Archive for December, 2010

Whitening your teeth like the celebrities!

GET YOUR FREE TEETH WHITENING GEL >> CLICK HERE NOW >>

Nearly anyone that wants to brighten their teeth or smile can benefit from teeth whitening products. Some reasons you may want to get your teeth whitened may be due to your age staining or smoking. These factors all make you an excellent candidate for teeth whitening. Studies indicate that the teeth whitening process is effective in more than 80% of patients. Teeth whitening is now becoming more popular than ever and research to better the teeth whitening system follows close behind.

Teeth whitening is a non-permanent procedure that works by removing harmful organic materials in the tooth enamel. The bleaching compound which is a peroxide derivative works by dissolving the organic materials in the enamel. For this reason teeth whitening is more effective if there is an ample supply of enamel.

Today there are 2 basic types of teeth whitening procedures: those done at the home via whitening kits and those at a dentist’s office by specialists.

Teeth Whitening Home Kits

Teeth whitening kits provide an affordable alternative to professional teeth whitening. Generally the kits contain a brand-name whitening gel that is applied in a provided mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is then fit over the teeth and left on for various amounts of time. The cost of these kits can vary greatly as a quality one can be several hundred dollars while a cheaper kit will only cost you around 30 dollars. Obviously a quality kit will be more effective due to the better ingredients used in the gels.

To be sure you get a quality kit look for the ADA seal of approval on the box (American Dental Association). Following the manufacturer’s directions in the box is very important when using a home kit. Also be sure to consult with a dentist if you plan to use a whitening kit for long periods of time. The bleaching compounds can cause severe teeth sensitivity that can have long term effects.

Professional Teeth Whitening

A professional teeth whitening treatment is the more expensive of the 2 options however it is the safest and is generally more effective. A dental specialist will first determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening then decide which type of whitening system would best fit your situation. Once determined as a candidate the dental specialist will remove any general debris and plaque in the teeth that may hamper the whitening process. If you have cavities or gum disease this will need to be taken care of prior to treatment.

Generally the professional method is the preferred choice of most as positive results are more common. Be sure to consult with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for teeth whitening as it is instant and generally hassle free.

Are There Disadvantages or Limitations to Teeth Whitening?

As with any cosmetic treatments there are bound to be a few side effects that can occur. Sore gums sore teeth and hyper-sensitivity can be caused by the whitening bleach. Also don’t expect your bridges crowns or fillings to brighten. The teeth whitening material is only effective for tooth enamel. Therefore it is very important that you consult with a dentist before trying a whitening product especially home kits.

You may also find yourself disappointed with the results. Everyone is different; therefore no procedure will have the same results. If you are unsatisfied with your teeth after a whitening procedure you should consult with your dentist if further treatments will help or not.

Because teeth whitening has become so popular and effective research continues to improve all teeth whitening systems.


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Whitening your teeth like the celebrities!

GET YOUR FREE TEETH WHITENING GEL >> CLICK HERE NOW >>

There are certain times in your life when it is important to increase your visual appearance in a short amount of time. These situations often occur before pictures weddings first dates beauty pageants and class reunions. In addition to wanting the perfect outfit and hairstyle people are also often looking for fast teeth whitening options. They need whiter teeth and they need them fast. There are some ways to gain a quick pearly white smile to send your appearance to the top.

If you have the money laser teeth whitening is a sure way to gain whiter teeth in a short amount of time. During the laser treatment performed at the dentist office a whitening product is applied to your teeth. Then a laser is used to create the whitening process of the chemical. Laser treatments for whitening teeth can improve the color of your teeth up to six shades. However the process is expensive and you must find a dentist that performs the procedure.

Many dentists also offer teeth bleaching for whiter teeth. This method often gives quick results and is not as expensive as laser methods of whitening the teeth. Some results can typically be seen after one treatment but full results may take several treatments from your dentist.

One cheaper way to quickly whiten your teeth is through whitening gels. Purchase an over the counter whitening gel kit. Also make sure that you have whitening toothpaste rinse and dental floss on hand. Brush and floss your teeth to make sure that all particles getting in the way of whitening are removed. Brush the gel onto each tooth and leave for the specified amount of time. Spit out the gel and brush your teeth with the whitening toothpaste. Follow-up the process with a whitening rinse. Wait a few hours and repeat the entire process. Examine your whiter teeth.

While the paint gels often show the quickest results whitening tray kits are also fairly quick at whitening your teeth. When choosing an over the counter teeth whitening kit for quickness choose a gel option first then a tray kit and if these are not available choose a kit with strips.

Many teeth whitening specialty kits offer faster and enhanced teeth whitening results. Search for teeth whiteners that offer power results. Fast teeth whitening products can be found at drug stores in health and beauty sections and from online sites and stores. Specialty teeth whiteners from Dramatic Smiles and related sites offer at home kits claiming to show fast teeth whitening results.

When looking to whiten your teeth stop drinking sodas or dark colored beverages. Stop smoking and choose foods that are healthy for your teeth. Brush floss and rinse daily. Give your teeth special attention during the whitening process. While many products are available for gaining fast teeth whitening results taking care of your teeth once they are white will go a long way in the future on maintaining your bright smile.


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Whitening your teeth like the celebrities!

GET YOUR FREE TEETH WHITENING GEL >> CLICK HERE NOW >>

Of all the cosmetic services that a dentist can offer ‘teeth whitening’ is the #1 service of all. It’s popular amongst both genders and teeth bleaching treatments are wide and varied in type and cost. Some like BriteSmile can be accomplished in one hour but will cost the most (ranging from $400-$800 depending on which location and individual practice fees). Others like Crest Strips are much cheaper and available at your local pharmacy but reportedly take 4-6 weeks to see results. Though popular it’s believed that only 15% of the population has attempted it.

‘Teeth whitening’ is effective for almost everyone. Other than temporary sensitivities which occur more commonly in people with gum recession or significant cracks in their teeth no major side effects are known to date. While most patients will see improvement in the whiteness of their teeth it does require upkeep usually needing touch-ups or continued treatment to keep teeth white.

Scientifically speaking and according to the FDA ‘bleaching’ is a term that can only be used when the process involves bleach (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide usually) and teeth can be whitened beyond their original whiteness. Teeth whitening procedures on the other hand involves removing all debris and stains and restoring surface color. ‘Whitening’ is more often used than ‘bleaching’ even when the product used involves bleach of some variety.

Tooth discoloration or staining happens in everyone for a multitude of reasons. There are extrinsic stains which are stains that appear on the exterior of teeth caused by what we eat (food and beverage including red wine coffee tea carrots) tobacco and routine wear and tear. These stains are normally tackled by dental cleanings and are the stains that ‘teeth whitening’ treats. Intrinsic stains are stains that occur to the interior of teeth which usually involve trauma exposure to particular minerals (i.e. tetracycline) or excessive exposure to fluoride. Intrinsic stains also develop naturally from aging; tooth transparency caused by aging is reportedly the only stain that teeth whitening procedures cannot treat.

TYPES OF SERVICES

o In-Office Whitening: This is quickest way to whiten teeth usually involving one hour in a dental office. The high concentration gel is applied carefully by a technician assistant or dentist and the gums are protected with a rubber dam.

o Professional Take Home Kits: While some believe this to be the most effective procedure it takes considerably longer and require patience and dedication to the program. Lower-concentration gel is involved and the patient is required to apply gel into a tray and keep on for one hour daily or even overnight depending on the kit.

o Over-the-Counter: By far the cheapest of all especially since you do not need a dental office visit to acquire this product. This involves a gel that is lowest in concentration and can be applied via tray strips or a gel that is painted onto teeth. While financial benefits exists it is believed to be the least effective of all and many patients lose interest in the procedure after awhile due to not seeing visible results.

RESULTS

All results of teeth whitening are truly subjective depending on and varying by each individual person. Many are impressed with one treatment and others are disappointed after a full treatment of teeth whitening having expected whiter teeth than was achieved. Particularly with in-office teeth whitening procedures it is important to consult a doctor on the expected shade result and to keep expectations realistic. Achieving a smile that celebrities attained through veneers is usually impossible utilizing solely teeth whitening services. Most offices use a shade guide with 16 shades of common teeth color to indicate where a person begins in tooth shade and then explains where a person can expect to end with teeth whitening treatment. The average shade improvement is usually two to seven shades but some have achieved as much as a nine shade improvement with teeth whitening procedures. Everyone’s results will vary but improvements are guaranteed through teeth whitening so it’s worth giving it a shot.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER

- Keep expectations realistic: you will see improvement but how much depends on your teeth less than which teeth whitening procedure you chose. Consider the shade guide and understand where at best you will end up. Also teeth can continue to whiten for up to 24 hours after an in-office teeth whitening treatment but will settle over the course of two weeks to the actual shade achieved by the treatment.

- After teeth whitening all dark-colored food and staining foods/drinks should be avoided for up to 48 hours. Due to the bleaching process your teeth will be like sponges absorbing any and all colors. This includes using colored toothpastes so be sure to use a white toothpaste at least for 48 hours

- If you have any kind of fillings porcelain veneers or crowns on your teeth it is crucial that you remember that man-made restorations such as these WILL NOT BLEACH. You must plan to replace these restorations opt out of teeth whitening altogether or understand that these particular teeth will remain a different color for a considerable amount of time until your teeth return back to their original shade over time.

- Recessed gums will often show the yellowish roots. Teeth whitening does not seem to be effective on improving this area and you may end up with whiter teeth that make the root area’s yellowness more visible than before teeth whitening.

- Pregnant or nursing women are advised to hold off on as the side effects of swallowing bleach during pregnancy however minute are not yet known.


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Whitening your teeth like the celebrities!

GET YOUR FREE TEETH WHITENING GEL >> CLICK HERE NOW >>

Teeth whitening has become a hit with Gen-Xers Baby Boomers and teens. It can draw attention to your smile make you feel better about yourself and even give you a more youthful appearance. If you are skeptical about whitening treatments or have tried and been disappointed with over-the-counter products this information may be helpful to you if you’d still like to have whiter teeth.

Why Can’t I Get My Teeth White?

For starters not everyone’s teeth were the same shade at birth. This is important to know if you’re comparing your results to someone else’s results. You probably also know that foods we eat things we drink or smoking can cause our teeth to darken over time. But other factors – illness medications the environment – can also cause discoloration. If your mother used certain types of antibiotics during pregnancy or while nursing your teeth might have become discolored as a result. If children take certain antibiotics – such as ones in the tetracycline family – during the time permanent teeth are developing a similar discoloration can occur.

What At-Home Teeth-Whitening Options Exist?

At-home options include over-the-counter products as well as products that can be dispensed by your dentist. One of the simplest and easiest teeth-whitening approaches can be to try whitening toothpastes. However while they have special chemical or polishing agents that help to remove stains from tooth enamel they aren’t going to change the natural color of your teeth. Be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance in making your toothpaste selection. The ADA website provides a lookup tool that can help you identify approved products for whitening. Many people are not satisfied with the results they achieve with whitening toothpaste and want still whiter teeth.

Other at-home methods use bleaching solutions that are peroxide-based compounds of varying strengths. The bleaching agent either comes on strips that you apply to your teeth or is applied using trays that fit over your teeth. Going to a dentist for an at-home whitening treatment program allows the dentist to provide a custom-fitted mouthguard/tray that fits your mouth and teeth better. At-home teeth-whitening products are generally used for intervals of 1-2 weeks – sometimes once or twice a day sometimes overnight. Some people experience tooth sensitivity or irritation of oral tissue (especially gums) when using these products. A properly fitted tray/mouthguard from a dentist can diminish the likelihood of oral tissue irritation.

The Academy of General Dentistry offers some informative pointers with respect to the use of bleaching agents at home on their website. One of the most important is to not use whitening products if you have decay periodontal disease or hypersensitivity. A regular dental exam can help you determine that. Proper use of these products is important. Some people leave the teeth-whitening agents on the teeth too long and find that their teeth have a white but very unnatural look. Others use the over-the-counter products and are unsatisfied with the degree of whitening or that only the front teeth are being whitened.

What About In-Office Whitening Treatments?

Two fundamental reasons that many people choose in-office teeth whitening are 1) whiter teeth and 2) faster results. Dentists can use bleaching solutions that are stronger than safe at-home options. Just as the outcomes of teeth-whitening solutions for home use can be influenced by the user’s diligence in following directions outcomes of in-office whitening can be affected by the dentist delivering the treatment. No matter how skilled and attentive the dentist is there are times when tooth whitening alone won’t provide the results you’re hoping for. For some teeth veneers or cosmetic dentistry approaches need to be used in conjunction with whitening. In fact whitening surrounding teeth can actually call attention to problematic teeth – another reason to consult your dentist before you decide on in-home over-the-counter teeth whitening systems.

Choosing a dentist based on the teeth-whitening products he or she uses is not the wisest approach. Many dentists offer more than one product and approach to teeth whitening. The best dental care providers will carefully devise a teeth-whitening plan that takes into account your overall dental health your timeline and the realities of how your personal habits can affect both short-term and long-term results.

In selecting a dentist you should be aware that some dentists are simply more careful about what they do. This extra care can mean fewer short-term and long-term oral health issues. Applying products with care can result in a reduced likelihood of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity in the short term. However some patients are simply more sensitive than others. With respect to long-term oral health there are certain products that should be used very cautiously. An example is Ultraviolet (UV) light which can be used to activate speed up or enhance the bleaching process. For decades we’ve been aware of UV light and its short-term and long-term effects on skin health. In spite of that some dentists liberally apply UV light to both teeth and gum areas during teeth-whitening treatments. Can you imagine what would happen if you held down your lower lip to expose your gums to the summer sunshine for a couple of hours? Think of the tissue damage and long-term cancer risks – especially since your gums have no sunscreen applied. UV light can be used effectively and safely. However UV use for whitening should include procedures and equipment that protect gum tissue and direct the light only on appropriate areas.


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Whitening your teeth like the celebrities!

GET YOUR FREE TEETH WHITENING GEL >> CLICK HERE NOW >>

There are several different methods for teeth whitening ranging from professional products only available if the work is carried out by your dentist to very basic tooth whitening products such as toothpastes.

Teeth whitening basically works by bleaching or in the case of whitening toothpaste by removing stains from the surface of your teeth through abrasive means.

Most teeth whitening products contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent with the former being the main component of professional bleaching products.

Bleaching lightens the color of your teeth but the degree of lightening is dependant on the type of product you use. Laser teeth whitening is perceived by many to be the most effective method as the laser light activates the bleaching agent thus speeding up the teeth whitening process. However it is the most costly way of whitening your teeth and is a process that will need to be repeated at regular intervals (every one – three years depending on how well you look after your newly whitened teeth).

Tray based teeth whitening products also work by bleaching your teeth but have an added advantage over laser whitening in that the custom mouthpiece can be re-used when you want to whiten your teeth again. The only consumable is the teeth whitening bleaching agent. Tray based tooth whitening products can be purchased through your dentist or over the counter tray based products are now available that use the preferred carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent.

Paint on teeth whitening products and whitening strips are available over the counter for not a lot of money but there appears to be little support for any over the counter products other than tray based teeth whitening with carbamide peroxide.

Bleaching works well for whitening yellow teeth but is not the answer in every situation so it is advisable to seek the advice of your dentist. Your dentist may recommend that you don’t use teeth whitening products if your teeth are sensitive you have worn enamel cavities gum disease or in other situation where tooth whitening may prove detrimental to your health or the health of your teeth.

Teeth whitening through bleaching is not normally recommended for individuals that have crowns bridges or other types of prosthetic teeth as bleaching will not lighten the colour of anything other than your natural teeth leaving anything else looking out of place. In such instances it may be worth looking at paint on teeth whitening products that can be used to whiten individual teeth.

If you are an unsuitable candidate for teeth whitening products then you may have other options open to you such as dental veneers or crowns.

Teeth whitening toothpaste can be quite useful after teeth whitening to help maintain the lighter colour of your teeth with their abrasive action helping to remove new stains from the surface of your teeth.


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