Archive for category Dental-Care

Electric Toothbrush – Easy Way to Get Healthy Teeth

Posted by znnw on Friday, 8 January, 2010

It is extremely important to keep our teeth in healthy and shinning condition. The unclean and blemished teeth look absolutely bad and create a very negative impression on the people. Sparkling white teeth enhance your personality and make people love your smile. We have been using the tooth brushes since ages; however the electric toothbrushes are gaining lot of popularity these days. They help us brush our teeth in a most efficient manner.

The electric brushes have a motor or an oscillator that rotates the brushing head in oscillatory pattern to provide enhanced cleaning of the teeth. They are powered by electricity or the rechargeable batteries. In these devices the tooth brush head vibrates in to and fro motion. When placed on the teeth it creates foams from the tooth paste and also cleans the teeth. Unlike the ordinary brushes, one does not need to move the brush with the hands. one only needs to place the brush on the teeth and then the rotational motion offers enhanced cleaning. They help to have wonderful and shining teeth with great ease.

These innovative devices were first conceptualized in the late 1800. Broxodent is the first efficient vibrating and rotating toothbrush, introduced in the USA in 1960 by the Squibb pharmaceuticals. Later, many experiments were done in this arena and several devices of this kind were manufactured. Mostly these brushes were created for people with orthodontic problems like the one who wear braces.

With due course of time many renowned brands have begun producing high quality electric toothbrushes that is truly innovative and efficient. They have now become quite cheap. These accessories are totally concealed and are manufactured with high grade plastic and other material. They have soft and fine bristles. Braun has given a wide range of innovative tooth brushes that are really efficient. One can have healthy gums and shinning teeth with these devices as they offer intensive cleaning. Various teeth problems like bad breath, cavities, plaque and receding gums can be avoided by using these brushes.

There are a wide variety of options available for the users in which they can look out for the best electric toothbrush from various reliable and known brands. One may search for the best deals in which one may have the most advanced tooth care devices at lucrative prices

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The Teeth Whitening Procedure

Posted by znnw on Friday, 8 January, 2010

The Teeth Whitening Procedure

There are many methods used for teeth whitening. You can opt to do your teeth whitening at home with a kit you can buy at any drugstore or even one that can be bought from your dentist. There is also a bleach teeth whitening procedure that your dentist will do in his office. The newest procedure for whitening your teeth is the laser method and this too is done in the dentist’s chair.

What to Expect with the Laser Bleach Teeth Whitening Method

A teeth whitening gel is used in conjunction with a laser instrument. A bleaching gel that is translucent will be applied to your teeth. The gel is infused with crystals and a laser light will be used in order to activate those crystals. They in turn absorb energy from the laser light in order to penetrate into the enamel to increase the teeth whitening effect.

Often your regular dentist doesn’t perform laser bleach teeth whitening; rather a dentist schooled in cosmetic dentistry is the one to perform the procedure. How long it will take in order to whiten your teeth will depend entirely on how discolored and stained your teeth are at present.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages to the Procedure

Typically it takes just a single visit to a cosmetic dentist in order for your teeth to get lighter. A brilliant smile is the best advantage to having a teeth whitening procedure done. Though you may not have ivory white teeth, they will in fact be much brighter than when you walked into the office. Having whiter teeth will give you more self confidence and you won’t feel the need to hide your teeth when you smile.

One disadvantage to the laser teeth whitening procedure is the results are quite dramatic and those that know you well will see an immediate difference in the color of your teeth. Another disadvantage may be the high price involved as the laser bleaching technique is the most expensive of teeth whitening procedures. On the other hand, it is the fastest method to a great smile.

Just How White Can Your Teeth Get?

The teeth whitening procedure cannot perform miracles so if your teeth are discolored because of heavy smoking, coffee or cola beverages, you can rest assured that they will become brighter. There is no set standard in the field of cosmetic dentistry for labeling the color of your teeth but one standard that is often used is called the Vita shade guide. There are four ranges of shade in the Vita guide and they are:

• A- a reddish brown shade

• B- this is a shade of reddish yellow

• C- only gray is in this shade range

• D- the final shade range is reddish gray

When it comes to the A shade group there are five different levels of darkness. For B, C, and D ranges, there are just four different levels of darkness.

Another consideration is that not all of your teeth will be the same color. Eye teeth are usually the darkest of the teeth and your front teeth are often the whitest. Molars can land between the brightest and the darkest of your teeth. The goal for anyone having a teeth whitening procedure is to have their teeth looking as bright as possible and also looking natural.

When you consult with a cosmetic dentist, he will go over your expectations of the teeth whitening procedure and tell you what you can realistically look forward to. No matter what teeth whitening procedure you decide upon, the results for one person will not be the same for the next. How your teeth are structured and the amount of dental work you have had before as well as the teeth whitening procedure you choose will directly affect the end results.

About the author:
Dramatic Smiles is the leading teeth whitening company offering teeth whitening products and other dental strength gels.


UK Warns Against Teeth Whitening

Posted by znnw on Friday, 8 January, 2010

UK Warns Against Teeth Whitening

Citizens of the United Kingdom are being warned about some of the teeth whitening methods that are offered to them at a discount price. None of them have to do with a professional dentist or cosmetic dentist doing the teeth whitening procedure, rather they are warning about certain products and methods used by non professionals that can harm not only your teeth but the patient as well.

What is the Bleaching Agent in Question?

The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is worried about a bleaching agent that is harmful to those that use it. It is said that this bleach whitening method can harm tooth enamel. The substance in question is called chlorine dioxide. It is typically used to bleach water and is said to be extremely acidic.

They are also advising against using hydrogen peroxide that has strength over the legal limit as well. Both of these teeth whitening agents have the capacity to ruin the enamel of one’s teeth if not worse consequences instead of doing the job that was expected.

Don’t Go To Beauty Salon to Have Teeth Whitening Performed

Also worrisome to the Academy are beauty salons that are offering cheap teeth whitening procedures to their customers. The staff hired to do the teeth whitening is often untrained and do not check for pre-existing dental problems such as gum disease or gingivitis. The mouth can suffer from burns, especially the soft tissue of the cheeks if not applied correctly and in the right doses. This is against the law in the United Kingdom and if you should see a salon offering teeth whitening services without a cosmetic dentist on staff you are advised to report them immediately.

Only dentists are qualified to carry out teeth whitening procedures that involve bleaching agents, and anyone that is not a trained, accredited dentist is breaking the law if they are performing teeth whitening procedures on the unsuspecting public.

Three clinics that have been sited for doing illegal teeth whitening were using chlorine dioxide or hydrogen peroxide that were above the legal limits. These clinics also advertised teeth whitening using a laser and their method was said to have no effect on discolored or yellow teeth at all.

These three clinics are just a few of the seventy other venues that are currently under investigation by the General Dental Council. Though the prices they offer are quite attractive, the person doing the procedure often has little or no training and you just might end up with chemical burns in your mouth or looking worse than you did when you walked in.

Is Teeth Whitening Unsafe?

There are a myriad of people that want to have their teeth whitened, and when it is done with the proper chemicals by a trained professional results can be dramatic. Most teeth whitening procedures are done at a dentist’s office and results can be seen after just one treatment.

It is also the safest way to get your teeth whitened as you can be assured that the person doing the procedure is licensed and knows what they are doing. Your teeth are important, and with the rise in the number of people desiring to have teeth whitening procedures performed, it is more important than ever that the public is made aware of dangerous practices by other, non trained individuals offering a bargain for an otherwise expensive procedure.

So if you really want a whiter and brighter smile, compare prices from a real dentist that is a member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry so you can be sure that the person doing this potentially unsafe procedure is using proper methods and chemicals in order for your teeth to shine.

About the author:
Dramatic Smiles is the leading teeth whitening company offering teeth whitening products and other dental strength gels.


Dental Care Tips for Kids

Posted by znnw on Friday, 8 January, 2010

Teens are known for eating sweet snacks, fast foods and meals on-the-run. But these eating habits are the culprits of tooth decay and dental problems. Make sure your kids choose their foods wisely. When possible, foods like sugary snacks and sweet sticky foods should be eaten at meal times when other foods help neutralize their damaging effects. When your kids do snack, encourage them to eat foods that are good for their teeth like nuts, popcorn, cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, and sugarless gum or candy. And remind them to brush, or at least rinse, after every meal.

Babies who are teething often display an insatiable urge to chew on things to soothe the irritation in their gums. You can give your baby teething rings, which are specially made to indulge this urge. Refrigerating the rings to make them quite cold will help soothe sore gums better.

Select fluoride toothpaste and use a pea-sized amount on the toothbrush after every meal and before bed. If the child swallows the toothpaste this small amount should not hurt him.

Sweet candy plays a part in tooth decay. The best way to keep smiling is using fluoride toothpastes. Help children develop a teeth brushing routine, limiting candy bars and hard candy intake during the day, and never after brushing their teeth at bedtime to avoid microorganisms working on their mouth by night.

The best way to ensure that your child does not get cavities or gingivitis is to instill proper oral habits early. Here are three tips and tricks to make the task of teeth brushing a little more fun and a lot less taxing.

The second important thing to remember with a newborn baby is to NOT put them to bed with a bottle. It is MUCH easier never to start this bad habit than it is to stop it when the baby teeth start coming in. Letting a baby sleep with a bottle – or nurse continuously, if breast-feeding – can cause serious dental cavities, called “Early Childhood Cavities.” It is important to note that while many experts agree that breast-feeding is healthier for your baby, breast milk can cause Early Childhood Cavities just as whole milk or formula can.

Choosing the right kind of toothbrush is very crucial for the over all health of your teeth. A brush with M-shaped bristles is an ideal one. Always go in for soft bristles. Your teeth are constituted of two major elements. They are calcium and phosphorus. These elements help in hardening your teeth and also in the formation of teeth in children. Therefore your diet should be planned in such a manner that you get quite a good amount of both these elements.

Finding a home remedy for teeth whitening that works best may have you feeling like a glass slipper in search of the right foot. Not every home remedy for teeth whitening is going to be effective; some are more folklore than factual. A simple process or trial and elimination may be in order.

Apple cider and white vinegar are also used in a few home remedy recipes for teeth whitening. Wood ash is known for being a natural bleaching additive, but too much usage can cause the enamel of your teeth to wear away. And, like the vinegar, has a rather bitter taste.

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Read about Hair Loss Causes . Also read about Hair Loss Treatment and Latest Hairstyles


Laser technology for teeth whitening is quick, but expensive

Posted by znnw on Friday, 8 January, 2010

Smiling with discolored teeth is difficult for most people, of all ages. In fact, to many, this is what causes some social stigma to them when in public places. However instead of brooding over the topic, something can be done to treat discolored teeth. And one suitable option is using laser technology for teeth whitening.

This is because it is possible to treat discoloration of teeth both quickly and easily with the help of laser technology. The number of visits one requires for whitening teeth depends on the sensitivity of your teeth. However in most cases, only one visit is sufficient to restore the color of your teeth.

Why choose laser technology over traditional methods?

It is possible to use traditional tooth whiteners, in the comfort of your home. However with laser technology, you can get results as quickly as possible. This is the main reason why people prefer using laser teeth technology for teeth whitening over traditional methods, although it may be more expensive.

However if you are on a budget, and money is a factor, then of course, it is possible to use other teeth whiteners for getting rid of discolored teeth. However you will not be able to get as good and as quick results as you would from laser technology.

If you think of getting your teeth whitened using a home teeth whitening kit, available at the local drug or grocery store, you need only pay a few dollars for it. The most you may receive in the kit would be whitening toothpaste in such kits. Of course, it is possible to get the more sophisticated gel or molding based whitening kits for cheaper than $100.

However if you think of using laser teeth whitening, you may have to pay more than this, somewhere between the range of $500 to $1,000 to get your teeth whitened. It all depends on your teeth, how much of whitening you require, the dentist you approach and any extra services that the dentist may provide you like scaling of plaque and teeth cleaning.

Understanding laser technology for teeth whitening

When compared to other tooth whitening techniques, laser teeth whitening as some similarities as it uses tooth bleaching or whitening gel for the process. First the dentist will clean your teeth in the normal way. This is to ensure that all plaque and debris, that would hamper the whitening process is removed.

He or she than applies this gel to the teeth surface, and then with the direct aiming of the pulse of laser light on the teeth, its whitening ingredients get activated. The main reason laser is used here is to accelerate the process with the activation of the whitening gel.

Many people get happy with the results within one of its session. However sometimes, several sessions with the gel and laser may be required if the teeth has lots of staining or discoloration to be removed.

After all this laser technology, you experience immediate white teeth. However there are some side effects accompanied by side effects with laser technology. The main side effect of this technology is that people who are sensitive may experience irritation of both the teeth and gums.

However as this irritation is a consequence of the whitening process, it usually stops once the treatment is over, wherein the teeth and gums have sufficient time to heal. However those who don’t have any sensitive teeth or gums, and experience no negative reactions with the tooth whitening gel or laser pulses and can afford it, then laser teeth whitening can help create a transformed and instant smile.

About the author:

If you think of getting your teeth whitened using a home teeth whitening kit, available at the local drug or grocery store, you need only pay a few dollars for it. Brow online resource for teeth whitening products .


Why You Should Consider Zoom Teeth Whitening

Posted by znnw on Friday, 8 January, 2010

It has come to my attention that if you really want whiter teeth in a short period of time, then you should consider zoom teeth whitening. Though there are lot of teeth bleaching agents available for home use as part of kits sold in the supermarkets, teeth whitening under the close superintendence of a professional is often the wisest and most efficient solution of all. What is zoom teeth whitening? We are talking about a medical examination or surgical procedure that uses laser engineering science to lighten up the balmy or severe discoloration of the dentin and enamel. On rating scale for examination its, parameters indicate an eight-shade whiter tooth enamel after undergoing the procedure.

The zoom teeth whitening surgical operation should not be longer than an hour; But before the start of the process, the dental practitioner will inform you whether there are other steps to be taken before the bleaching is started. For instance, professional cleanup of the dental structure is needed before the use of this technique; this ordinarily takes approximately a quarter of an hour, while the rest of the procedure, the bleaching and its associated procedures may last for close to Forty-five minutes on the whole. Before using the this system, it is good to get some information on the way things go during the intervention.

Before the laser light is applied to the teeth, they’ll be toughened with a hydrogen peroxide gel that is crushed with a light impact allowing oxygen to enter the enamel. The anatomical structure of the tooth remains untouched during the procedure, as the gel only acts on the discolored dentin portions. In terms of comfort, patients commonly don’t feel a thing while undergoing this process, and they are encouraged to concentrate on other things like watching television or listening to some music in order to make time pass more pleasantly, till the bleaching surgical operation is over.

In terms of side effects associated with the zoom teeth whitening, modest tickling and sensitiveness to the treatment may appear, since the laser light generates a small measure of heat that slightly hurts the enamel. Such minor discomforts could be prevented if you use anti-sensitivity toothpaste prior to the treatment. Once you’ve seen the great advantages of this procedure you’ll unquestionably concern yourself about how to preserve the brightness level of your smile. Using a fluoride paste, flossing and brushing the teeth at least twice a day are the first precaution measures to be taken; these are actually the measures that see to it that a good health condition in the mouth is maintained.

About the author:
Peter Gitundu Has Been Researching and Reporting on Teeth for Years. For More Information on Zoom Teeth Whitening, Visit My Site at ZOOM TEETH WHITENING I Will Highly Appreciate Your Views On Zoom Teeth Whitening At Zoom Teeth Whitening


Cosmetic tooth whitening

Posted by znnw on Friday, 8 January, 2010

When you look at all those celebrities smiling away with dazzling teeth, you are sure to wish that you too had a set of equally shining teeth. Taking a look at your discolored teeth, you are sure to think that this is something that is far from your reach. However on the contrary, modern cosmetic dentistry has now made it possible for anyone and everyone to have a set of white, sparkling teeth.

It is through teeth whitening that it is now possible for you to whiten your teeth. There are various methods employed by different dentists for you to whiten your teeth; and one of these methods is through cosmetic tooth whitening. In dentistry, this procedure is also referred to as tooth bleaching.

It is common for teeth to darken

In general dentistry, this procedure is rather common, and is a special part of cosmetic dentistry. It is quite normal for the teeth of people to start darkening as we grow older. There are many reasons for teeth to darken like any changes in mineral structure of the teeth, foodstuffs like coffee and tea, bacterial pigments and tobacco in the case of smokers.

Cosmetic tooth whitening is a procedure that should preferably be done at the dentist’s and not at home. The dentist will use some oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide on your teeth. This will break down into mono peroxide in the mouth, with which the shade of your teeth is lightened.

This is because this agent penetrates into the enamel of your teeth and this is when it oxidizes the stain deposits. Over the course of time, the stained dentine layer starts getting bleached and this is what leads to teeth whitening.

Two types of cosmetic tooth whitening procedures

There are two types of bleaching in this cosmetic teeth whitening process, where the first is called Office Bleach. In this case, the dentist will use a high concentration of oxidizing agents on your teeth for a short time. This process is known to give fast results; however there is the possibility of the chemicals used here in burning the soft tissues of your mouth.

This is why some protection has to be used when using this method of cosmetic teeth whitening. As a preventive measure for soft tissues, the dentist will paint a light protective layer on the gums. The second type of bleaching here involves the use of a thin mouth guard or strip on the teeth.

This strip has a low concentration of oxidizing agents and is placed on your teeth for a long time, like a few hours a day for five to fourteen days. The length of the process depends on how discolored the teeth is and how much whitening it requires. This process is called over-the-counter bleaching, or take home bleaching as you can do it at home. However comparatively, this is a slower method of teeth whitening; however there is less risk to your soft tissues than other tooth whitening measures.

Side effects of cosmetic tooth whitening

Like all good things in life, cosmetic tooth whitening has its side effects, which includes the occurrence of chemical burns. Chemical burns take place when highly concentrated oxidizing agents come in contact with the exposed and unprotected tissues that lead to the discoloration of mucous membranes.

The difference between these two types of teeth whitening processes is that the office bleach has to be done in a dentist’s chair and is rather expensive. The price range is anywhere from $500 to $1,000 which depends on how much tooth whitening is required. The other option of teeth whitening can be done at home is cheaper but however does not produce as quick a result as office bleach.

So the choice of cosmetic tooth whitening that you wish to use lies in your hand; you have to choose depending on your budget and how much whitening you require.

About the author:
It is through teeth whitening that it is now possible for you to whiten your teeth. Visit online website for teeth whitening products


Use Minneapolis teeth whitening to eliminate discoloration of teeth

Posted by znnw on Friday, 8 January, 2010

Smiling in a crowd for many people is a big task as they feel embarrassed to show off their discolored teeth. However instead of feeling pity for oneself, it is better to do something for this discoloration, like opting for some teeth whitening procedure to whiten your teeth.

There are different procedures adopted for teeth whitening, where Minneapolis teeth whitening is one of these procedures. To understand the concept of teeth whitening, you have to first understand how and why your teeth discolor. Most teeth stains are due to aging, coffee, tea and tobacco. Even too much of antibiotics like tetracycline and too much of fluoride can lead to teeth discoloration.

Various treatment options in Minneapolis teeth whitening

There are numerous treatment options associated with Minneapolis tooth whitening, which includes over the counter whitening systems, toothpastes meant for whitening and the latest inception, laser tooth whitening. According to experts, the best method for maximum whitening is using hydroxide peroxide.

Today, people tend to prefer using supervised bleaching procedures for teeth whitening. This procedure can be done at home and in the office where in some cases, the whole process is done in the office using a light or heat source. This light or heat source is used to actually speed up the bleaching process.

In some cases, the oral health care professional starts the procedure in the office, and then instructs you on completing it at home. They provide the material you will need to complete at home. There is another option of Minneapolis teeth whitening, where you can do the whole procedure at home.

Night guard vital bleaching can be done at home

These procedures that are done at home are called night guard vital bleaching. This procedure is done placing a bleaching solution, which is a peroxide mixture in a tray or night guard. The oral health professional would have custom fitted this tray for your mouth prior to this.

The bleaching solution that is used for teeth whitening is of different potencies and should be worn for an hour or throughout the night. It is up to the dentist to tell you how long you have to use the bleaching solution, the right potency for your teeth whitening based on how much discoloration your teeth has undergone, and your budget.

Teeth whitening is not effective in whitening fillings

Minneapolis teeth whitening is effective in whitening most forms of removal of stains that are caused by coffee, tea, age and tobacco. However other types of stains, like those caused by tetracycline and excess fluoride tends to respond less reliably to bleaching.

However, before you actually consider trying out teeth whitening, you have to remember that if there is a tooth filling, when you undergo bleaching, the filling remains yellow as dental restorations don’t change in color with teeth whiteners.

Side effects of Minneapolis teeth whitening

There are some minimal and tolerable side effects associated with Minneapolis tooth whitening. Some patients have experienced discomfort with short term side effects with bleached teeth.

The temperature sensitivity in the teeth can also be increased with hydrogen peroxide, especially if you use stronger concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, some people experience gum irritation with night guards.

The excessive use of over the counter home bleaching products for teeth whitening only leads to wearing away of the tooth enamel. This is most prevalent in solutions that have acid in them; and this is why it is better to conduct this procedure under the eye of a dentist or a professional oral health care provider.

About the author:

There are different procedures adopted for teeth whitening , where Minneapolis teeth whitening is one of these procedures. DramaticSmiles is one of online website for teeth whitening products .


Understanding how toothpaste whitens your teeth

Posted by znnw on Thursday, 7 January, 2010

Teeth discoloration is something practically everyone suffers from because of aging, consumption of coffee, tea, tobacco and in some cases, antibiotics like tetracyclines. This is why cosmetic dentistry has come up with means of whitening your teeth. There are hundreds of products and quite a few methods to use to whiten your teeth.

You have to choose the product according to your budget and the urgency of teeth whitening. The most expensive teeth whitening product is office laser whitening that costs about $600 – $1,000 depending on the doctor and the amount of discoloration. This method produces immediate and guaranteed results.

Teeth whitening toothpaste is a cheap means of whitening teeth

However if you are looking for a cheaper alternative, then teeth whitening toothpaste is the answer for your teeth whitening needs. This is the cheapest and slowest method to be used to get whiter teeth. However you may need to wait for six months of brushing your teeth twice a day with this toothpaste to see results.

These teeth whitening toothpastes don’t actually increase the whiteness of the teeth. What they actually do is work at removing stains which in turn makes your teeth whiter. Instead of starting on your teeth whitening procedure with a teeth whitening toothpastes, many people opt to have an in office laser whitening, or gel tray and then use this toothpaste so that their smile remains white.

So if you have the money, you could try this option. However if you have the time and are looking for something cheaper, you can use teeth whitening toothpastes on a long time basis to see an improvement in your teeth.

Over brushing of teeth can lead to loss of tooth enamel

Basically, the success of your tooth whitening toothpaste is very much dependant on how long, and how often you brush your teeth. However bear it in mind that many dental health professionals warn that excessive use of toothpastes you may use to reduce the staining and yellowing of teeth leads to the loss of tooth enamel. This is mainly because of the over-brushing associated with excessive use of the toothpaste.

As tooth enamel is something that cannot be replaced, you have to be careful when using your toothpaste. Moreover, if you have sensitive teeth, you will not be able to use a tooth whitening toothpaste. As the tooth enamel is already sensitive in people with sensitive teeth.

Teeth whitening toothpastes have humectants in them

There are various ingredients found in teeth whitening toothpastes, where different ingredients have different functions. These teeth whitening toothpastes have abrasives in them that work at removing debris on the teeth and all residual stains.

These toothpastes also have humectants that work at avoiding the loss of water and it also has thickening agents and binders that help in stabilizing toothpaste formulations. These thickening agents prevent the separation of liquid and solid phases while the flavoring and foaming agents in the toothpaste are to be chosen by your preference.

The therapeutic agents of these teeth whitening agents all contain fluoride which is effective in reducing caries. The potassium nitrate that is found in it helps in caring for dental hypersensitivity and triclosan or stannous fluoride works mainly in decreasing any gingival inflammation found in your teeth.

There are some additional ingredients that may be added to teeth whitening toothpastes so that it provides esthetic advantages. These ingredients include pyrophosphates or zinc citrate that stops the buildup of tartar and numerous abrasives and enzymes that are effective in helping in teeth whitening. However these ingredients don’t actually have any impact on the working of the toothpaste.

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However if you are looking for a cheaper alternative, then teeth whitening toothpaste is the answer for your teeth whitening needs.


Tooth Whitening Process and Research

Posted by znnw on Thursday, 7 January, 2010

Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains and discolouration from teeth and improving their colour through a bleaching process to make them look “whiter”. Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, cleaning between their teeth once a day and the regular cleanings at your dentist’s office. If you decide you would like to go beyond this to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your options.

Professional bleaching is the most common form of tooth whitening. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. First the dentist will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect the soft tissue. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a gum-shield.

Teeth can become discoloured over a period of time. Discolouration can be caused by several factors including ageing, smoking, consumption of staining foods and beverages, staining caused by medication and hereditary factors. Professional teeth whitening refers to a technique where a whitener is applied to your teeth by your dentist in their dental office. In contrast, at-home teeth whitening is a process where the dental patient takes the bleaching materials home with them and performs their bleaching treatments on their own, unsupervised.

Research has shown that teeth whitening is perfectly safe for teeth and gums. This is because the teeth whitening procedures we use do not change the structure of the teeth; only the colour of teeth is affected. Side effects of tooth bleaching include: chemical burns, sensitive teeth, and overbleaching. Rebound, or teeth losing the bleached effect and darkening, is also an issue, with some studies showing the rebound effect over 30 days.

Using a laser with a whitening gel, this is an in-office bleaching system. The translucent bleaching gel is applied to the teeth and a laser light is used to activate the crystals to absorb the energy from the light and penetrate the teeth enamel to increase the lightening effect on the teeth. The length of time in the cosmetic dentist’s chair depends on the degree of discoloration you have.

For whitening at home, your dentist can make trays to hold the whitening gel that fit your teeth precisely. Home whitening usually takes two to three weeks. Over-the-counter kits also are widely available for home use. Talk to your dentist if you want to use these home products. Be sure to use them according to directions to avoid overuse and possible damage to your teeth and mouth.

On average, teeth whitening may cost approximately $450-$500 with the results lasting for several months or more, depending on how well you do maintaining your whiter smile. On the low end, whitening strips start at about $25 in the drug store. In-office whitening procedures can cost anywhere from $400 to $900, depending on the product, the provider and the location where the procedure is performed.

Tooth whitening is the most common cosmetic service provided by dentists, and there are also a growing number of over-the-counter tooth whitening products to choose from.

About the author:
Rachel Broune writes articles for beauty tips. He also writes for hairstyles pictures and acne treatment.