Tuesday, December 25, 2007

In-Office Tooth Whitening

You may feel that your teeth are too discolored and stained to ever be white again, but cosmetic dentists are achieving amazing results with the latest tooth whitening techniques in their clinics. This has made the in-office tooth whitening a better option to consider whenever you want to whiten your teeth.

In-office tooth whitening is a tooth whitening procedure carried out in the cosmetic dentist office. It is regarded to be faster, safe and most effective. This is because the oral health care professional or the dentist is there to do it himself. So it is done in a professional way under total supervision.

At the in-office tooth whitening, the dentist starts with examining the health of your teeth, such as checking the teeth for cavities since tooth whitening gels can damage the cavities in the teeth.

At the in-office tooth whitening, your teeth can be whitened up to 3-5 shades whiter within 45minutes. This will enhance your appearance by eliciting a brighter and whiter smile within a short time.

There are shades charts available in the dentist clinic that will be used to determine the particular shade of white teeth that will be good for you. This chart is used during the consultation stage of treatment. This makes the in office tooth whitening to be different, because your dentist is in charge of achieving your particular desire white teeth. When the oral health care professional or dentist is working on you, he does so at your comfort. In other words, you are made to be comfortable while the treatment is going on. During treatment your dentist uses a tissue barrier which could be a gel or a rubber guard. This help to protect your lips and gums against the whitening gel.

The tooth whitening gel is applied in three sessions. During the tooth whitening process, a special light source is used to activate the gel. Hence the gel is activated; it speeds up the tooth whitening process. Then the tooth whitening gel is allowed to stay on the teeth for about 15 minutes until it is time for next application.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

How To Make Your Teeth Whiter Than Ever

Do you want a clean fresh mouth with strong and healthy teeth? Have you been worried because of your bad breath? You can now read to know and learn how to achieve your dream of having a breath of fresh air and strong healthy teeth.

For a healthy teeth and breath of fresh air, there are certain things you should do. First, you should know that having healthy teeth and breathe of fresh air go simultaneously; therefore you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Regularly brushing your teeth will enhance the health of your teeth and get rid of any possible bad breath. When this is done, you will always have the confidence to smile because of the resulting whiter teeth.

You should regularly visit your dentist. Visiting your dentist is very important because the dentist as an expert is expected to give you the best.

Try to buy good toothpaste for your daily brush, especially those that contain fluoride. This is because among other things, fluoride helps to protect the teeth against cavities.

Please always keep the toothpaste out of the reach of children under 6 years of age. If accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact poison control center right away.

Hopefully, if you brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day, and visit your dentist at the right time, you will have clean and healthy white teeth. Remember to ensure that the toothpaste you are going to buy is not an expired one before you leave the shop.

Charles of http://toothwhitening.fateback.com, passionately writes to inform and educate people on life related issues. Recommended: article so that you can enjoy a white teeth happy smile.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Whiten Your Teeth at Home Naturally

Did you ever watch your white kitchen cups turn a brownish color even after washing them? Coffees, teas, highly pigmented foods do this to your cups, and also your teeth. Common stains from food (and cigarettes) attach to plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth.

There are some easy things you can do at home in between your dental teeth cleaning visits to keep your teeth white and fresh looking.

Here's a list of tips and recommendations:

--Keep your mouth clean; it cuts down on stain build up. If you can't brush after every meal, make sure you rinse food out of your mouth after you eat.

--Strawberries whiten teeth! Rub one on your teeth every day -or mash and apply with your toothbrush (rinse mouth afterwards)

--Brush your teeth with a paste of baking powder and water

--Rub the inside of an orange peel on the teeth

--Brush your teeth with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (rinse afterwards, don't swallow)

--Mix these ingredients and brush on teeth: 1 tsp baking soda dash of salt then add a few drops of white vinegar, which will foam

--Burn a piece of toast, then scrape off the black layer of the toast (it is charcoal) and mix that with your toothpaste. Brush your teeth with this at night before you go to bed

--Brush with mustard oil and salt

--Make a paste of ground, dried bay leaves and dried orange peels (you may need to add some water). Use this as a whitener in between brushing teeth

--Equal parts of lemon juice and salt - brush on as whitener

--Brush your teeth with apple cider vinegar

--Use an electric toothbrush. Studies show an electric toothbrush can remove 98.2 percent of plaque

--Great plaque dissolvers are anti-bacterial mouthwashes. Many have alcohols that aren't all that healthy. The best natural mouthwash that I have come across is Thieves® Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash from Young Living. It has essential oils such as peppermint, lemon, cinnamon, rosemary, eucalyptus, melissa leaf water, vitamin E, and other great stuff.

Visit http://www.HomeSpaLady.com for simple tips on natural health and beauty that you can do at home. Subscribe to Home Spa Lady's free "Tips of the Week" newsletter delivered to you each and every Wednesday in your e-mailbox. Visit Home Spa Lady's blog to read tips right now!

By Marilee Tolen

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Slash Your Dental Treatment Costs and Get Free Holiday!

Slash Your Dental Treatment Costs and Get Free Holiday! It's true that you can have your dentistry costs dramatically reduced from prices charged in Europe or the USA. You can enjoy world-class treatment for a wide variety if dental problems and with the savings enjoy a fantastic holiday in India, with its diverse culture and stunning scenery.

This is the age of affordable international travel and with it has come the rise of medical tourism and healthcare. Patients can now get the same quality of dental treatments that they receive at home at a fraction of the cost, and enjoy a holiday with the savings and maybe even have some money left over. Low Dentistry Costs in India India has always been renowned for the quality of its private medical and dentistry care and this is due to the expertise and professionalism of its dentists as well as its facilities.

With airfares more affordable than ever before, many packages are available, that includes treatments and a holiday at the same time. The medical tourism industry in India is worth over US $2 billion per annum, and dental treatment is a significant and growing proportion of this figure. Many dentists of Indian origin work in the USA and Europe. This has given many people the confidence to seek out the lower costs of dental treatment in India rather than pay the high price of dental treatment in their country of residence.

Low Dentistry Costs and Quality Treatment In India, the clinics promoted by medical tour operators have stringent requirements in terms of hygiene, cleanliness, and ambience, which are of a similar or higher standard than private dentistry facilities in the Europe or the US. In India, dentists have training to a high standard and they are very professional.

Various Dental Procedures Available: ? General dentistry ? Cosmetic dentistry ? Orthodontics ? Prosthodontics ? Periodontics ? Oral Surgery Modern Dental Treatment Facilities in India are available at prices where the dentists of the USA and Europe simply cannot compete. Dental costs might be low, but this does not in anyway affect the quality of the treatments offered.

Common Dental Treatments are: ? Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry ? Crown and Bridge for fixed replacement of broken or damaged teeth ? Surgical Removal of impacted teeth ? Dentures ? Dental Implants ? Extractions ? Tooth Whitening Procedures ? Dental Surgical Procedures ? Laser Treatment ? Root Canal Treatment ? Orthodontics Low Dentistry Costs Examples ? Root Canal Treatment ?120.00 ? Ceramic Veneers ?120.00 ? Dental Implants ?500.00 Low cost, high quality dentistry treatment can be yours in India - at up to 80% less than similar treatments in Europe or the USA. Low Cost Dentistry and a Holiday As Well You may not have thought about combining your dental treatment with a holiday before, but the costs involved make this an attractive and viable idea for a growing number of people, as you can see from the savings detailed above.

In conclusion, you get world-class facilities, dentists that are renowned for their professionalism, expertise, and huge cost savings. Therefore, you can have a holiday at the same time. Low cost dentistry carried out overseas in combination with a holiday at no additional cost, is now a real possibility, and an ideal destination to consider is India.

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Friday, December 14, 2007

Teeth Whitening Facts - The Basics

So you want a brighter smile do you? Well, at least you were born in the right century that's for sure! If you were unlucky enough to be born two thousand years ago during the reign of Roman emperor Caesar Augustus and wanted to brighten your smile, your friendly local Roman Cosmetic Dentist would be prescribing urine to brush your teeth with. That's right urine.

Don't ask me why, but it has something to do with ammonia molecules breaking down tooth stains. OK let's fast forward to the 21st century and be thankful.

Obtaining a brighter smile in the twenty first century is fast becoming a Dental art form. All kinds of products, both for the over-the-counter and in-office teeth whitening markets abound. Knowing a few basic facts about your teeth before plunking down up to $1,000 for the latest procedure is well worth your time and will help you achieve a whiter smile.

Know Thy Teeth and Thyself

You may think you know your teeth but alas only your Dentist knows for sure. Keeping your teeth nice and bright for the rest of your life requires that you understand the current condition of your teeth. A visit to your Dentist will let you know whether applying the latest products will have the desired effect.

Your Dentist will be able to look at the current staining on your teeth and let you know how effective the procedure will be. Yellowish stained teeth respond well to the whitening solution used in teeth whitening but brownish-colored teeth do not respond as well. Teeth with a grayish-hue or purplish-stain may not whiten at all.

If you have cavities they need to be filled before you start any treatment. That's because the whitening gel used can pass through the decayed areas and reach the inner parts of the tooth causing tooth sensitivity. If you have receding gums that is a problem. Whitening does not work on the exposed roots, caused by receding gums, which do not have an enamel layer.

Tooth-colored fillings and resin composites used in crowns, veneers, bonding and bridges do not whiten. This is important because using a lightening agent on teeth that both do and do not have restorations will result in uneven shading. If you have had any prior tooth restoration mentioned above your Dentist will help you develop the best strategy suited to your teeth.

Do you have sensitive teeth or gums? If you don't know, it is better to find out before applying the peroxide solution used to bleach your teeth. While the peroxide will not cause permanent tooth sensitivity it can be quite uncomfortable for some people. Also you want to make sure you are not allergic to the peroxide solution.

If you are under 16 years of age or pregnant wait awhile for your bright new smile. The tooth nerve is enlarged before the age of 16 and could cause sensitivity. Teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Lastly, it is important to have realistic expectations. If you expect your teeth to light up a dark room you are setting your self up for a disappointment. Smokers need to be aware that smoking can inhibit their results, especially during the bleaching process.

These are just a few facts about your teeth you should be aware of before deciding what type of product best suits you or whether you should even have your teeth whitened.

By Mark McClean

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Monday, December 10, 2007

At Home Teeth Whitening Tips

Many individuals lack self-esteem because their smile is not as white and bright as they would like. Most of these individuals are interested in various methods that they can use in order to succeed in teeth whitening at home. Here, you will be introduced to a number of "at home" teeth whitening tips that is sure to provide you with that bright, white smile that you have been longing to achieve.

One of the first teeth whitening tips includes the use of a little table salt and lemon juice. Many individuals have found that by mixing these two effective cleaning solutions, and then applying them to the teeth, that they are cleaned relatively well. This is an easy and effective method of ensuring that teeth are cleaned appropriately. Furthermore, it is safe and it costs very little. For just about $3.00 you can create an at home teeth whitening mixture that you can use for months to come!

One of the oldest remedies when it comes to home teeth whitening, yet one of the most effective, is the implementation of baking soda. Many individuals live by this solution. You simply take a bit of baking soda, place it in a container, and then add just enough water to make a paste-like solution. Once the right consistency is established, you will simply place this solution on your toothbrush and brush your teeth as you would if you were using toothpaste. Many individuals find that this teeth whitening remedy is most effective if a store bought pre-rinse solution is purchased. Many may simply elect to pre-rinse using a solution of baking soda and water.

Many people live by the true power of oranges when it comes to at home teeth whitening solutions. It is said that if an individual takes the peel of an orange and rubs the backside along the teeth that the teeth will naturally sparkle. This has proven to be an effective and safe remedy for numerous individuals. Many people also, in the same respect, use the peelings that protect a lemon. This method is even more effective if you add a dab of table salt to the peeling.

There are many people who have attempted to use baking soda and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in order to create a teeth whitening remedy. While this is normally quite effective, one must be extremely careful when utilizing this whitening solution. The hydrogen peroxide should not be swallowed at all. If you do swallow any of the peroxide, it is important to drink at least a cup of water behind the accidental swallowing. This will ensure that the effects of the hydrogen peroxide are diluted.

In addition to the many whitening solutions mentioned above, it is important to ensure that you practice good oral hygiene when wanting to keep a bright white smile. You should brush after each meal and snack (if possible), and floss. You should also use a good mouth rinse. Those that have antiseptic qualities are among the best as far as a mouth rinse is concerned. Be sure to brush the tongue and sweep the inside of the jaw as well. All of these practices will help to ensure that your teeth are kept clean and white!

By Timothy Croy

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

Teeth whitening treatment by the dentist is certainly the best way to achieve a Hollywood smile. Professional techniques whiten teeth in the shortest time and the effects last longer than home remedies. For those on a budget however, home DIY kits provide a viable short-term solution to whitening your teeth.

There are various professional whitening treatments like over the counter teeth whitening systems, dentist dispensed products to be used at home, laser teeth whitening, loaded tray methods and in-office whitening method. Dentists prefer to use peroxide-based chemicals as bleaching agent for treatments. Here's a quick overview of these treatments.

Over The Counter Whitening Systems

There are numerous options like toothpastes, brush-on-gels, whitening strips, sprays etc. These can be used at home by following the printed instructions. These are cheaper methods and yield results after prolonged use.

Dentist Dispensed Products For Home Use

This is the Loaded Tray method. Dentists load carbamide peroxide, a strong bleaching agent, inside custom made trays and fit it with the gum. The bleaching agent reacts with the saliva to release hydrogen peroxide and whitens the teeth in two to three weeks.

In-office Whitening- Laser Teeth Whitening System

Here the bleaching agent is applied directly on the teeth in combination with laser for quick reaction between the teeth and the whitening agent. This is the costliest treatment now available for whitening the teeth and the effect lasts for four to five years.

Blue Light Teeth Whitening Treatment

A blue light is used to create a reaction between the teeth and the whitening agent. Advantage of this method is that the results are visible in a few sittings with the dentist and the effect lasts for a longer period.

These are a few of the professional-type treatments available today. As you would expect, in-office treatments yield quicker results over home diy treatments but can be quite costly and require repeated sittings in the dentist chair.

By Karen Manning

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Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Products Give You Something To Smile About

Teeth whitening is fast becoming a staple of good health, hygiene and appearance. And while cosmetic dental treatment is ideal yet expensive, you can start doing your own teeth whitening by using a good over the counter teeth whitening product. It's the most common and easiest way to make your teeth look great and your smile, the brightest it can be.

Most over the counter teeth whitening products come in two types: bleaching and abrasive. Bleaching is the changing of the natural tooth color, to a whiter color. This is done through the actions of the carbamide peroxide solution which is the main ingredient for most over the counter teeth whitening with bleaching solutions.

The peroxide solution helps remove deep and surface stains while bleaching the tooth enamel. Because your tooth enamel is porous material, coffee, wine, soda, food and nicotine stains can easily penetrate this hard layer with no difficulty. Using over the counter teeth whitening products with peroxide solutions is the most recommended.

This type of teeth whitening is easily available over the counter at your local pharmacy. It may come in toothpaste or gel form which you may brush directly on your teeth, or place in a mouth guard for some time (depending on the product directions).

Usually the peroxide solutions in these over the counter teeth whitening products only range from ten to twenty percent to avoid tissue damage or accidental poisoning (over the counter teeth whitening products used by dentists in their treatments have at least thirty percent peroxide solution). But because the peroxide concentration is so low, it may take ten days to several weeks before you can see a dramatic improvement in your teeth.

The second type of teeth whitening is by using over the counter teeth whitening products that contain a mild abrasive solution. This mild abrasive solution grinds away at surface stains, removing them from your tooth enamel. This type comes in toothpaste form.

In fact, the most common type of the over the counter mild abrasive whitening is toothpaste. Most toothpastes have small particles of either (or a mix of) silica, aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate, or calcium phosphate that help clean off the stains on your teeth. This is the simplest way to whiten your teeth, and the safest kind to use, as well. There is a specific type of paste you should use called a whitening toothpaste.

Over the counter teeth whitening toothpaste not only has the mild abrasive solution to clean away stains while you brush, it also contains a mild whitening chemical solution that acts (together with abrasive solution) both as a cleaning and whitening agent. Over the counter teeth whitening toothpaste products, however, don't contain peroxide bleaching solutions.

But don't expect instant results; it may take you anywhere from ten days to several weeks before you can see the change in your teeth's color to a more acceptable white. If you can't wait that long, visit your family dentist and ask for advice for undergoing dental whitening treatments. But beware: Price wise, these treatments may be prohibitively more expensive than do-it-yourself over the counter teeth whitening products.

There are a lot of over the counter teeth whitening products to choose from. Ask your pharmacist to help you pick out one. Buying an over the counter teeth whitening product is the first step to your new smile.

By Cavyl Stewart

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Sunday, December 2, 2007

Teeth Whitening Products - A True Love Story

There were so many teeth whitening products found in the dental aisle at the local grocery store, that Jonathan could not decide which one was best for him. All he wanted was to finally have white teeth, but after looking around he could not decide exactly how much should a bright smile cost. There was a diverse amount of teeth whitening products on both sides of him, and the shelves were absolutely packed with gels, toothpastes and creams that all touted themselves as the absolute best choice in tooth whiteners.

With all his worries about how much should a bright smile cost, Jonathan found himself picking up every tooth whitener around him and reading the product information to himself but out loud. "This tooth whitening gel eliminates stains and will guarantee the white teeth you have always dreamed of," he told one teeth whitening product, as if the box of tooth whitener would somehow speak back. "And this product promises to guarantee teeth whitening also - or your money back." Jonathan began to worry more; all he wanted was to whiten his smile before tomorrow's big date with Sheila - they had met in this very grocery store last week. Just as Jon felt he might drown in a sea of teeth whitening products, he reached out for one more white teeth remedy, and he placed his hand on someone else's hand who was also reaching for the same product that promised a low bright smile cost.

He looked up from his hand to those same piercing green eyes he'd met last week. "What are you doing here Sheila?" He asked her. She told him she'd come to the tooth whitener aisle for the same reason he had; she wanted to have beautiful white teeth for when she met him tomorrow. So she came back to the store to get some teeth whitening products, but had seen Jon looking through all the products for the very same reason. "Well, I don't know how much might a bright smile cost, but I might do know one thing." Jon told her with his own bright smile. "I know that I'm glad we are both nervous about the same silly thing, and that makes me think that tomorrow will be the start of something absolutely wonderful." And it was.

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Friday, November 30, 2007

Choosing The Best Tooth Whitening Product

Having sparkling, white teeth is not only desirable, it appears to have become an obsession with many people and those people want to discover the best tooth whitening product.

There are many products currently available in the market; however, before you can chose the best tooth whitening product for your needs you will need to consider whether you want the whitening process carried out professionally by a dentist or if you'd prefer to do it yourself at home.

Professional tooth whitening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the appearance of both men and women. It is fast, affordable and can transform a smile in a matter of days. It is, therefore, becoming more popular and common. The usual method of professional whitening involves treating the teeth with carbamide peroxide, an active ingredient which releases a great amount of oxygen into the enamel of the teeth, thereby lightening the teeth by several shades.

The peroxide compound is generally placed into a tray which is then applied to the teeth while protecting the gums. The best thing with the professional tooth whitening process is that it is fast and effective and will whiten your teeth in a matter of days. The process itself takes one to two hours at the dental surgery and there is a follow-up process which can be carried out at home, whereby the patient wears the tray with compound for 30 minutes a day for three weeks. The improvement in the brightness and whiteness of the teeth can be dramatic.

There are other improved products available today that can be applied overnight. This will speed up the process a lot. In this way the treatment can be finished within one week, instead of two to three weeks which the home kits usually require. Having your teeth whitened professionally may seem like an expensive option for many people and they may prefer to look for the best tooth whitening product that can be used at home. When choosing a home tooth whitening kit consider the following:

• Ease of use
• Product ingredients
• Price and value
• Product recommendation

Peroxide-based tooth whitening is a function of two factors - the concentration of peroxide in the whitening compound and the amount of time the compound is in contact with the surface of the teeth. To achieve the best results, the teeth need to be exposed to an appropriate tooth whitener for the recommended amount of time.

Often, home tooth whitening kits use a lower concentration whitener for an extended period of time. A dentist will usually use a higher concentration of whitener for a shorter period of time. It is generally felt that both methods will produce the same outcome.

Tooth bleaching at home requires will require a commitment to follow the process for some week. On the other hand, the dentist can achieve the same result in a matter of hours - albeit at far greater cost. It is generally considered that two weeks of at-home whitening treatments would produce the same result as a one-hour session with the dentist.

Conclusion

To choose the best tooth whitening product you will need to consider many factors including your budget, the time you have available to pursue the whitening process and your ability to stick to the necessary daily routine required for home bleaching. Both methods will usually produce excellent results.

Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Cosmetic Dentistry Site to assist anyone who wants to achieve a brilliant smile through teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Stevens

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Thursday, November 29, 2007

Lighten The Color of Your Teeth by Tooth Whitening

Tooth Whitening is the process of lightening the color of your teeth. The methods employed to whiten teeth have been used in the world of dentistry for years. The process of whitening teeth has been found most on teeth that are mildly discolored. Teeth that have extensive staining will require a great deal of bleaching in order to remove the stains.

Teeth that have been damaged and stained due to medication such as antibiotics take longer to respond to treatment and in some cases the treatment is ineffective. The degree to which the teeth whiten will vary from patient to patient. The degree to which the teeth whiten depends greatly on the structure of the teeth and the duration of the treatment. Tooth whitening can be done a variety of ways.

Most people today are opting for what is known as home bleaching. This is where you whiten your teeth by using a mild whitening solution that is retained in custom filled appliance that is worn over the teeth for a period of time during the day. Tooth discoloration is caused by many factors. One of the leading causes of tooth discoloration and the need for tooth whitening is smoking, and coffee consumption.

Coffee and smoking combined can make the teeth appear brownish in color. Tooth Whitening works for almost everyone but there are some cases in which the treatment appears to be ineffective. If a person has dark intense stains then it has been found that the treatment of tooth whitening is not as effective as if the stains were minimal. If there is a congenital discoloration that has been present from birth then there is a chance that any tooth whitening treatment will not work.

If a person has crowns, dentures and even veneers then they should seek other treatments for having nice, whiter teeth, as tooth whitening is usually not effective in these cases. If you are interested in the tooth whitening process then you can consult your dentist and see what options are available to you. You can your teeth professionally bleached by the dentist or you can try some methods at home such as whitening strips and toothpastes both of which have been proven to white teeth effectively. There are other ways of whitening teeth. You can look on the Internet and see what you can find.

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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

A Few Secrets About Teeth Whitening

Do you know the major differences between dental office and at home teeth whitening procedures? Discover what you can really expect from both of these teeth whitening treatments available, as well as what to look for in a teeth whitening system for optimal results.

Within the last 10 years the field of teeth whitening, both in the dental office and at home, has changed immensely. Essentially, there are two different methods to get whiter teeth: dental (in-office) whitening, and an at home treatment. Discover a few secrets about teeth whitening that your dentist hopes I'll never tell you!

METHOD #1: DENTAL (IN-OFFICE) TEETH WHITENING

I can tell you from first-hand experience, dentists LOVE the patient who wants to have a teeth whitening procedure in the dental office. Back in the early '90's there was only one option available.

Your dentist would make molds of your teeth, send them off to a lab, and in 5-10 days receive back your custom fitted teeth whitening mouthpiece. Then you would sit in the dental chair for 1-2 hours, with these plastic teeth whitening molds filled with peroxide (at a very low concentration) pressed against your teeth and gums.

After 3-4 visits, your teeth would be officially declared whiter (and usually they were), and you would be sent home with a nice $500 - $1,000 bill to pay. And with whiter teeth of course.


I'll be the first to admit, dental office teeth whitening has come a long way in the past 10 years. Now the most popular teeth whitening dental office procedure known as Laser Bleaching (or Power Bleaching, Argon Bleaching, etc.) is a shorter process. Basically this teeth whitening procedure consists of the application of a concentrated peroxide gel onto your teeth, then for the next hour you sit in a dental chair with your mouth wide open, while a special light (usually argon) is shined onto the teeth whitening paste that in turn chemically reacts with the peroxide to complete the teeth whitening process in as short a time period as possible.

This teeth whitening procedure does work. Although, many dentists say that you get a whiter smile by repeated tray applications because the teeth whitening peroxide stays in contact with your teeth for longer periods of time. The downside is that you still get stuck with that fat $500 - $1,000 bill (at least for the good teeth whitening procedure).And you still need to either come back 6 months later for another teeth whitening (excuse me - a touch up!), or you're given some take home whitening items. Why then did you spend $500 - $1,000 dollars for an in-office teeth whitening procedure?

Fortunately, as most other things in life, technology stepped in to make teeth whitening easier and more affordable!

METHOD #2: HOME TEETH WHITENING

I'll say this once just to get it out in the open, it's now possible (in almost all cases) to achieve "dental office" quality teeth whitening, from the comfort of your own home! "At-Home" teeth whitening has taken a bite out of (sorry for the pun) the "in-office" power bleaching systems, where millions of corporate advertising dollars now compete with the comfort of teeth whitening at home.

And rightly so...

Up until a few years ago, teeth whitening was a fairly complex process. The hard part was making those fitted mouthpieces for each patient, for this reason alone, home teeth whitening was not an option for most people.

ESSENTIALLY, THERE ARE 3 DIFFERENT HOME TEETH WHITENING OPTIONS AVAILABLE

TEETH WHITENTING OPTION #1 - BRUSH-ON WHITENING

Brush-on teeth whitening in principal is a great concept, just brush on the formula, allow it to dry on your teeth, and let is stay on your teeth overnight. Sounds simple, right?

In reality, brush-on teeth whitening is designed for the segment of the public that is in love with shortcuts (in other words, for those people who don't want to spend the time to do it right the first time). Brush-on teeth whitening has TWO MAIN FLAWS:

1. When you brush on the teeth whitening formula, it relies on the premise that it will dry on your teeth. This is great in principle, but if you get the teeth whitening formula wet (i.e. from saliva or from licking your teeth) then it becomes REALLY easy to rub off parts of the formula. And guess what happens if you rub off only part of the teeth whitening formula? You got it - you don't get an even whitening result! It turns out patchy and blotchy.

2. The second flaw with most brush-on teeth whitening as I see it, is the ingredients. If you look at the ingredient list of the leading brush-on whitener, you'll see the first ingredient is alcohol. If you've read my ebook "The Bad Breath Bible"

(http://www.TheraBreath.com/web/art/l/badbreath.asp) then you already know that alcohol is terrible for your breath! Actually, I'm sure the reason why they've added alcohol to their teeth whitening formula is because it's needed as a desiccant (something that dries out the formula so that it supposedly stays on your teeth at night). However, that still doesn't diminish the effect it can have on your gums and your breath. Also, most of these brush-on teeth whitening formulas contain glycerin which literally sucks the moisture out from the enamel of your teeth and it's the primary cause of most tooth sensitivity from teeth whitening.

TEETH WHITENING OPTION #2 - STRIPS YOU STICK ON YOUR TEETH

The second most common type of home teeth whitening is using whitening strips. The main lure of this home teeth whitening option is the strips' simplicity of use, they're easy to apply and no preparation is necessary. Again, everybody loves shortcuts, right? Unfortunately, once again that's exactly the type of teeth whitening you end up getting! Let me explain...

Strips that stick on your teeth usually consist of an upper strip and a lower strip each pressed against the outer surface of your teeth. Now think about this for a second...Are your teeth completely flat? Of course not - they have recesses and grooves, particularly between each tooth. Well imagine you're painting a fence, and you just slapped paint on the outside, without taking the time to paint in the grooves between each wooden board. That fence would look pretty funny wouldn't it? Nicely painted on the outside, but in the grooves between each wooden board, still dark and dingy, with all of the old paint showing.

When you use teeth whitening strips, the same thing can easily happen to your teeth if you're not careful. The whiter your teeth become, the more pronounced those dingy cracks seem! Eventually it can end up looking like you have small gaps between your teeth. Definitely not the desired result!

TEETH WHITENING OPTION #3 - TRAYS WITH BLEACHING GELS

Trays with bleaching gels still provide the best combination of the most affordable and most efficient teeth whitening available. Since I'm a dentist, I can let you in on a few little secrets (some secrets which most dentists would shoot me for telling you since it costs them thousands in lost income)!

First, most of the teeth whitening gels available at your dentist are exactly the same. There is very little difference from one dentist to another, that's because the gels are formulated by a small number of manufacturers.

Second, most of the teeth whitening gels available at retail stores are of very poor quality. They've been sitting in a warehouse or on a truck for who knows how long, and because they are designed to be "low cost" they have very low concentrations of active ingredients. Older teeth whitening gels use a concentration of only 16% of carbamide peroxide.

Third, the one thing in common between dental office and "store" teeth whitening gels is that they both use glycerin as a carrying agent. Now there is nothing wrong with glycerin by itself. It is not dangerous in any way. However, when mixed with carbamide peroxide, the glycerin is used to draw water out of the enamel in order to speed up the whitening process. This is what causes the most common side effect of teeth whitening - sensitive teeth! Therefore, you're going to want to find a teeth whitening product that does not use a glycerin base.

ARMED WITH THIS NEW TEETH WHITENING KNOWLEDGE, NOW WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

There are four key components I recommend for making sure you get the best possible teeth whitening results every time.

1. Immediately before whitening, brush your teeth for two minutes with an oxygenating toothpaste combined with the finest natural polishing agents AND aloe vera to strengthen your gums and prevent any sensitivity. This way you're sure that the whitening gel directly contacts your tooth enamel (instead of dental plaque).

2. Use form-fitting mouth trays that are fitted to your specific bite. Make sure they fit snugly around each tooth, and at all points they press firmly around the sides of your teeth and gums. The best home teeth whitening systems use a moldable tray system that contains mouthpieces which you can actually fit to your mouth. You mold them by soaking them for a few seconds in warm water, then you press the plastic up (or down) against your teeth and gums. When the plastic cools you have a nice soft plastic mouthpiece that is fitted to the curves of your particular smile.

3. You should use as strong of teeth whitening gel as possible to ensure that the time your teeth are in contact with the whitening gel is well spent. Use a 21% carbamide peroxide concentrated teeth whitening gel that is formulated specifically to reduce the sensitivity to your teeth and gums, (in other words - NO glycerin!). This percentage of concentration also means a whiter result in a shorter period of time. Finally, a flavored teeth whitening gel helps - why not make the experience as pleasant as possible? No need for it to taste bad!

4. Immediately after your teeth whitening treatment, enhance the effect by using an oxygenating oral rinse. Remember, make sure not to use a mouthwash that contains alcohol, as this can actually chemically curtail the bleaching effect, not to mention it dries your mouth out!

I recommend following this teeth whitening system for 5 days in a row. You can even do the top and bottom arch separately for comfort if you prefer. After that...you'll have a noticeably whiter smile - GUARANTEED!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Harold Katz, founder of the California Breath Clinics, is the leading expert on the topics of bad breath and teeth whitening. For your FREE 4 page, color guide to teeth whitening visit: http://www.TheraBreath.com/web/art/l/teethwhitening.asp

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Sunday, November 25, 2007

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a process of lightening the color of teeth. It involves a bleaching process that reduces the discoloration of the enamel and dentin caused due to smoking, aging, consumption of tea, coffee and colas.


You can try tooth whitening if you have healthy teeth without any fillings. Teeth whiteners are not suitable for dark gray stains, crowns, colored fillings and stains due to some medication such as tetracycline.


There are several types of products available for use at home. When selecting a whitener you must look for the ADA Seal for safety and effectiveness. Tooth whiteners gels or strips contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide as the active bleaching ingredients. The bleaching gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits over the teeth. The tooth whitening strips are placed on the teeth and gently pressed to make a contact between the whitener and the surface of the tooth. Results are usually seen within the first week.


You may experience tooth sensitivity to cold or discomfort in the gums during treatment. These symptoms always disappear within a couple of days after completion of treatment.


The tooth whitening toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives or chemical polishing agents. Whitening toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance program do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth, unlike bleaches.


You should never use lemon juice for teeth whitening because vitamin C will cause the teeth to lose calcium, damaging teeth quicker than anything else.


P. Mehta, Copyright www.FatFreeKitchen.com


[You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (clickable) and references and copyright info.


This article has been written by http://www.fatfreekitchen.com
For further information, visit Tooth Whitening
and Teeth care, Oral health, tooth decay, bad breath, dental plaque, cavities & tartar

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Whitening Toothpaste

There are many ways to achieve the white teeth of your dreams, and hundreds of products to choose from. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The top of the line tooth whitening treatment is an in office laser whitening which will run you about $600.00 Expensive for some, but it gives guaranteed and immediate results. The cheapest method of tooth whitening is the use of whitening toothpaste. This is the cheapest, and the slowest method to obtain whiter looking teeth.


Whitening toothpastes are a very low cost and low tech way to make your teeth look whiter. With whitening toothpaste it can take up to six months of use twice a day to see what some manufacturers call the final whitening results. Whitening toothpastes do not actually increase the whiteness of the teeth, they work by removing stains from the teeth which in turn make the teeth appear whiter. A lot of people whiten their teeth initially with a in office laser whitening or with a gel tray and then use whitening toothpaste to help keep their smile white.


The success of any whitening toothpaste is directly related to how long and how often you brush your teeth. Some dental health professionals warn that the use of toothpastes in an effort to reduce staining and yellowing of teeth can cause the loss of tooth enamel due to over-brushing. Whitening toothpastes are made with chemicals and abrasives. Brushing too vigorously can lead to the loss of tooth enamel. Tooth enamel cannot be replaced. If you have sensitive teeth you may not be able to use whitening toothpaste.


Be aware that whitening toothpastes only affect the outer layer of enamel. This can cause the yellowness of the deeper layers of the teeth to become more pronounced.


Daily brushing with a regular toothpaste twice a day in concert with regular dental cleanings can help make your teeth look whiter, without fear of enamel loss. Also, rinsing your mouth out after drinking dark beverages such as coffee, tea or red wine can help prevent staining from occurring.


Before you start any whitening product you should have a thorough examination by your dentist. Make sure that you teeth and gums are healthy before you start. Always follow your dentist's recommendations.

by Jeff Slokum

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

This article courtesy of www.smile-bright.net

Monday, November 19, 2007

Whiten Your Smile With Whitening Strips

One of the most inexpensive and easily obtainable tooth whitening systems is the whitening strip. These strips were introduced into the market in 2001.


These whitening strips have the whitener 16% carbamide peroxide pre applied by on them. Some dentists feel that the strips are good as the dose delivered is consistent and it limits the user's exposure to gel, whereas when gel trays are used the amount of gel used can vary between each use.


There is however a large drawback with whitening strips. The whitening strips only whiten the teeth they are in direct contact with. They only whiten the front teeth. Some people find that the strips are not long enough to cover all the teeth they show when they smile. Whitening strips generally cover at least the six center teeth, eyetooth to eyetooth. A tray based system will deliver whitener to all the teeth equally.


The strips are invisible. One manufacturer instructs you wear the strip thirty minutes twice a day. They claim you will see a difference within three days and full results within seven days. They also claim the whitening effect will last up to eighteen months.


Most dentists see no harm done with these at home strips as long as the manufacturers suggested wearing times are followed. Unlike tray based whitening systems the whitening agent does not lie against the gum so there is much less potential for gum tenderness. The gel in these strips is enamel safe.


It's always best to see your dentist for a complete dental examination prior to starting any whitening program. He will check the overall health of your teeth and gums. The dentist can review with you which of your teeth have prior restorations. These restorations will not whiten. After using any whitening product you may need to have these restorations replaced to match your whiter teeth.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

This article courtesy of www.whiter-smile.net

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Teeth Whitening Techniques

There was a time when dazzling white smiles belonged to those who sashay down the red carpet in Hollywood. Today teeth whitening has become the fastest growing type of cosmetic dental procedure performed. Depending on the type of tooth whitening technique you choose the price ranges from a ten dollars for a tube of whitening toothpaste to up to $600.00 for in office laser teeth whitening.


The Cadillac of teeth whitening is the in office laser system. This is the costliest, but fastest way to achieve white teeth. Laser teeth whitening is a very simple procedure. The dentist applies a bleaching gel to your teeth (after putting protection over your gums) and places a laser light in front of your mouth. The cleaning action of the gel is activated by the light. This gel is left on your teeth for twenty minutes. The application is generally applied two more times to your teeth. In about one hour you leave the dentists office with the whitest teeth possible.


A very popular and mid priced tooth whitening technique is the tray based system. You can purchase these systems in stores. However, they are best if you have the trays made by your dentist. It takes a very short time in the office to have an impression made of your upper and lower teeth. Within a week the dentist will have a soft flexible plastic mold for you. He'll give you the gel, which is generally a 10% carbamide peroxide and he'll instruct you in how to use the tray and tell you how often. Results are seen quickly with a tray system.


Whitening strips are a recent addition to the market, introduced in 2001. They are quite inexpensive and do work, but may not deliver the exact results that you think. The strips have the advantage of having the exact dose of carbamide peroxide pre applied on them. However, the whitening strips will only whiten the teeth they come in direct contact with. The strips generally cover the six center teeth, eyetooth to eyetooth. Some people find their smile is longer than the strip allows for. You will not achieve a full mouth of white teeth using whitening strips.


Another type of whitening system is whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes have many drawbacks. They take a very long time to show real results. Read their claims carefully. The success of whitening toothpaste is directly related to how long and how often you brush. However, over-brushing your teeth can cause the loss of tooth enamel. Tooth enamel cannot be replaced. Also, whitening toothpastes only affect the outside layer of enamel. This will make the yellowness of deeper layers of teeth more pronounced. Many people will whiten their teeth using an in office laser, or a tray system and then use whitening toothpaste to help keep their teeth white.

by Ryan Larson

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

This article courtesy of www.smiling-brighter.com

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Laser Teeth Whitening

There's something about a big smile. Especially a big smile that shows beautiful white teeth. A bright white smile says "healthy", and admit it, people with beautiful white teeth somehow even look happier. A whiter smile can make a person more confident and outgoing in social situations. Unfortunately most of us don't have the whitest smile that we could. Years of drinking dark colored beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and red wine, smoking, and aging take their toll on the color of tooth enamel. The great news is that today anyone can have a dazzling white smile.


Teeth whitening has become the most common form of cosmetic dentistry performed. It's a very simple and fairly inexpensive way to greatly improve your smile. There are several ways to whiten your teeth depending on the amount of money you want to spend, and your level of patience. You can choose from tooth whitening gels and whitening toothpaste, bleaching strips, bleaching gel with a fitted mouth tray, or laser teeth whitening. Laser teeth whitening is sometimes called in-office bleaching. Of all these different types of alternatives laser teeth whitening is the fastest way to a white smile, it's also the most expensive. A one hour teeth whitening session generally runs around $600.00.


Laser teeth whitening is considered the top of the line treatment. It takes about one hour. The dentist applies a bleach solvent containing hydrogen peroxide to the teeth. You will find that hydrogen peroxide is found in all teeth whitening products. The higher the amount of hydrogen peroxide the faster the tooth whitening will take place. Once the bleach is on the teeth the teeth are subjected to a light source, usually a laser. This laser activates the hydrogen peroxide. This application is left on your teeth for twenty minutes. This process is then repeated two more times before you are done.


Of course, the results you receive from any tooth whitening system will fade over time. Trying to avoid dark colored drinks and not smoking will help you enjoy the results longer.
by Mark Freeman


Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

This article courtesy of www.white-teeth-guide.com

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Teeth Whitening With Tray Based Systems

There is nothing like a white smile. It conveys to the world good health and confidence. There was a time when dazzling white smiles were only seen on the red carpet, but no more. Today there are literally hundreds of tooth whiteners available on the market. These products range in price from several dollars up to hundreds of dollars. You can have teeth whitening done by the dentist in his office in about one hour, or you can buy a teeth whitening system from your dentist to use at home. In office laser tooth whitening can cost $600.00 for one session. If you don't have a bundle of money to spend and you don't have to see the results immediately, then whitening your teeth at home may be for you. The most popular in home teeth whitening systems are tray based systems.


Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of you teeth and gums before starting your teeth whitening treatment. He'll want to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, which will help to cut down on potentially painful side effects. If you have receding gums you are at more of a risk to suffer from gum tenderness when using a tray treatment.


You will need to decide if you're going to whiten both upper and lower teeth. If you only have one dental tray made the price is much lower than if you have two made. It's best to go ahead and whiten both at the same time. You don't want to have a set of brilliant white top teeth and dingy yellow bottom teeth - not a good look. Your dentist will also advise you that any dental restorations you may have will not whiten. If there is an obvious noticeable difference you may have opt to have the restoration replaced once the desired level of whitening has been achieved.


In order to help you see your progress your dentist will determine your current tooth shade on a chart. This way when you return for a check up you'll be able to see how much whiter your teeth are. Your dentist will take an impression of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions will be turned into clear soft flexible plastic trays. These trays will be trimmed so they cover each tooth, but not the gum line.


When you see your dentist and are given the trays, generally a few days after the impressions are made, the dentist will make sure the impressions fit well and are comfortable. He or she will give you the 10% carbamide peroxide gel to use in the trays. They'll also show you how to put the gel in the tray and how to avoid getting excess gel on your gums.


Your dentist will give you instructions on how long to wear the trays. Some dentists recommend not wearing them for longer than four hours to minimize potential gum tenderness. Some people are able to wear them overnight. It is suggested that if you can't wear your tray for at least four hours you don't. Less than four hours is a waste of the gel.


Studies have shown that the effects of the tray based teeth whitening can last from one to three years although some people do occasional touch ups to help keep their teeth as white as possible.


by Jeff Slokum

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com


This article courtesy of www.whiter-teeth-guide.com

Thursday, November 8, 2007

How Zoom Teeth Whitening Works

No matter how frequently you brush your teeth, no matter how careful you are when flossing, they will still get yellow after a while. This natural process of teeth loosing their bright white color is aggravated if you are a smoker or if you drink coffee on a regular basis. There are several procedures, such as the Zoom teeth whitening method, that can help your teeth get back to a bright new white in a matter of hours.


Apart from the popular Zoom teeth whitening procedure you can also try several others, however, when making the choice, your dentist should also have some advice for you. In general you can opt for an "at home" whitening method or for the several dental office whitening procedures. The last set of procedures includes the Zoom teeth whitening method – let's see why this procedure is so effective.


How does Zoom teeth whitening work?


This method consists of a mixture of gel and special light wave treatments. The patient is seated and the dentist uses a retractor to separate the lips from the teeth so that the gel can be applied. A special gel is then applied on all the exterior faces of the teeth. The dentist is careful, at this point, not to let the gel touch the patient’s gums too much, as it may cause irritation or lesions.


After the Zoom teeth whitening gel covers the teeth uniformly, the dentist will shine a special bright light on it for about one hour. The special properties of the Zoom teeth whitening gel and the energy produced by the lamp produce chemical reactions that lead to tooth whitening. Although waiting for an hour in the dentist's chair for the gel and light waves to take effect might sound boring, it is one of the best tooth whitening methods available today.


How long does it last and what effects can I expect?


The answers to the questions are different from one person to another. In most cases, a Zoom teeth whitening procedure is done twice a year. An average person who drinks coffee frequently and smokes daily will have improved tooth brightness - around 10 shades brighter. After the procedure is completed, the teeth will gradually start to regain their yellowish color over time, depending on how well you take care of them. On average, people who went through in office tooth whitening procedures noticed that their teeth stay white for months, although the initial brightness does not last more than a few weeks.


The beauty of this system is that it is fast, efficient and has no side effects (although some patients did experience tooth sensitivity for one or two days after the procedure). Overall, Zoom teeth whitening is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get a bright and attractive smile.


Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Learn about various tooth whitening systems such as the popular Zoom teeth whitening procedure at Lustrous Teeth.com. www.lustrousteeth.com


Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Which Teeth Whitening System Is Right For You?

Modern dentistry has improved and changed a great amount in the last ten to twenty years, and this has led to new treatments being available to everyone, rather than just the few rich people who could afford it. People are visiting dentists for 'cosmetic' dental treatment in the same way that they would visit a cosmetic surgeon to have their body altered or enhanced.

With more and more celebrities having cosmetic dental treatments and exhibiting perfect teeth in magazines and on television, tooth whitening is one of the dental treatments that have soared in popularity for people young and old. Other treatments include implants, veneers, and alteration of the gum line. This article looks at the different types of teeth whitening systems and will help you assess which is best for you.

There are various teeth whitening systems available, and they range from the very expensive to the relatively cheap and accessible. All teeth whitening systems fall into two main categories – those that must be carried out by a professional such as a dentist, and those that can be done at home. Home treatments are often cheaper, but can be less effective and can even cause lasting damage if applied incorrectly.

The key to selecting which tooth whitening systems is appropriate for you is to ask yourself the following questions:

Am I good at following written instructions?
What is my budget for this treatment?
Am I looking for immediate results or a course of treatment?
Am I comfortable visiting a dentist?
Do I have minor or extensive tooth staining?

Home tooth whitening systems are cheaper, but they normally use a peroxide bleach based formula and so the instructions that come with them must be followed to the letter. Otherwise, the results may not be what you expected, and the sensitivity of the teeth can be increased.

However, if you are confident about applying the treatment yourself and are prepared to finish the whole treatment without expecting instant results, home teeth whitening systems can be a cost effective way to achieve that celebrity look.

Salon or dentist based teeth whitening systems are more expensive, but can have longer lasting and more immediate effects. Dentists use similar peroxide based formulas to the home systems, but the effect is enhanced by the use of a laser. Laser whitening can make your teeth 5-6 shades lighter on the first visit by activating crystals inside a gel, but if you have extreme discoloration you may need to go back more than once.

The risks of laser teeth whitening are not great, with the most common side effect reported being increased sensitivity to hot and cold. Rubber dams are used to protect the gums when bleach based formulas are being used, and this ensures the gums are protected from the effects of the tooth whitening system.

Modern lifestyles can have a bad effect on our teeth, with drinks like coffee, tea and red wine causing staining and discoloration. Teeth whitening systems are a way to instantly reverse the effects of our lifestyle, but are no substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2005. All Rights Reserved.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Learn about various tooth whitening systems such as the popular Zoom teeth whitening procedure at Lustrous Teeth.com. www.lustrousteeth.com

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Brighter Smiles Give Self Esteem Big Boost

With new, inexpensive options for tooth whitening, you can improve your self-esteem without emptying your wallet.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Yellow or brown teeth are not the best first impression you want to make. Teeth can become discolored for a number of reasons, the most common being tobacco, coffee, tea, berries, and the natural accumulation of tartar over time. The tooth may also be internally discolored by aging, injury, excessive fluoride, and by certain illnesses and medicines. Although discoloration is natural over time, you can have your teeth whitened safely and professionally for a lot less money than you might expect.

Teeth can be whitened in two ways. A patient can have his or her teeth whitened with Zoom Whitening, a whitening treatment that uses laser-light activated whitening gel in a comfortable cosmetic dentistry office. Alternatively, they may choose to whiten their teeth at home with a tooth whitening tray system that uses a whitening chemical, which seeps through your enamel and whitens the tooth itself.

An in-house whitening procedure usually takes between 60 to 90 minutes per visit. The number of visits depends on the degree of discoloration and the patient's desired outcome. With the take home system, the cosmetic dentist makes an impression for a model of the patient's teeth. The dentist then fabricates a custom-fitted bleaching tray and prescribes a bleaching gel. The gel is placed in the bleaching tray and the patient wears the tray for up to two hours at his or her own convenience.

"Tooth whitening can have dramatic affects on your appearance, as well as giving your self-esteem a big boost," says Dr. O'Neil, a cosmetic dentist in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. "Tooth whitening is safe, convenient, and can change the overall appearance of your smile in a matter of hours."
By Mike Mahon

About the Author

For more information on teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures in the Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida area, please click here.


Thursday, November 1, 2007

Bad Breath - Is it destroying your confidence?

Bad Breath - Is it destroying your confidence?

Whilst this may sound like a weird heading to be linking confidence and bad breath together many sufferers of breath problems will know exactly what I mean.

How often have you turned your head slightly when talking to someone to avoid breathing on them? Or had someone comment on how bad your breath smells. It is like being slapped in the face. No body likes it including me. But there is a way to control it or even stop it all together.

In the following page you will find out exactly how I overcome bad breath and some of the finer details about breath related problems.

What causes Bad Breath?

In most cases bad breath (halitosis) is caused by or related to oral bacteria. The wastes of oral bacteria are actually sulfur compounds and it is usually these compounds that will be the cause of your bad breath.

The build up of plaque can also largely contribute to the production of oral bacteria. It only takes a layer of .1 to .2 of a millimeter of plaque to provide an environment in which this bacteria can flourish.

What about foods, can they be a cause?

Absolutely, eating foods and drinks such as garlic, onions, cheese, orange juice, soda, meat product, dairy products and high protein foods.

Also when food becomes lodged between your teeth and around the gums it lends a very big part in the production of oral bacteria.

How do I treat bad breath.

In almost all cases bad breath is caused by a problem of some sort in the mouth. In which case it stands to reason that a visit to the dentist can help determine what is wrong. In the case that you may need dental treatment this may be the cause of your problems.

However if no oral cause can be found then it is possible that a trip to a clinic or practice that specializes in bad breath is required.

Bad Breath - What you can do to prevent it.

That being said I suffered a rude awakening when my girlfriend started commenting on my breath problems (being a dental nurse I respect her opinion in this regard). So I consulted my dentist.

I was told to floss regularly, shown how to brush properly and also suggested I use closys II as a mouth wash.

I have not had bad breath since I have started using Closys II and in my opinion is the best mouthwash out. To read more about Closys II go to http://www.toothwhiteningaustralia.com.au/bad-breath-treatment.php

Here are the steps outlined below that you can use to prevent bad breath

Brush regularly twice a day if possible.
Ensure that you floss each day.
Make sure you drink enough water (This can help flush your mouth of unwanted food particles)
Use a mouthwash after brushing. For best effect do this at night time.

I have followed these simple steps and no longer worry about bad breath. Neither will you if you put some of the points in this article to good use.

About the Author

About the Author.
Zoom Teeth Whitening - Laser Whitening Professionals
Providing information and awareness on zoom tooth whitening and teeth whitening procedures. For more information and other great articles on other dental problems please visit our site http://www.toothwhiteningaustralia.com.au/content/index.php

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Achieve that perfect whiter brighter hollywood smile!

So you are looking in the mirror this morning and what did you see?? Was it white bright beautiful teeth, or like the best part of the population were they looking a little dull?

Like most things in life teeth gradually fade to yellow in color. If you are an avid coffee, tea or red wine drinker then this will accelerate the process and may also stain your teeth.

It seems that almost every cosmetic company has tried to monopolize this industry with everything from whitening toothpaste to whitening strips. But there are only really two main options.

Take-home whitening systems using trays and whitening gel or in-office, for immediate whitening results using a light activated gel to brighten teeth.


How are the procedures used?

Take Home whitening kits

Take-home whitening has become wildly popular in recent times due to its flexibility and lower cost to in-house teeth whitening. The trade off is that it takes slightly longer to achieve the desired results (anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks)

This is accomplished by using a custom-made tray that is then layered with a prescription whitening gel 30mins to several hours at a time (dependent on how sensitive your teeth are).

Your dentist will make an appointment with you to take a custom impression which will then be used as a mold to make custom trays.

Once the whitening trays are ready you will have another appointment with your dentist where he will test them for a proper fit. Also the dentist will show the patient how to use the trays in conjunction with the whitening gel.

The whitening trays are quite comfortable to wear and can easily be placed in before bedtime and taken out in the morning.

Usually you will also be given a tooth mouse which you apply after using the trays to help alleviate sensitive teeth that some people get when using the gels.


In-Office Whitening.

There are several in-office whitening systems on the market but for the scope of this article we will only discuss Zoom Tooth Whitening


The Zoom! Whitening Procedure


The Zoom! Whitening procedure is simple and painless. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. The Zoom! Clinician then applies the proprietary Zoom! Whitening Gel, this is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. A five-minute fluoride treatment competes the procedure. You'll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure.


How The Zoom! Works

The Zoom! Light activated gel was developed after years of research by Discus Dental, the leaders in professional take-home tooth whitening. The gel is a scientifically formulated, pH balanced Hydrogen Peroxide that, when activated by the Zoom! Light, gently penetrates the teeth to remove deep stains and discoloration. With proper care and an occasional touch-up at home, your whiter smile will sparkle for years.


Who is eligible for tooth whitening?


Well that is just a matter of preference really, anyone who would like to whiten their teeth by up to ten shades. It is very common among wedding parties for nice white bright wedding photos. But it really does appeal to everyone.


Cost


The cost can vary from place to place but for take-home whitening this can be around $450 and in-house whitening using zoom can range from $500 - $1000 depending on the procedure used.


There are many different ways to obtain that beautiful whiter smile but if you want to get the best value for your money visit your local dentist and ask about it. Dr Mark Levi is a well known dentist throughout Australia. To learn more about Zoom Teeth Whitening please visit his site Melbourne Zoom teeth whitening http://www.toothwhiteningmelbourne.com

Friday, October 26, 2007

Whitening Toothpaste

tooth whiteningThere are many ways to achieve the white teeth of your dreams, and hundreds of products to choose from. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The top of the line tooth whitening treatment is an in office laser whitening which will run you about $600.00 Expensive for some, but it gives guaranteed and immediate results. The cheapest method of tooth whitening is the use of whitening toothpaste. This is the cheapest, and the slowest method to obtain whiter looking teeth.

Whitening toothpastes are a very low cost and low tech way to make your teeth look whiter. With whitening toothpaste it can take up to six months of use twice a day to see what some manufacturers call the final whitening results. Whitening toothpastes do not actually increase the whiteness of the teeth, they work by removing stains from the teeth which in turn make the teeth appear whiter. A lot of people whiten their teeth initially with a in office laser whitening or with a gel tray and then use whitening toothpaste to help keep their smile white.

The success of any whitening toothpaste is directly related to how long and how often you brush your teeth. Some dental health professionals warn that the use of toothpastes in an effort to reduce staining and yellowing of teeth can cause the loss of tooth enamel due to over-brushing. Whitening toothpastes are made with chemicals and abrasives. Brushing too vigorously can lead to the loss of tooth enamel. Tooth enamel cannot be replaced. If you have sensitive teeth you may not be able to use whitening toothpaste.

Be aware that whitening toothpastes only affect the outer layer of enamel. This can cause the yellowness of the deeper layers of the teeth to become more pronounced.

Daily brushing with a regular toothpaste twice a day in concert with regular dental cleanings can help make your teeth look whiter, without fear of enamel loss. Also, rinsing your mouth out after drinking dark beverages such as coffee, tea or red wine can help prevent staining from occurring.

Before you start any whitening product you should have a thorough examination by your dentist. Make sure that you teeth and gums are healthy before you start. Always follow your dentist's recommendations.


By Jeff Slokum

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

This article courtesy of www.smile-bright.net

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Teeth Whitening Products - A True Love Story

tooth whiteningThere were so many teeth whitening products found in the dental aisle at the local grocery store, that Jonathan could not decide which one was best for him. All he wanted was to finally have white teeth, but after looking around he could not decide exactly how much should a bright smile cost.

There was a diverse amount of teeth whitening products on both sides of him, and the shelves were absolutely packed with gels, toothpastes and creams that all touted themselves as the absolute best choice in tooth whiteners. With all his worries about how much should a bright smile cost, Jonathan found himself picking up every tooth whitener around him and reading the product information to himself but out loud.

"This tooth whitening gel eliminates stains and will guarantee the white teeth you have always dreamed of," he told one teeth whitening product, as if the box of tooth whitener would somehow speak back. "And this product promises to guarantee teeth whitening also - or your money back." Jonathan began to worry more; all he wanted was to whiten his smile before tomorrow's big date with Sheila - they had met in this very grocery store last week.

Just as Jon felt he might drown in a sea of teeth whitening products, he reached out for one more white teeth remedy, and he placed his hand on someone else's hand who was also reaching for the same product that promised a low bright smile cost. He looked up from his hand to those same piercing green eyes he'd met last week. "What are you doing here Sheila?" He asked her. She told him she'd come to the tooth whitener aisle for the same reason he had; she wanted to have beautiful white teeth for when she met him tomorrow.

So she came back to the store to get some teeth whitening products, but had seen Jon looking through all the products for the very same reason. "Well, I don't know how much might a bright smile cost, but I might do know one thing." Jon told her with his own bright smile. "I know that I'm glad we are both nervous about the same silly thing, and that makes me think that tomorrow will be the start of something absolutely wonderful." And it was.


By Paton Jackson

Monday, October 22, 2007

Tooth Whitening Products

Tooth whitening products come in various forms, ranging from whitening toothpastes to entire tooth whitening systems.

It is quite common for someone to look in the mirror and not be happy with the way their teeth look. They may not be straight, some may be missing, but the most common characteristic of someone’s teeth that may make then unhappy is discoloration.



What you consume in your diet, your smoking habits, your use of antibiotics, and even your age can cause staining that changes the color of your teeth from brilliant white to a dull yellow or brown.

A wonderful thing is that we live in a time where changing the color of your teeth is easy. Sure, you can go to a dentist and pay an arm and a leg for his/her services. But you don’t have to. With some simple tooth whitening products, you can be on your way to a brighter, whiter smile in no time.



Whitening toothpastes are interesting products since they don’t contain the same type of ingredients that are found in tooth whitening systems. When compared to other, regular toothpastes, whitening toothpastes contain polishing agents that are designed to remove deep tooth stains. However, even though they are perhaps the most convenient of the tooth whitening products, they don’t do as good a job as other products.

The most popular tooth whitening products are entire systems that are commonly used by dentists. Nowadays, with systems such as Zoom and Britesmile, these systems are now available in at-home versions. They are easy to use and very effective.

There are differences between the various at-home tooth whitening products. However, there are also common components found within them.

At-home tooth whitening systems often contain a tooth whitening gel and also a mouth tray that is designed to be worn by the user. The gel, similar to those used by dentists, contains either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These peroxides are the active ingredient that are found within the gel.

The mouth tray is what holds the tooth whitening gel. A syringe is usually used to apply the gel to the tray. The tray containing the gel is then inserted into the mouth and worn over various periods of time.

Choosing a kit for you can be hard. There are numerous companies that manufacture them, and the components they contain are often similar. But there are other alternatives you can also consider.

Though these kits have proven to be popular, the emergence of other at-home, tooth whitening products are giving them a run for their money.

Those who don’t have the time to wait for the effects of a tray to take place, or don’t have the time to use them as often as recommended, now have options. Tooth whitening products, such as a formula that can be painted directly on to the tooth, or even strips, are very convenient and also very effective.

You should consult your doctor prior to using tooth whitening products. To learn more information on a product before using, carefully read the packaging, or visit the manufacturer’s website.

By Naldo Camarones

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Tooth Whitening Products, Information and Resources


Tooth Whitening Through the Ages

Tooth whitening has been an effect people have been seeking for hundreds of years. The glow of a smile from clean teeth was a symbol of health, wealth status, and family upbringing. Sometimes having a healthy mouth overshadowed tooth whitening, but soon enough it became just as important as having healthy gums and strong teeth.

The Egyptians, Romans, and even during the dawn of man, knew the importance of good oral health. By using 'chewing sticks', which were small pieces of sticks worn down at one end; this enabled them to scrub the particles off of their teeth after a meal. After all, these periods of the human race needed their teeth in order to survive. The nearest dentist was at least 2000 years away, so dentures were entirely out of the question.

The Middle Ages brought forth the legendary barber and his red and white striped pole, (which was brought forth by hanging blood soaked bandages and clean, white bandages outside to dry, then being wrapped together by the wind, thus forming a pole). The barber, at this time had a dual role of cutting people's hair and pulling their teeth. This was the important time of tooth whitening because it lead to greater social standing and was a label to the outside world that you had enough to eat, in which case, others did not. So, the barber's role became to not only pull teeth, but to whiten them as well. He would file the teeth down and smudge corrosive nitric acid on them and in turn their teeth would have a beautiful luminous glow to them. However, the effect of this procedure led to the destruction of the enamel and then would lead to decayed teeth. Hopefully by this time they wouldn't have to rely on their social graces to get through life, but on their personality like the rest of us.

The nitric acid (although destructive) was quite popular up to the 1800s, until the Italians came across people with stained, but cavity-free teeth. This was due to the high fluoride soil content. Along with these scientists' research and other scientists from around the world, fluoride was labeled to be an important factor in healthy, white teeth. In many parts of the world it was added to the drinking water, thus becoming available to everyone. Even those that were unable to purchase toothpaste or mouthwash. Thanks to this fluoride finding, this gave dentists more time to focus their attention on tooth whitening, which would prove to be more profitable.

To the present day, tooth whitening has become a booming business, with a variety of ways to achieve that radiant smile while satisfying all price ranges. Dentists today, speak more on preventative care in order to have white teeth, such as staying away from coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, and even some medications. However, for those of us that need our daily cup of coffee and daily glass of red wine, there is a multitude of ways to getting your teeth whitened. You can do it at home by purchasing over-the-counter strips or by going to the dentist and receiving the latest and greatest procedure in tooth whitening (which luckily doesn't contain nitric acid anymore).

Tooth whitening is available to everyone in the world, and you'd be surprised that some people (even to this day) still use 'chewing sticks'. However, a radiant smile still means the same thing now, as it did then: health, wealth, and good family upbringing has been replaced with the importance of appearance.

Copyright @ Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Home teeth whitening is becoming an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure. Learn more about tooth whitening, the various whitening systems, benefits and potential risks at Lustrous Teeth.com.

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