Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Professional vs DIY Teeth Whitening Systems

Teeth whitening is now something that many people are having done and is also very popular with celebs who want to look their best. It won't improve your health; it's simply a cosmetic job which lightens the stains on your teeth. So why have your teeth gone stained and yellow? It's most likely to be due to smoking, drinking coffee, tea and cola. Your teeth have pores on the enamel which hold onto these stains and normal every-day brushing isn't enough to remove them.

Discoloration can also occur with age. Stains can appear over time from the inside because of excess fluoride and possibly medication. Tooth whitening will deal with the stains which lie on the outside of your teeth and it needs to be done on a regular basis.

You can whiten your teeth either at home or at a dentist. Home kits can be bought from your local chemist, alternatively you can have trays custom made by your dentist. Whichever method you choose the you will need a series of whitening procedures of varied lengths. It's always a good idea to check with your dentist to find out the pros and cons of each method.

Before going ahead with having your teeth whitened, they need to be cleaned by a dentist and cavities should be filled. If you have receding gums you should have this looked at as the roots may be exposed. The roots of your teeth have no enamel so whitening won't be effective. It also won't work if you have crowns or veneers.

How The Teeth Whitening Process Works

A solution made with hydrogen peroxide is put into trays which are similar to mouth or night guards. The trays are placed over your teeth and are left to do their job for one or two hours. If you are doing this yourself then you would leave it in overnight.

If you go to your dentist for the teeth whitening process, each session will take less time but you will need several more visits. The dentist is also there to keep a check on the progress of the whitening. With the DIY method on the other hand, you'll need to be very careful about using and wearing the mouth guards as there is the risk of any leaked solution irritating the gums.

The idea is that the longer the solution is in contact with your teeth, the whiter they become. Unfortunately, not all stains and discoloration can be removed. Some whitening products will only work if they come into contact with either heat or light. These are best to be used by professionals.

Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, it will only last one to 6 months. However the more you do to prevent staining the longer lasting the results. You may experience gum sensitivity although this should just be temporary. Ultimately the process is very safe although pregnant ladies shouldn't have it done. This is only because no studies have been conducted to find out if the whitening chemicals affects the unborn baby.

April often writes health and fashion articles for website www.shakeitbaby.co.uk including: toothbrush maintenance and cleaning your contact lenses.

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

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Monday, January 28, 2008

Do-It-Yourself Teeth Whitening Kits

Are you one of those people who were "absent when pearly white teeth were distributed to the world?" You need not lose hope, because modern technology made it possible to alter your destiny by availing of teeth whitening kit and products now in the market.

Being short of cash is not also a hindrance to get your dream of white teeth possible. You can have whiter teeth using a do-it-yourself teeth whitening kit as the best option.

Spending for a teeth system is much affordable compared to the cost of going to the dentist for a professional teeth whitening procedure. You can get as kit for a few dollars at any store or pharmacy. However, before you apply use any kits at home, it is best that you consult a dentist who can assess the condition of your teeth and let him/her evaluate what procedure is best for you.

If you really cannot afford to buy teeth whitening kits or products from the market, don't lose hope because you can make your own solutions and do the procedures by yourself in your home. You only need to look around and use objects that are already in your home, so you need not spend dollars to get your kit ready.

Household items like cups, spoons, bowls, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can prove useful, and for sure these are available in your home.

As part of your procedure you can mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to produce a pasty mix with a toothpaste-like consistency on a one is to one ratio. You can then leave the mixture on your teeth for about two minutes, brush it afterwards to get rid of the taste and you have an instant teeth whitening kit which you could use at least once a week.

For more information about Teeth Whitening Kits, feel free to visit us at: http://www.teeth-whitening-zone.com/Teeth-Whitening-Kits.html

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

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Sunday, January 27, 2008

How To Whiten Your Teeth In Less Than An Hour

Do you know that you can whiten your stained teeth in less than one hour? This could be achieved easily by your dentist in his office. This particular short time in-office tooth whitening system employs a special hydrogen peroxide-based tooth whitening gel compound. This gel comes in prepackaged as two individual components, one as a powder and the other as a liquid. They are mixed during application to produce a paste which contains 35% hydrogen peroxide concentration and pH of 6.5.

The procedure for this type of in-office tooth whitening system utilizes xenon-halogen whitening light. These lights are produced specifically for use with this tooth whitening gel. When the light is well positioned, it could illuminate the upper and lower teeth at the same time. In this system there is also the use of LED (light - emitting diode) whitening light.

Both light units can emit light with wavelength of 405 and 580nm, and so these lights were blue-green in color. Therefore light with this type of wavelength range can effectively activate some aspect of the tooth whitening gel, and hence aids its whitening ability. Studies have shown that the xenon-halogen and LED whitening lights do not produce significant heat on the teeth undergoing treatment.

This protocol takes duration of less than one hour. Each tooth whitening section has three individual applications of the special gel, and each application can last for 8 minutes. Therefore, your teeth will be exposure for total time duration of 24 minutes to the whitening gel. This type of tooth whitening system has at-home usage option. It is not a formal part of professional tooth whitening system procedure. However, an at-home paint-on tooth whitening product could be given to a patient as an additional after in-office treatment.

The procedure for this treatment is slightly different from the general steps used in a model professional procedure. If you should choose this whitening system for your teeth whitening whitening, first and foremost, consult your dentist and make the decision with him/her.

Charles of http://toothwhitening.fateback.com/LumaArch-tooth-whitening-system.html writes to inform and educate people on life related issues.

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


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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Teeth Whitening: Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve your appearance. Whiter teeth can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Years of drinking coffee, tea, cola, red wine, and smoking eventually takes their toll on teeth. The results are dull, yellowish-colored teeth. Some teeth may have darker gray-colored stains due to antibiotics. Most teeth will benefit from tooth whitening. Teeth whitening is a proven safe and effective way to brighten stained, discolored teeth.

Your dentist has a variety of methods for restoring a bright white smile including porcelain veneers, composite bonding, implants and whitening, also known as bleaching. However, of all the advances made in dentistry to enhance the appearance of the teeth, whitening is the easiest and least invasive, and effective for 3 out of 4 cases. The procedure is safe, simple, and more affordable than ever before. Because of these reasons and more, whitening has become very popular.

Should I consult a dentist about teeth whitening?

You may want to start by speaking with your dentist. They can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellowish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may not bleach as well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all.

Bleaching may not enhance your smile in the event you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not affect the color of these materials and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. You may want to investigate other options in this case such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

What teeth whitening methods are available to me?

All whitening products contain peroxide either as carbamide peroxide (CP) or hydrogen peroxide (HP). Peroxide dissolves the organic stains in the tooth to change the color and produce a whitened effect.

There are four types of peroxide-containing tooth whitening products available:

* In-practice products are applied by a dental professional. These products contain a high percentage of CP or HP and are applied directly to the teeth. Some activated by heat, light, or laser. This may be the product for you if you?re in a hurry for whiter teeth and you don?t have tooth sensitivity. For very dark-colored teeth, the whitening process can be sped up in two to three hours followed by a take-home product until the desired whiteness is achieved.

* A take-home product supervised by a dentist is the most popular whitening method. These products contain a lesser percentage of CP or HP than in-practice products and are worn in a tray overnight or during the day at home. A custom-fitted tray is made to hold the whitening product directly against the teeth while lessening its contact with the gums. Some products have fluoride added to help prevent or treat mild tooth sensitivities. The typical stains of ageing will whiten in seven to fourteen days when the tray is worn overnight.

* Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products contain a small percentage of HP or CP. Caution should be used with these products as many contain an acidic solution that can wear away tooth enamel. OTC products use a bulky, one-size-fits-all tray to hold the product. Usually more product is swallowed than stays in the tray because of the trays poor fit against the teeth. It can take up to six months and the purchase of several kits to get whiter teeth. Flexible strips coated with whitening gel have recently been introduced as an OTC at-home tooth whitening method. The strips are worn on the front teeth and folded over to keep them in place. Results are reported to be noticeable after fourteen days and effective for 6 months.

* Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes contain a small percentage of HP, CP, or polishing ingredient. The toothpastes are effective in keeping teeth cleaner and whiter looking but some may be very abrasive. The harsh abrasive will wear away the enamel with repeated use gradually making the teeth look yellow. Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains and prevent new stains from building up. Whitening toothpastes however aren?t in contact with the teeth long enough to remove internal stains. Ask your dentist about the safety and cavity protection of specific toothpastes before you buy.

How should I choose a teeth whitening method?

It is highly advisable to inform your dentist about your goals regarding teeth whitening. They can advise you about the most suitable method and also outline the procedure, likely results, side effects and address any questions you may have.

How does teeth whitening achieve results?

The bleaching gel is usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide that breaks down into oxygen molecules. These molecules go into the tiny pores of the enamel and dentin and break up the stains that block out the light. More light passes through the teeth and makes them look lighter as the stains are broken into smaller and smaller pieces. Stains that are accumulated over time that are yellow to slightly brown produce the best results. Teeth that are dark brown to blue-grey are the most difficult to bleach because the stain is deeply embedded in the structure of the tooth. These types of stains are usually caused by medications taken during the development of the teeth such as tetracycline and can take a minimum of three weeks to see results and as much as six months for complete results.

Results can be seen within an hour, overnight or within three to four days depending on the bleaching gel used and the length of time it is worn. Complete results can be achieved in as little as a week or as much as several months depending on the source of the stain and the ability of the teeth or tooth to be bleached. The whitening procedure may last for up to three years and even longer in some cases depending on personal habits. A simple process of bleaching for one or two nights with a single gel syringe is usually sufficient to brighten the color again.

What takes place at the initial visit to the dentist?

You will be able to talk with your dentist about the changes you would like to make in your appearance at the first visit with your dentist. Your dentist will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations.

Your dentist will begin with a complete medical history and examine your teeth. They may also take photos or x-rays and give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Any large cavities may need to be addressed before bleaching can begin. Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedure. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.

How are the treatments carried out?

There are three types of bleaching procedures to choose from. Two of them are performed in the dental practice and the third is a take-home self-administered treatment.

* In-Practice whitening procedures

For laser and power bleaching, a dentist begins by applying a protective material to your gums and lips in order to isolate the teeth. A special bleaching solution usually containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. A high intensity light or laser is directed at the teeth and activates the bleaching agent causing the gel to release the oxygen molecules. Treatments for both power and laser bleaching can take as little as 45 minutes but usually last somewhere between one and two hours.

These techniques work great for a single discolored tooth as well. The bleaching solution is placed on the outside of the tooth if the tooth has become dark due to trauma but has not had a root canal. The solution can be placed on the outside as well as the inside of the tooth if the tooth has had a root canal. Leaving a bleaching solution inside the tooth and sealing the opening is referred to as ?walking bleach?. The solution inside the tooth for a walking bleach is changed about once a week. Results can take several weeks but nothing has to be worn in the mouth.

* Take-home whitening

Take-home bleaching is performed at home under the indirect supervision of a dentist. The dentist takes impressions of the patient?s teeth and then creates a perfectly fitted mouthguard at the first appointment. This mouthguard will allow the patient to apply a bleaching solution to the teeth while protecting the rest of the mouth from contact with the bleaching chemicals.

The concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in the gel is not as strong as that used in power or laser bleaching procedures. No strong light source or laser is needed to activate the bleaching agent. It is contact with the teeth that causes the gel to release oxygen. Take-home bleaching in most cases can take from one to three weeks to achieve maximum results. The dentist during this time may want to check the progress of the treatment.

Will I experience any discomfort?

The amount of discomfort experienced varies from person to person and depends on the method used. Most adults usually experience little if any discomfort. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory may help in the case of some discomfort. Consult your dentist for more options if the discomfort lasts for more than 2 to 3 days.

Decreasing the sensitivity may be as easy as placing a gel fluoride under your dentist?s instruction in your bleaching tray for an hour or so. Other materials may be used to address the sensitivity you may experience. Check with your dentist for the best options for your particular needs.

You should discuss your goals, budget, and pain tolerance with your dentist in order to help them determine the procedure, or combination of procedures, that will produce the best results for you.

What can I expect after teeth whitening?

The results of teeth whitening vary but most people are happy with the results. Patients should avoid foods that stain such as tobacco and red wine for about a week after any bleaching treatment. Keeping teeth clean with flossing and brushing can maintain whiteness. Tooth bleaching lasts on average about 1 to 3 years. Bleaching may last even longer if you are not a regular tobacco user and do not eat many foods that are known to stain teeth.

Decalcified spots are white spots that affect the calcium in the enamel. These spots appear chalky white and are difficult to treat with just bleaching. Your dentist may recommend a procedure called micro-abrasion. This procedure can be done by itself or in conjunction with bleaching. The micro-abrasion material is much like the paste used to clean and polish teeth. The paste consists of an abrasive combined with a hydrochloric acid used to ?polish? out the white or brown spots. The procedure can be performed usually in one practice visit and can be done without anesthesia.

How long will the teeth whitening last?

The effects of the teeth whitening should last for 1 to 3 years. Daily brushing and flossing will assist in maintaining the whiteness. The duration of the whiteness will also depend on your personal habits. Drinking red wine, tea, coffee or smoking will shorten the life of the new whiteness. You may want to conduct a re-treatment in the future. This should not be as costly and time consuming as the original whitening procedure as you will already have the custom made trays.

Am I an ideal candidate for teeth whitening?

In general, the best candidates for teeth whitening are:

? Mature enough to fully understand the procedure
? Experiencing stained and marked teeth
? Knowledgeable about the procedure
? Wanting to improve their appearance and confidence
? Realistic in their expectations

The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your dentist will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your dentist if they consider you an ideal candidate for this procedure.

Are there any alternatives?

Teeth that have dark stains may be better candidates for another whitening option such as veneers, bonding, or crowns. Your dentist can discuss the options best suited for your situation.

Patients interested in whitening their teeth should consult a dentist before taking on any form of treatment whatsoever. A consultation with a dentist will help you understand the benefits and risks associated with each of the options.

What are the risks and limitations?

Bleaching can produce side effects ranging from increased tooth sensitivity to pain and tenderness in the gums, tongue and other soft tissues. There is also a possibility of over-bleaching. The result will be a translucency that may appear grey from the shadows of the mouth. There is a very low percentage of this occurring and only if the bleaching process is over-extended. Having a dentist supervise the process can eliminate this risk.

With take-home bleaching there is a small risk of ingesting the gel administered by the dentist. The chances of this occurring are relatively small since your bleaching tray should fit almost perfectly around your teeth. However, if the gel is ingested, it may result in nausea, vomiting or burning. You should contact a doctor immediately if this occurs to you.

How do I choose an appropriate dentist?

It is very important you select a dentist adequately trained and experienced in teeth whitening. Your dentist is most likely equipped to administer teeth whitening. They will be able to assist you achieve your goals pertaining to teeth whitening.

What questions should I ask my dentist?

1. Are the desired results I described realistic?

2. Is there an alternative treatment that I should consider as well?

3. How long will the procedure take?

4. How much does it cost?

5. What is your experience in performing this procedure?

6. Have many patients had significant complications?

7. Can you give me some idea of the result I will achieve after the teeth whitening?

8. What should I expect after the procedure and what things should I avoid?

Anything else I should know?

? Tell your dentist about any allergies you have to foods, drugs, vinyl, peroxide, or environmental elements.

? Tell your dentist about all medications you are taking including prescription and non-prescription.

? Carefully follow any instructions your dentist gives you.

Dion Kramer
www.noblehealth.com.au

Dion Kramer is co-founder and managing director of NobleHealth. NobleHealth is a dental plan for the people of Brisbane, Australia. Members are entitled to 15% to 55% off their dental fees. Dion Kramer began writing about oral health to assist members of NobleHealth. Dion Kramer collaborates with NobleHealth dentists so his writings are topical and up-to-date. You can visit our website to learn more about NobleHealth and our dentists Brisbane http://www.noblehealth.com.au

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Monday, January 21, 2008

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!

http://thebrightersmile.com/ is a website devoted to giving you the very best information regarding teeth whitening. Whether you're looking for teeth whitening home remedies, or would like to research the benefits of laser teeth whitening, we've got you covered!

Boost Up Your Confidence With Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile gives everyone a reason to live; through a true and healthy smile, we reveal the capacity of the human heart. It is very true that our smile reflects our mood, personality and even the inner health; whenever we smile directly from the heart we give someone a reason to wonder and appreciate true beauty. Perhaps, this is the reason why most of the people judge someone by his or her smile; definitely, our smile speaks a lot about us but on the other hand, an unattractive and pale smile can put a negative affect on our self-esteem. Apart from all these things, it is also true that an unattractive smile can also be the biggest cause of embarrassment for someone. People, who face problems with their oral health and dental structure, can get depressed and can also lose their confidence. There are some problems such as misalignment of teeth string, crooked teeth that are not easy to solve; however, there are many treatments and procedure that can help a person in retaining his or her lost confidence and cosmetic dentistry is one of them.

If you are one of those people who have lost their confidence just because of their missing, crooked or misaligned teeth string then get ready to smile confidently because cosmetic dentistry NYC is there to help you out. With it you can retain your confidence and can get healthy and beautiful teeth string. Basically, cosmetic dentistry in NYC refers to those dental treatments that enhance your smile; it is especially tailored to change the way you look while smiling. Usually many people face problem with their smile just because they do not take care of their teeth, they do not clean their teeth regularly therefore their teeth loss the natural white color and become pale.

Lifestyle plays a significant role in determining your oral health; bad eating habits and ignorance of oral hygiene develop cavity and many other gum diseases and once your gums are affected the smile will definitely lost its grace. These problems are not limited only till unattractive smile but these problems can also pester you in future as cavity in any tooth can damage it poorly and sometimes it leads to removal of affected tooth. If you are really concerned about your oral health and personality, then do not ignore minor dental problems of today and go for cosmetic dentistry to save your precious teeth and smile.

For people, who want to avoid future problems, cosmetic dentistry in NYC is an excellent way. Definitely, with it you can avoid forthcoming oral hazards and can also make your smile more gracious as never before. It is all about providing you with best dental care to protect your teeth from problems. In fact, it provide people with a wide range of facilities to make their smile more attractive; it offer treatments like whitening of pale teeth, realignment of misaligned teeth, tooth replacement and teeth bleaching that truly help a person in retaining his or her lost confidence.
Brad Taylor has a special interest in health related topics and advises people on many aspects related to health. Among other health related topics, dentistry is one field that he is specially interest in.To know more about best teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry NYC, restorative dentist NYC and dental implants visit http://www.rubinsteindmd.com

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

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

The Current And Most Expeditious Tooth Bleaching Method

Laser tooth whitening is the stylish and most modern tooth bleaching system with unexampled efficiency. Laser tooth bleaching system has revolutionized the customary tooth whitening procedure.

Laser tooth whitening is purposely for someone searching for the superior result. Treating of teeth stain with laser tooth bleaching procedure is plain and painless. Laser tooth bleaching apparatus allows you to relax in a soothing chair with soft music or a film while creating the dazzling white grinning that you had always wanted.

Laser tooth bleaching system starts with a short preparation to separate your lips and gums. The tooth bleaching gel, which is reactivated by the specially arranged light-beam, is then practical.

The light reactivated tooth whitening gel utilized in this technique was developed after periods of research work. The tooth whitening gel is scientifically designed with ph-standardized hydrogen peroxide so that when reactivated by the laser tooth bleaching light, it gently penetrates the teeth to remove deep discolorations.

In fact, in almost one hour period, your teeth will dramatically metamorphose at lowest six shades brighter. You will be surprised with the results. Oftentimes, teeth get brighter the first few days after treatment. With appropriate maintenance and infrequent touching at home, your whiter smile will dazzle for a prolonged time.

Besides, the laser tooth bleaching method is also available as at-home laser tooth whitening though it takes period; it works with similar law as the laser tooth whitening procedure.

The price of laser tooth bleaching is relatively high. Most experts can collect about $1000 or greater for each tooth bleaching procedure accomplished on you.

Herman of http://toothwhitening.fateback.com writes to inform and educate people on life related issues.

Recomended: For detailed information on laser tooth whitening visit http://toothwhitening.fateback.com/LaserSmile-tooth-whitening-system.html

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