing their teeth at night, do not eat or drink anything until they wake in the morning, therefore leaving the whitening gel on the tooth surface longer.

Teeth whitening kits also are produced in generic versions such as Equate found in Wal-Mart. Truth be told, they are just as effective as their brand name counterparts. If you are unsure if the kit is of the same quality as Crest, then take a look at the ingredients list. Chances are the active ingredients are the same for both brands and you may actually save a few dollars.

A home dental whitening system is a great product provided you do not have any problems with your teeth and gums. If you are allergic to certain types of bleaching gels, then the kit could put you at serious health risk. If you have open spots on tooth surfaces from tooth decay, then the whitening gel could make the condition worse and cause pain. Before beginning any teeth whitening system, you may want to consult with your dentist. He or she can make a recommendation that best suits your particular oral needs.

To learn more go to Teeth Whitening In New York and at Tooth Whitening In San Francisco

Teeth Whitening Products – Great Oral Hygiene Is The Starting Point

October 18, 2008

A glance around any supermarket or pharmacy shows that people spend big money on teeth whitening products. It is a huge market and there are plenty of companies looking to cash in on human vanity. But not all teeth whitening dental kits are the same and neither are some of the homeopathic remedies that people utilize. A smart consumer does a little bit of research before plunking down that hard earned cash on a product that will not work for you or a remedy that could be dangerous.

The first rule of thumb for anyone, should be to “know thy mouth” and know that what you put into it will affect your appearance. The first step to having a nicer smile is to have good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth should not be optional. It should be done at least twice a day with a good firm toothbrush, to not only clean the teeth, but to stimulate the gums as well. Also use a toothpaste that fights gingivitis and plaque. And don’t forget to floss. Everyone has lied to their dental hygienist once or twice when he or she was asked if flossing occurs regularly. Most people do not floss on a regular basis, but remember, a toothbrush only gets so far between your teeth.

You may not realize it, but the things you eat and drink play a huge role in the discoloration of teeth. Take for example coffee and tea. Each can be used as a dye for clothing. If it can dye a piece of fabric, then it can discolor the enamel of your teeth. Teeth whitening products, such as toothpaste, can help with some of the discoloration, but for deeper stains you will have to go a step beyond.

Once you know your mouth, you can begin the process of having whiter teeth. Start the process with good oral hygiene and follow it up with tooth whitening products that are easy to use. Skip the complicated trays and a whitening gel until you develop a routine. Simple toothpaste that contains a whitening agent is a great way to lighten your teeth by one or two shades. You can always try other methods later once you have a healthy mouth.

Please do not use common household bleach on your teeth as a way to save money on teeth whitening products. You may not want to leave whitening strips on your teeth throughout the day either, so an easy solution to keeping your teeth white is to cut back on tobacco use and avoid dark beverages that will stain. Good oral hygiene and a few products can give you the smile you have always wanted.

To learn more go to Zoom Tooth Whitening In Highland Park and at Santa Clara Teeth Whitening