Teeth Whitening: Do it the Professional Way

There is a popular saying that goes like, “Smile and the world smiles with you.” There is no doubt that a beautiful smile radiates infectiously to others. Let us put an emphasis on the word beautiful. How does one possess a beautiful smile? Of course you have to agree that heredity cannot be singled out. Lifestyle and attitude also play part in the maintenance or even having a sweet smile.

But what if you can not incorporate a do-it-yourself way to your busy lifestyle so as to have a smile makeover transform your simple smile into a rather healthy and “infectious” one? In this case, a professional treatment by a dentist might be the best remedy.

The following article provides an appraisal of a professional teeth whitening system usually provided and conducted by dentists.

Professional teeth whitening is a technique by which whitening compounds that are peroxide based are applied to teeth by dentists within their dental office. Laser teeth whitening is the common practice of dentist to whiten teeth stained by nicotine, food, or even liquids.

Peroxide-based whitening compounds usually depend on two factors:

1. The concentration of peroxide in a whitening compound
2. The amount of time a whitener is put in contact in the surface of the teeth

Laser teeth whitening utilize a higher concentration of whitener for a shorter period of time, say for hours or for few appointments.

The whitening compounds and associated equipment (bleaching light or laser) used by dentists are normally purchased from a manufacturer as a franchise, system, or simply as a kit. In fact, many manufacturers have provided national campaigns about their whitening products and equipment, and dentists play a vital part in the promotion of a manufacturer’s product because they are actually using the product to their patients.

Below is a list of some professional whitening products dentists and professionals choose. (The kind of bleaching laser or light is enclosed in parentheses.)

1. BriteSmile (gas plasma light/light emitting diode)
2. LaserSmile (a Biolase laser)
3. LumaArch (halogen light)
4. Rembrandt Sapphire (plasma arc light)
5. Zoom! (metal halide light)

Each of these whitening systems has its own degree of effectiveness. However, we can summarize three standard steps when using these types of products.

1. The dentist will compare the tooth shade of the patient with a tooth shade guide.
Surface stain and tartar are removed before determining the tooth shade. A dentist needs to document a pre-treatment and a post-treatment tooth shade to assess the effectiveness of the whitening treatment system applied. A dentist may make use of variously shaded tooth-shaped porcelain tabs and compare them to a patient’s set of teeth and each match is documented. Some dentists even take pictures of a patient’s teeth before and after the treatment.

Flour of pumice is used to polish each tooth to ensure that stains are completely removed.

2. The dentist will isolate teeth being whitened.

Bleaching agents, normally peroxide-based, can irritate or even damage delicate tissues within and inside mouth of patients. To protect these tissues, dentist use dental dam barriers.

Thin sheet of latex punched with a hole for each tooth and dental gels painted around each tooth are used to protect teeth being treated. When the latter is used, a cheek retractor, cotton rolls and gauze are used to make sure that the patient’s lips and cheeks are held out of the way. Afterwards, these items are simply peeled off.

3. Bib covering and eye protection are placed on the patient.

Unexpected things can happen. Bibs are worn by patients to protect their skin against the caustic nature of these bleaching agents.

Eye protection is also placed to ensure that whiteners will not irritate even the eyes of the patients. Moreover, it is a common knowledge that an intense bleaching light or a laser used to activate the components of bleaching compounds could cause eye damage.  

What else can I do if I have undergone professional whitening?

To get rid off typical stains—the coffee and cigarette variety—can be washed away alternately with professional whitening systems. Here are some additional tips:

Munch some apple and drink water afterwards.

Brush after every meal to have a less chance of keeping stains on your teeth. Brush gently but effectively by using a dentist-approved toothpaste and toothbrush. Practice the correct ways of brushing.

Researches on dentistry note that an electric toothbrush removes a plaque percentage that is about 98.2 percent.

Gargle with a mouthwash that has an antibacterial action. This practice will surely will reduce stain-catching plaque.

Don’t depend on quick-fix remedies like using super-whitening tooth polishes because these also make the enamel of teeth thinner. And as enamel gets thinner, more of the dentin will show off making your teeth appear as heavily stained.

To put it simply, here are some reasons why or why not choose professional whitening systems.

1. The effect can be seen even instantly.

2. The whitening can be completed in just a few appointments (possibly even just one).

3. Professional teeth whitening remedies cost more than do-it-yourself teeth whitening items.

Hope this article brightens up your smile!

Read More

Teeth Whitening Products: Pros and Cons

Choosing teeth whitening product amidst the different teeth whitening products available in the market today can be very confusing. And some of the teeth whitening products are not giving your desired result.

If you ask the experts, they will tell you that the best method of teeth whitening is still through your dentist. Not only is it the best, it is also the most effective and the quickest to have whiter teeth.

But then, not all people can afford the fees that come with each treatment. Another thing that hinders them from going to dentists is fear. It seems that as early as childhood, dentists are one of the most feared personalities that people do not want to encounter. This fear continues on in the adult years.

Although dentists do not advise people to choose teeth whitening products, they all agree in saying that these products are effective in some degree. According to studies, teeth whitening products, if used regularly and consistently can result in whiter teeth that can outlast any dentist-assisted procedure.

Another additional plus that teeth whitening products have is that they contain the same ingredients that are being used in professional whitening. Two of the active ingredients needed for whitening teeth are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide. These two are also the ingredients that are present in some of the products that are sold in groceries and drug stores.

The only advantage that teeth whitening products have over professional whitening is that they tend to be very cheap. Everyone who will tumble upon them can simply afford to add them to the list of their basic things.

Most of these products can be bought for $30 or less. Compare this to the $100 or more that you need to pay to the dentist. It will not surprise you why people prefer them over the high fees.

Still, teeth whitening products are found out to have some disadvantages. Some of these are:

1. Suitability.

Teeth whitening products cater to all. But then different people have different needs. What others found effective may not work for others. This is one of the problems that people will encounter with these products.

There are those that have sensitive teeth and gums. The reaction to the products will depend upon the suitability of the products to the persons using them. An option would be to try different products until you find the one that is suitable to you.

 2. Strong chemicals used.

You will not know what your reaction to the product until you have tried it out. Since you do not know how sensitive your teeth are, you will also not know what might happen when you start using the product.

Better consult with your dentist first before choosing a certain product.

3. Tray may not fit.

The tray put in your teeth is not exactly fitted after you. So there is a tendency that it may either be too large or too small.

When it is too large, the formula may not work well. On the other hand, if it is too small, it may cause gum bleeding and side effects that will cause bigger problems.

Be sure that the teeth whitening precuts you choose is suited for you. If none of them works, then maybe professional teeth whitening will.

Read More

Laser Teeth Whitening; Result in an Instant

In the modern world of today, every treatment is made easier with the use of laser. Teeth whitening are no exception. Laser teeth whitening is now one of the options that people have if they want to have whiter teeth.

Laser teeth whitening is best for those who want it done painlessly and quickly. Unlike other methods of teeth whitening, you do not have to wait days or months to see the result of the treatment. You will notice that once the laser treatment is finished, your teeth are whiter than it used to be.
Many people are choosing this option because of the fast result that it will bring you. If you need to be in a presentation or a gathering wherein you want everyone to notice how beautiful your smile is, this is the best method that you can hope for.

How does the process of laser teeth whitening works?

1. Teeth cleaning.

The dental expert will begin the process by first cleaning your teeth. This is important because plaque and germs that are present in your teeth will have a major effect on the whitening process.

The result of the treatment is greatly affected by the present condition of your teeth. That is why they have to be cleaned first and foremost.

2. Application of whitening gel and laser treatment.

Once your teeth are cleaned, the dentist will put the whitening gel on your teeth. After the gel is applied, you will then be readied and positioned for the laser treatment.

The purpose of the laser here is to enhance the whitening process of the gel. Without laser, it would take several minutes or hours before the gel can penetrate your teeth. With laser, the whitening ingredients in the gel are immediately activated so that it will produce results in a matter of seconds.

For extreme cases of discoloration, one session is not enough to achieve the desired result. Sometimes, the person is told to come back again for some more sessions before the changes in the teeth color will become noticeable.

But for those who have mild teeth discoloration, a session is oftentimes enough.

Is laser whitening for everyone?

Like all professional teeth whitening treatment, you can expect to pay a higher price for it. Laser teeth whitening can be as expensive as the dentist-assisted method.

If you are used to the whitening products that you can buy from stores, you will be surprised at the cost that laser teeth whitening.

It can be noted that the price vary depending on the dentist and the clinic performing the treatment. If you want to get the best deal out of your money, you can do some extra research to find out which one is offering a competitive price.

Over the internet, you will be given choices of laser teeth whitening clinics to choose. Before selecting one, go over all the others so that you will not miss out on other great offers.
If you are intent on having that great white smile, you can set up a budget just for the laser teeth whitening session. Once you see the result, you will not be sorry and you can say that your money was well spent.

Just think of it this way. Why spend repeatedly on something that will take longer when you can spend it on laser teeth whitening and have that instantaneous and great result.

Read More

Home Remedy: Teeth Whitening Methods

Home teeth whitening products are the solution for those who hate going to the dentist's office.

In the past, the only option that people have if they want to have their teeth whitened is to have an appointment with their dentist. Since most of them are not too eager to visit their dentist, they always set the appointments aside for a later date. In the end, they just forget about the teeth whitening appointment.

People are in most cases too scared to keep their appointments with the dentist. Even if they want or need to have their teeth whitened, it will always end up being postponed or cancelled.

This is why when home teeth whitening products were introduced in the market, these people were only too happy to try them out. Home teeth whitening eliminate the fear of going to the dentist. In addition, the process can be done on your own time. Plus, it is not as expensive as an appointment with your dentist.

It can be noted that there are still those who rely on the good old home teeth whitening methods of the past. Although they seem too traditional for the people of today, the result is still as effective as it was before.

What are some of the basic home teeth whitening methods that are still being used by some today?

1. Bi-carbonate paste combined with water.

Bi-carbonate soda paste can be brought at drug stores or at supermarkets. Some people still buy them to be used for whitening teeth.

They combine the paste with water and gurgle them on a regular basis. It is believed that regular use of this solution can remove stain from the surface of the teeth thus, leaving teeth whiter and shinier.

2. Lemon juice paste and salt.

This combined solution is known to erase the yellowish tint of the teeth. Some people ceremoniously apply this combination on the teeth that look dull.

Leaving them on the teeth for several minutes is supposed to whiten teeth because of the acidic content of the lemon juice paste. If done regularly, the dull color of the teeth is eradicated.

3. Bay leaves with dried orange peel.

The combination of bay leaves with dried orange peel can also act as a teeth whitener. Just like the lemon paste, all you have to do is apply this to your teeth frequently.

4. Inner orange peel part.

When peeling oranges you will notice that the back part of it is white. You usually throw it away as something that is not of purpose.

What you do not know is that it can be used to whiten your teeth. All you need to do is rub that white part on your teeth and it will give out a beautiful white shine.

These are some of the basic home teeth whitening methods that have proven their effectiveness in some parts of the world. Today, there are chemically made home teeth whitening products that you can buy and use.

The good thing about these basic home teeth whitening methods is that they do not come with the known side effects that over-the-counter products have. Plus they come in very cheap. You can try them out if you want to see if they work better than the products that you buy.

Read More

Home Remedies to Whiten Teeth

Do you have the luxury of time yet short on money to have a smile makeover? If so, a do-it-yourself teeth whitening remedy is an appropriate choice.

Notice that the word “appropriate” is used here instead of “best” choice. Of course we should realize that both professional whitening systems and home remedy teeth whitening system are typically used to achieve the healthy smile result. It is only the patient’s lifestyle that makes sense which fits as the appropriate solution.

The following provides an appraisal on teeth whitening system that you can do at the comforts of their time and place. Amount of money to be spent on home remedies are also considered.

NOTE: You should always consult your dentist or even a physician before trying out any of the following home-made teeth whitening remedy.

Can I make my own whitening solution inexpensively?

Believe it or not, you can save your precious money on costly teeth bleaching items! By allotting the necessary time for doing the suggested tips, you can rest assured that you can have a white and bright set of teeth for free. You can have bright set of teeth with stuff that are normally in your kitchen or medicine chest.

Do I have these things in my house?

Of course, all you need to look for are plain household items—baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, cups, bowls, and spoons.

What are the steps to create my own whitening paste?

To make a paste, mix two or three teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide and two teaspoons of baking soda together. Place the mixture in a small bowl. The thickness of the paste should be consistent as the typical thickness of toothpaste. For extra taste, a bit of flavorful mint or just a little scoop of toothpaste can be combined with the home-made paste.

Now, how is this home-made mixture used?

Use a toothbrush and leave the mixture on your teeth for at a couple of minutes. You should avoid swallowing the paste. If this happens, just drink lots of water.

What do I do after brushing the paste on my teeth?

You need to brush again using usual toothpaste to rid off the bitter taste of the hydrogen peroxide. Smokers, coffee drinkers and even grandparents may use this remedy to minimize the heavy stain on their teeth.

When I have a sensitive oral condition, could I use this paste?

If in case, you have gingivitis, cavities, open sores, or other gum problems, the paste may make your gums look pale for a short time. Remember that you should contact a doctor or even a physician before trying out this remedy.

How frequent can I apply the paste on my teeth?

At least once a week. You should avoid brushing your teeth with this paste more than that.

To summarize, here are some characteristics of do-it-yourself home-made teeth whitening systems:

• The patient must be capable of performing and following the abovementioned instructions.
• The person must allocate time to perform the do-it-yourself whitening remedies.
• Inclination should stay as it can take more than a week before expected results are achieved.
• Home-made remedies relatively cost less than professional teeth whitening solutions.

Hope this article puts a brighter smile upon your face!

Read More

Appraising the Real Cost of Teeth Whitening

Whether you want to have a smile makeover for your prom night, or are just self-conscious since smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee have given you stained and yellow teeth, whitening remedies will surely brighten that smile and, hence, you can gain additional boost to your confidence. Learn some basic information about the nature of teeth whitening, categories of whitening methods and techniques, as well as teeth whitening costs of each method by reading the following selections.
What does tooth whitening mean?

Tooth whitening lies under the field of cosmetic dentistry. The process itself eliminates stains and other discolorations on the teeth due to tea, coffee, smoking, and other lifestyle-related activities. Additionally, whitening can also lighten other usual teeth pigmentations.

The extent of improvement of teeth appearance and success of the treatment depend on the nature and the severity of the stains and/or teeth discoloration. Typically stains due to tea, coffee, or smoking will brighten between four and five shades. Moreover, discolorations that are due to antibiotics and hereditary factors, that is natural pigmentation can lighten between two and three shades after whitening treatments.

Teeth whitening remedies can be categorized into two:

1. Professional whitening systems

This is usually performed by dentists using whitening gels and lasers to activate the solution. This is normally done inside a dental clinic.

2. Home-based teeth whitening remedy

This could either be done in-between appointments of professional treatments using whitening kits and tray-based whitening technique or are just home-made remedies from kitchen and medicine items. These applications are usually done at home and according to the frequency suggested by dentists and/or by a product’s instructions.

Regardless, teeth will noticeably be brighter after these teeth whitening methods. However, while there are a variety of over-the-counter whitening products and do-it-yourself or home-made whitening solutions, consulting a dentist and even a physician is the only way to validate the thousand and one claims of these remedies.

Aside from the available time and temperament of the patient, cost of teeth whitening treatments is also considered. Apparently, the cost of teeth whitening depends upon the type of teeth whitening method to be employed.

Costs of in-office dental whitening method usually lie between $ 500 and $ 2000. On the other hand, home-based bleaching trays that are customized by dentists may cost between $ 100 and $ 300. Using home-made solutions are often inexpensive. Paint whiteners such as Crest Night Effect and Colgate Simply White Night may cost for as low as $ 50 depending on the country to where these products are marketed.

Now ponder on these questions carefully, first, “To whiten or not to whiten?” then, “What are the common advantages and disadvantages of employing a whitening method?”

Nevertheless, any method applied on the surface of the teeth will surely result into brighter teeth, and hopefully a brighter smile. The length of time before the wanted results are achieved varies. Professional techniques are relatively immediate as compared to home-made remedies and over-the-counter whitening paints and kits.

However, peroxide-based gels used in the abovementioned methods of teeth whitening causes the teeth to become temporarily sensitive to cold and hot food, drinks, and even through exposure to air. Trays for whitening that are customized by dentists cause oversensitivity of the gums. Additionally, some of the whitening kits that are bought even without prescription may tear down and make the enamel of teeth thinner and thinner. This will expose the dentin, which may, in turn, be severely colored. These things, obviously, will add up to the cost of having that smile makeover.

Now come to think of it. Read again before you say, “Ahhhhh!”

Read More

Chicago Teeth Whitening Methods: Why Everyone has that Smile on Their Faces

Many people in Chicago are getting confused about which products are more effective when it comes to whitening their teeth. This because of the number of them already exists.

Advertisements about these products can confuse people all the more. All of them are saying that they are the best whitening solution. Many people are enticed by what they are saying that they end up buying brands that are not suited to them.

Do all these products really work?

Some people can attest to the fact that their teeth were made whiter by the products that they use. On the other hand, there are those that say none works for them. Whatever their individual views are, only one thing is certain; if you have found the whitening product that suits you and is using that regularly for some time, there is a bigger possibility that it will work.

What are the causes of teeth discoloration?

Drinking coffee and tea are known to dull the color of your teeth. This is if you are a constant drinker of these for a period of time.

Additional factors that contribute to teeth discoloration are caffeinated sodas, smoking and tooth injury. The most common and accepted cause is age. No matter how well you clean your teeth, it will eventually become dull as you age.

What are some methods of teeth whitening that people in Chicago can use?

1. Toothpastes with active teeth whitening ingredients.

For removing stains caused by foods you eat, whitening toothpastes are the best option. Toothpastes consist of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. These are the important ingredients for whitening the teeth.

Gradual discoloration of teeth can be prevented if you constantly brush your teeth. Not only that, you will be free from germs and plaque that can also cause other tooth problems.

2. Teeth bleaching and whitening formulas.

Teeth whitening and bleaching products have the same ingredients that present in toothpastes. The only difference is that the level of hydrogen peroxide is higher. Teeth whitening has 10-16 percent hydrogen peroxide content while bleaching products have 35 percent.

There are a lot of teeth whitening products you can buy from drug stores and groceries. If you want to find out which one is best for you, you can try different products and see which will suit you best. You will find that they are generally cheap.

Teeth bleaching are done by dental professionals. Because of the use of higher amount of hydrogen peroxide, this method should be taken with caution.

It is best to consult with your dentist first if you want to have your teeth bleached. They will be able to give you advice on how best to proceed with this method.

3. Veneers.

This is one of the best known method whitening teeth permanently. Veneers are made from porcelain. These porcelains are affixed to the tooth.

The process can be very expensive. It normally costs around $900 for every tooth. This is the reason why not all people can afford this method. Those who do are those that are intent on permanently having whiter teeth in the fastest time.

Today, it is not difficult to have super shiny and super white teeth. You only need to choose the best method that you think will suit you and your budget. Then you can start looking for the best teeth whitening method in all of Chicago.

Read More