How white should I go when bleaching?
The answer to this question varies with person to person. The whitening that you want for your teeth should be according to your skin complexion. If you have a darker complexion, you should go for a shade that complements your skin. If you go for a very white shade, it would look unnatural. Another thing that you should keep in mind while selecting the whitening shade is the colour of your eyes. The whiteness of your eyes should match with that of your teeth colour. It is an excellent parameter for selecting the whiteness of your teeth. The choice of shade also depends on your sex. Generally, females are able to pull off a much whiter look compared to males. A very white shade might look weird on a guy while it would be perfect for a female.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Laser Teeth Whitening
What is laser teeth whitening all about ?
Laser teeth whitening is one the latest and the most effective methods of teeth whitening. Laser treatment involves using a beam of special laser light on the desired areas. Laser teeth whitening is popular beacause the procedure only takes an hour, and results can be seen instantly. It is costlier as compared to the other teeth whitening methods but gives good results instantaneously. The treatment begins by using the bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide gel or carbamide peroxide gel on the teeth enamel. The gel is then activated using a controlled laser light. The result is that that the bleaching takes place more effectively and in a much lesser time. The teeth become whiter by up to 10 shades.
Below are the top 3 teeth whitening products available in the market:
Zoom – The Zoom Tooth whitening system by Discus Dental Inc is a very popular teeth whitening system available on the market. Part of its popularity is due to the product’s massive marketing exposure. The hydrogen peroxide based tooth whitener has a 32% hydrogen peroxide gel and an activator. The gel is then mixed with the activator to form a bleaching system of 25% hydrogen peroxide with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5. The system uses a mercury metal halide light within the range of 350-400nm.
BriteSmile - BriteSmile is another very popular teeth whitening system. The BriteSmile treatment consists of the BriteSmile Procedural Gel for whitening teeth. The pre packaged hydrogen peroxide compound with a 15% hydrogen peroxide concentration and a pH of 6.5 comes in a ready to use formula. An ‘accelerator’ is also used during the second and third procedure to increase the effectiveness of the whitener. The light used is either a gas plasma or LED (Light emitting diode) bleaching light having a wavelength between 400 and 500nm.
Ionic White - This is another widely used teeth whitening system that has gained popularity through TV exposure. The Ionic White tooth whitening system includes the Ionic White light, Whitening rinse, Whitening Rinse, Whitening Gel and the Whitening Gel Accelerator. The whitening gel contains silver ions that get activated when exposed to the blue LED light. It is also one of the cheapest tooth whitening treatments available in the market.
Laser teeth whitening is one the latest and the most effective methods of teeth whitening. Laser treatment involves using a beam of special laser light on the desired areas. Laser teeth whitening is popular beacause the procedure only takes an hour, and results can be seen instantly. It is costlier as compared to the other teeth whitening methods but gives good results instantaneously. The treatment begins by using the bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide gel or carbamide peroxide gel on the teeth enamel. The gel is then activated using a controlled laser light. The result is that that the bleaching takes place more effectively and in a much lesser time. The teeth become whiter by up to 10 shades.
Below are the top 3 teeth whitening products available in the market:
Zoom – The Zoom Tooth whitening system by Discus Dental Inc is a very popular teeth whitening system available on the market. Part of its popularity is due to the product’s massive marketing exposure. The hydrogen peroxide based tooth whitener has a 32% hydrogen peroxide gel and an activator. The gel is then mixed with the activator to form a bleaching system of 25% hydrogen peroxide with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5. The system uses a mercury metal halide light within the range of 350-400nm.
BriteSmile - BriteSmile is another very popular teeth whitening system. The BriteSmile treatment consists of the BriteSmile Procedural Gel for whitening teeth. The pre packaged hydrogen peroxide compound with a 15% hydrogen peroxide concentration and a pH of 6.5 comes in a ready to use formula. An ‘accelerator’ is also used during the second and third procedure to increase the effectiveness of the whitener. The light used is either a gas plasma or LED (Light emitting diode) bleaching light having a wavelength between 400 and 500nm.
Ionic White - This is another widely used teeth whitening system that has gained popularity through TV exposure. The Ionic White tooth whitening system includes the Ionic White light, Whitening rinse, Whitening Rinse, Whitening Gel and the Whitening Gel Accelerator. The whitening gel contains silver ions that get activated when exposed to the blue LED light. It is also one of the cheapest tooth whitening treatments available in the market.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Are there any natural ways to whiten my teeth?
Are there any natural ways to whiten my teeth?
There are a few natural methods of teeth whitening, but they are very slow and relatively ineffective. The best way to have white teeth naturally is by avoiding foods and drinks that can cause tooth staining. This means one should keep away from smoking, drinking and consuming tea, coffee, etc… To whiten teeth naturally, you need to remove the bacteria that causes staining. This can be done by consuming food that produces a good flow of saliva like apples, guava, carrots, pears, sugar cane, celery, cucumbers and cauliflowers. The fibre content in these foods helps in removing the bacteria. One should also avoid consuming too many fruits that contain citrus as they can damage tooth enamel.
There are a few natural methods of teeth whitening, but they are very slow and relatively ineffective. The best way to have white teeth naturally is by avoiding foods and drinks that can cause tooth staining. This means one should keep away from smoking, drinking and consuming tea, coffee, etc… To whiten teeth naturally, you need to remove the bacteria that causes staining. This can be done by consuming food that produces a good flow of saliva like apples, guava, carrots, pears, sugar cane, celery, cucumbers and cauliflowers. The fibre content in these foods helps in removing the bacteria. One should also avoid consuming too many fruits that contain citrus as they can damage tooth enamel.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Are tooth whitening products safe?
Are tooth whitening products safe?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes if you use them the way they are supposed to be used, and no if you use them in excess or do not follow the instructions. The ingredients used in teeth whitening are known to be safe if used in proper quantities and in the right amount of time. Using such products without proper supervision from a professional dentist can cause you unnecessary harm. It is therefore advisable that teeth whitening products be used under proper supervision from expert professionals. If used without proper supervision and in excess, teeth whitening products do have some side effects as discussed above.
The answer is both yes and no. Yes if you use them the way they are supposed to be used, and no if you use them in excess or do not follow the instructions. The ingredients used in teeth whitening are known to be safe if used in proper quantities and in the right amount of time. Using such products without proper supervision from a professional dentist can cause you unnecessary harm. It is therefore advisable that teeth whitening products be used under proper supervision from expert professionals. If used without proper supervision and in excess, teeth whitening products do have some side effects as discussed above.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Why is teeth whitening so popular?
Why is teeth whitening so popular?
Teeth whitening is popular for various reasons. The most obvious reason why people choose teeth whitening is because it makes you feel great. It helps you improve your facial appearance and overall personality to a great extent. Good looking, white teeth give a very good impression about a person. People who have stained or discolored teeth find teeth bleaching very helpful. Shining white teeth give that added self confidence. Tooth whitening is also an easy and relatively cheaper procedure than many other forms of cosmetic surgeries. It takes just a few hours and a few visits to undergo teeth whitening. All these factors make tooth whitening a favorite with people.
A quick glimpse at history shows that white teeth have been around long before the arrival of seductive Hollywood smiles and billion-dollar bleaching campaigns. People have been doing this for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used a cream made from oxen hooves mixed with burned egg shells, pumice and water to whiten their teeth. Upper-class Romans added expensive imported urine to their teeth whitening mix (unaware that it was the ammonia molecules that were whitening their teeth). The Greeks had formulations and at the beginning of the Renaissance, Europeans were putting compounds on their teeth in a conscious effort to whiten them. Unfortunately, those compounds were essentially the equivalent of today’s Clorox. It ate the enamel away on the teeth. They had whiter teeth for a while, but then they started to see severe decay.
Today’s teeth whitening methods are safe and produce wonderful results.
Teeth whitening is popular for various reasons. The most obvious reason why people choose teeth whitening is because it makes you feel great. It helps you improve your facial appearance and overall personality to a great extent. Good looking, white teeth give a very good impression about a person. People who have stained or discolored teeth find teeth bleaching very helpful. Shining white teeth give that added self confidence. Tooth whitening is also an easy and relatively cheaper procedure than many other forms of cosmetic surgeries. It takes just a few hours and a few visits to undergo teeth whitening. All these factors make tooth whitening a favorite with people.
A quick glimpse at history shows that white teeth have been around long before the arrival of seductive Hollywood smiles and billion-dollar bleaching campaigns. People have been doing this for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used a cream made from oxen hooves mixed with burned egg shells, pumice and water to whiten their teeth. Upper-class Romans added expensive imported urine to their teeth whitening mix (unaware that it was the ammonia molecules that were whitening their teeth). The Greeks had formulations and at the beginning of the Renaissance, Europeans were putting compounds on their teeth in a conscious effort to whiten them. Unfortunately, those compounds were essentially the equivalent of today’s Clorox. It ate the enamel away on the teeth. They had whiter teeth for a while, but then they started to see severe decay.
Today’s teeth whitening methods are safe and produce wonderful results.
Monday, August 13, 2007
How long does teeth whitening last?
How long does teeth whitening last?
This is a subjective question. First, it depends on the cause of your teeth becoming stained and discolored. If you are used to drinking tea, coffee, wine, etc, then it is likely that the whitening effect would not last long. The consumption of such liquids will cause your teeth to discolor again. Smoking can also contribute to this. In case your teeth are genetically stained, you might need a teeth whitening treatment again after a few years. Normally, teeth whitening done by professionals stays effective for 5 to 7 years. One thing that is good about teeth whitening treatments is that very rarely do people return to their original teeth condition before treatment.
Patients who smoke cigarettes or drink heavy quantities of dark, acidic liquids like: coffee, tea, red wine, colas, etc. will have to touch up their teeth more often than people who do not.
This is a subjective question. First, it depends on the cause of your teeth becoming stained and discolored. If you are used to drinking tea, coffee, wine, etc, then it is likely that the whitening effect would not last long. The consumption of such liquids will cause your teeth to discolor again. Smoking can also contribute to this. In case your teeth are genetically stained, you might need a teeth whitening treatment again after a few years. Normally, teeth whitening done by professionals stays effective for 5 to 7 years. One thing that is good about teeth whitening treatments is that very rarely do people return to their original teeth condition before treatment.
Patients who smoke cigarettes or drink heavy quantities of dark, acidic liquids like: coffee, tea, red wine, colas, etc. will have to touch up their teeth more often than people who do not.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
What method of teeth whitening is best for me?
What method of teeth whitening is best for me?
This depends entirely on your teeth condition, your budget, the results you want and the time you are willing to spend for teeth whitening. It also depends upon the purpose for which you want to whiten your teeth. If your main intention is to make your teeth stain free and shining white then you should go for the professional teeth whitening methods. Such methods might take more time and money, but they are more reliable and effective. If you are just generally worried about the color of your teeth then at-home whitening products are probably right for you. You can use them regularly without any worries of high costs and your teeth would look better over a period of time. If you want to have the best looking teeth for a special occasion like marriage or something, then you should go for faster methods like laser treatment. If you have the time and money, you should always go for a professional treatment after finding the right dentist.
This depends entirely on your teeth condition, your budget, the results you want and the time you are willing to spend for teeth whitening. It also depends upon the purpose for which you want to whiten your teeth. If your main intention is to make your teeth stain free and shining white then you should go for the professional teeth whitening methods. Such methods might take more time and money, but they are more reliable and effective. If you are just generally worried about the color of your teeth then at-home whitening products are probably right for you. You can use them regularly without any worries of high costs and your teeth would look better over a period of time. If you want to have the best looking teeth for a special occasion like marriage or something, then you should go for faster methods like laser treatment. If you have the time and money, you should always go for a professional treatment after finding the right dentist.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Should I consult a dentist about teeth whitening?
Should I consult a dentist about teeth whitening?
Choosing a dentist for teeth whitening would be a wise decision. There are some risks involved and there are some possible complications. A dentist would be able to guide you on the best possible methods of treatment. An experienced dentist will not only guide you but also help in preventing the possible side effects of over-bleaching. In case you want to have custom kits that would fit your teeth properly for bleaching, a dentist would be able to create one for you. You can even consult a dentist about the possible side effects and risks involved. It is better to have experts guide you before you decide to opt for tooth bleaching.
Choosing a dentist for teeth whitening would be a wise decision. There are some risks involved and there are some possible complications. A dentist would be able to guide you on the best possible methods of treatment. An experienced dentist will not only guide you but also help in preventing the possible side effects of over-bleaching. In case you want to have custom kits that would fit your teeth properly for bleaching, a dentist would be able to create one for you. You can even consult a dentist about the possible side effects and risks involved. It is better to have experts guide you before you decide to opt for tooth bleaching.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Are there any side effects with teeth whitening?
Are there any side effects with teeth whitening?
While it is true that teeth whitening by bleaching does work, it does not come without side effects. There are many reported incidents of increased tooth sensitivity after bleaching. Prolonged exposure to bleaching agents can damage tooth enamel. If the treatment is not administered properly, there can be complications like gum irritation. The oxidizing agents are very strong and can damage the soft tissues of your mouth. The bleaching effect can cause some irritation and increased sensitivity to cold and hot fluids and sometimes even to air. In the case of home bleaching, there is a chance that some of the bleaching gel might be ingested by patients. In such a case, the person might experience burning or nausea.
According to a Brazilian study done in 2004, increased sensitivity is commonly an inherent characteristic of the bleaching process. During bleaching with carbamide peroxide, the bleaching agent actually causes a dissolution of isolated groups of enamel rod prisms. The dissolution of the individual enamel rod prisms is so thorough that the dentin actually becomes exposed microscopially. In turn, cold water that subsequently travels down the evacuated spaces causes a slight contraction of the now exposed odontoblastic process. This in turn causes sensitivity. It actually will continue until the temperature of the tooth warms back to body temperature.
When receiving professional teeth whitening, minimal sensitivity and good whitening results rely on factors such as pH, viscosity, stability and, most importantly, the rate at which the carbamide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and then oxygen. Carbamide has been chosen by many manufacturers as it is more stable than hydrogen peroxide. However, this also causes a slower release of the oxidizing agent and necessitates longer procedures. Some manufacturers have tried to accelerate this by adding heat (in the form of light). This can have a minimal effect but it can also be a major cause of extreme sensitivity.
We have written an in-depth article on possible teeth whitening dangers located in the article section.
While it is true that teeth whitening by bleaching does work, it does not come without side effects. There are many reported incidents of increased tooth sensitivity after bleaching. Prolonged exposure to bleaching agents can damage tooth enamel. If the treatment is not administered properly, there can be complications like gum irritation. The oxidizing agents are very strong and can damage the soft tissues of your mouth. The bleaching effect can cause some irritation and increased sensitivity to cold and hot fluids and sometimes even to air. In the case of home bleaching, there is a chance that some of the bleaching gel might be ingested by patients. In such a case, the person might experience burning or nausea.
According to a Brazilian study done in 2004, increased sensitivity is commonly an inherent characteristic of the bleaching process. During bleaching with carbamide peroxide, the bleaching agent actually causes a dissolution of isolated groups of enamel rod prisms. The dissolution of the individual enamel rod prisms is so thorough that the dentin actually becomes exposed microscopially. In turn, cold water that subsequently travels down the evacuated spaces causes a slight contraction of the now exposed odontoblastic process. This in turn causes sensitivity. It actually will continue until the temperature of the tooth warms back to body temperature.
When receiving professional teeth whitening, minimal sensitivity and good whitening results rely on factors such as pH, viscosity, stability and, most importantly, the rate at which the carbamide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and then oxygen. Carbamide has been chosen by many manufacturers as it is more stable than hydrogen peroxide. However, this also causes a slower release of the oxidizing agent and necessitates longer procedures. Some manufacturers have tried to accelerate this by adding heat (in the form of light). This can have a minimal effect but it can also be a major cause of extreme sensitivity.
We have written an in-depth article on possible teeth whitening dangers located in the article section.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
How does teeth whitening work?
How does teeth whitening work?
There are two types of tooth stains “extrinsic,” those stains that are on the surface of the tooth, and “intrinsic,” those stains that are on the inside of the tooth and show through the enamel as discoloration. While whitening toothpaste and chewing gums may be effective for removing extrinsic stains, they are not designed to work inside the tooth to remove the darker, more challenging instrinsic stains.
Some form of hydrogen peroxide gel, either hydrogen peroxide itself or a more stable version, carbamide peroxide, is the most effective material for removing the internal stains. When applied to the tooth, the hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and radical hydroxyl ions. As these ions work their way through the dentinal tubules and into the tooth, they attach themselves to stain particles and effectively break the stains apart. With the stains removed the teeth appear whiter and brighter.
There are two types of tooth stains “extrinsic,” those stains that are on the surface of the tooth, and “intrinsic,” those stains that are on the inside of the tooth and show through the enamel as discoloration. While whitening toothpaste and chewing gums may be effective for removing extrinsic stains, they are not designed to work inside the tooth to remove the darker, more challenging instrinsic stains.
Some form of hydrogen peroxide gel, either hydrogen peroxide itself or a more stable version, carbamide peroxide, is the most effective material for removing the internal stains. When applied to the tooth, the hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and radical hydroxyl ions. As these ions work their way through the dentinal tubules and into the tooth, they attach themselves to stain particles and effectively break the stains apart. With the stains removed the teeth appear whiter and brighter.
New Tooth Whitener Could Help Heal Teeth
New Tooth Whitener Could Help Heal Teeth
Tooth whiteners that could enhance teeth's natural healing ability may soon be available in over-the-counter gels and strips, according to a dental researcher who shared his team's latest findings today at the American Dental Association's national media conference.
According to Frederick Eichmiller, D.D.S., director of the American Dental Association's Paffenbarger Research Center (PRC) in Gaithersburg , MD , PRC scientists have created a "white with might" whitening formula that contains tooth remineralization agents.
Dr. Eichmiller explained that whitening can often open naturally occurring pores within teeth. These open tooth pores can cause temporary sensitivity to air as well as hot and cold food and drinks, a common side effect from tooth whitening.
Saliva contains minerals teeth need to heal themselves by closing these pores, but this process is slow. The "white with might" whitening formula replenishes essential minerals in teeth as it whitens, resulting in far fewer side effects for consumers.
"It's like having your cake and eating it, too, when it comes to tooth whitening,' Dr. Eichmiller stated, adding that laboratory and human clinical trials on this “white with might” technology substantiate the gel's effectiveness. Currently, the whitening gel and the remineralization ingredients are stored separately and combined just before applying to teeth. Dr. Eichmiller said PRC scientists are working on combining the two into a single product which could then be used in over the counter strips and paint on tooth whiteners.
Tooth whiteners that could enhance teeth's natural healing ability may soon be available in over-the-counter gels and strips, according to a dental researcher who shared his team's latest findings today at the American Dental Association's national media conference.
According to Frederick Eichmiller, D.D.S., director of the American Dental Association's Paffenbarger Research Center (PRC) in Gaithersburg , MD , PRC scientists have created a "white with might" whitening formula that contains tooth remineralization agents.
Dr. Eichmiller explained that whitening can often open naturally occurring pores within teeth. These open tooth pores can cause temporary sensitivity to air as well as hot and cold food and drinks, a common side effect from tooth whitening.
Saliva contains minerals teeth need to heal themselves by closing these pores, but this process is slow. The "white with might" whitening formula replenishes essential minerals in teeth as it whitens, resulting in far fewer side effects for consumers.
"It's like having your cake and eating it, too, when it comes to tooth whitening,' Dr. Eichmiller stated, adding that laboratory and human clinical trials on this “white with might” technology substantiate the gel's effectiveness. Currently, the whitening gel and the remineralization ingredients are stored separately and combined just before applying to teeth. Dr. Eichmiller said PRC scientists are working on combining the two into a single product which could then be used in over the counter strips and paint on tooth whiteners.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Carbamide Peroxide vs Hydrogen Peroxide
Carbamide Peroxide vs Hydrogen Peroxide - What is the difference?
Carbamide peroxide breaks down into urea and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in both. Carbamide peroxide breaks down to about one third hydrogen peroxide, so an 18% carbamide peroxide solution has the same effect as a 6% hydrogen peroxide solution. The reason carbamide peroxide is more common is because it is much more stable than hydrogen peroxide, which deteriorates rapidly in the store/dentist shelves.
Carbamide peroxide breaks down into urea and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in both. Carbamide peroxide breaks down to about one third hydrogen peroxide, so an 18% carbamide peroxide solution has the same effect as a 6% hydrogen peroxide solution. The reason carbamide peroxide is more common is because it is much more stable than hydrogen peroxide, which deteriorates rapidly in the store/dentist shelves.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Carbamide Peroxide Therapy
Carbamide Peroxide Therapy
Carbamide peroxide (also known as urea peroxide) is the most popular bleaching agent used for teeth whitening. The main and active ingredient in carbamide peroxide is hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient has the effect of oxidizing stains, which leaves teeth looking whiter. There are many products and procedures which make use of carbamide peroxide. Dentists usually use a product with carbamide peroxide when undergoing in-office teeth whitening. It is also used in over-the-counter bleaching products, but in a much lower dosage.
Carbamide peroxide (also known as urea peroxide) is the most popular bleaching agent used for teeth whitening. The main and active ingredient in carbamide peroxide is hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient has the effect of oxidizing stains, which leaves teeth looking whiter. There are many products and procedures which make use of carbamide peroxide. Dentists usually use a product with carbamide peroxide when undergoing in-office teeth whitening. It is also used in over-the-counter bleaching products, but in a much lower dosage.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Teeth Whitening products and procedures
You can select from a number of products and procedures available for teeth whitening.
Brush-on teeth whitening: It is the easiest and simplest form of teeth whitening. You just have to brush your teeth using brush-on teeth whitening products available in the market and leave them overnight.
Strips: There are various teeth whitening strips available in the market that you can use. These strips can be applied to your teeth and over a period of time the bleaching action will whiten them.
Teeth whitening toothpaste: A lot of teeth whitening products advertise "whitening." Whitening toothpaste can help a bit, but since it is only an abrasive, it can "whiten" the outerlayer only. True teeth whitening happens through the enamel and dentin. This requires hydrogen peroxide.
At-home kits: There are various at-home kits available for teeth whitening, such as trays, strips and gels. These products are effective and can be used by anyone at home. They are also cheaper than most other methods of teeth whitening.
Custom at-home kits: These kits are custom made for the shape of the teeth of the patient. The custom at-home kits are very effective as they fit the teeth properly and cover all areas.
Dental visits: This involves a visit to the dentist and determines the best method for teeth whitening. The dentist will either suggest an in-office treatment or laser-light assisted teeth whitening. Bleaching agents are applied to your teeth and treated with a special light to get the desired results. Lasers are used to increase the speed of bleaching. You can see the results in a single sitting.
Brush-on teeth whitening: It is the easiest and simplest form of teeth whitening. You just have to brush your teeth using brush-on teeth whitening products available in the market and leave them overnight.
Strips: There are various teeth whitening strips available in the market that you can use. These strips can be applied to your teeth and over a period of time the bleaching action will whiten them.
Teeth whitening toothpaste: A lot of teeth whitening products advertise "whitening." Whitening toothpaste can help a bit, but since it is only an abrasive, it can "whiten" the outerlayer only. True teeth whitening happens through the enamel and dentin. This requires hydrogen peroxide.
At-home kits: There are various at-home kits available for teeth whitening, such as trays, strips and gels. These products are effective and can be used by anyone at home. They are also cheaper than most other methods of teeth whitening.
Custom at-home kits: These kits are custom made for the shape of the teeth of the patient. The custom at-home kits are very effective as they fit the teeth properly and cover all areas.
Dental visits: This involves a visit to the dentist and determines the best method for teeth whitening. The dentist will either suggest an in-office treatment or laser-light assisted teeth whitening. Bleaching agents are applied to your teeth and treated with a special light to get the desired results. Lasers are used to increase the speed of bleaching. You can see the results in a single sitting.
Friday, August 3, 2007
What methods are available for teeth whitening?
What methods are available for teeth whitening?
There are various methods available for teeth whitening. Almost all of the methods require bleaching. Carbamide peroxide is one of the most commonly used bleaching agents. Bleaching can be done in various ways. You can either go for in-office bleaching or use over-the-counter products available on the market. You can even opt for tray-based tooth whitening systems that can be purchased at the counter or under the supervision of a dentist. Nowadays, you can go for laser-aided bleaching treatments that enhance and speed up the whitening process. Laser teeth whitening has become increasingly popular during the last few years. The treatments cost anywhere from $200 to $600.
It is also possible to whiten teeth using some sort of cosmetic restoration. Bonding, veneers, and crowns can be used to whiten teeth if the desired shade has not been reached from bleaching. Many hollywood celebrities who have gleaming white teeth have veneers. It is important to note that cosmetic restorations should be a last resort. People with tetracycline stained teeth often go with veneers as it is very difficult to get rid of the grey hue. However, a new bleaching method called Rod’s Deep Bleach has been showing promise for tetracycline stained teeth.
There are various methods available for teeth whitening. Almost all of the methods require bleaching. Carbamide peroxide is one of the most commonly used bleaching agents. Bleaching can be done in various ways. You can either go for in-office bleaching or use over-the-counter products available on the market. You can even opt for tray-based tooth whitening systems that can be purchased at the counter or under the supervision of a dentist. Nowadays, you can go for laser-aided bleaching treatments that enhance and speed up the whitening process. Laser teeth whitening has become increasingly popular during the last few years. The treatments cost anywhere from $200 to $600.
It is also possible to whiten teeth using some sort of cosmetic restoration. Bonding, veneers, and crowns can be used to whiten teeth if the desired shade has not been reached from bleaching. Many hollywood celebrities who have gleaming white teeth have veneers. It is important to note that cosmetic restorations should be a last resort. People with tetracycline stained teeth often go with veneers as it is very difficult to get rid of the grey hue. However, a new bleaching method called Rod’s Deep Bleach has been showing promise for tetracycline stained teeth.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Why should I consider having a whiter smile?
Why should I consider having a whiter smile?
It’s quite simple. Your teeth need care and attention like any other part of your body. Over a period of time, teeth can become dull and yellow due to constant wear and staining. While brushing your teeth will keep them healthy and clean, it won’t necessarily keep them white and shiny. There are many reasons why your teeth lose their whiteness.
The most common reasons are:
Genetics: Your teeth may be shining white or have a shade of yellow. It all depends on your genes. If you are lucky enough, you might be be born with a nice set of white teeth. People with genetic problems have teeth that appear yellow or discolored. This is usually a result of the color in the dentin.
Physical causes: There can be various causes behind discoloration of your teeth. Teeth can become stained due to smoking, medications, tea, coffee, cigarettes and other tobacco products. Even soft drinks like cola can cause teeth to be stained.
Stained and discolored teeth look ugly and affect your appearance and personality. Teeth whitening can help you get back your naturally white teeth.
Studies have shown that not only do people who have whiter teeth look younger than people who don’t, but there is a correlation between high self-esteem and a white, confident smile. In addition to the aesthetic reasons, it is also true those people who have whitened their teeth:
- Develop a greater awareness of their teeth and become more compliant with their oral hygiene routine, including daily care and routine professional cleanings.
- Are more open to additional cosmetic dental procedures including replacing restorations and crowns and considering veneers.
- Typically have healthier gums and fresher breath.
It’s quite simple. Your teeth need care and attention like any other part of your body. Over a period of time, teeth can become dull and yellow due to constant wear and staining. While brushing your teeth will keep them healthy and clean, it won’t necessarily keep them white and shiny. There are many reasons why your teeth lose their whiteness.
The most common reasons are:
Genetics: Your teeth may be shining white or have a shade of yellow. It all depends on your genes. If you are lucky enough, you might be be born with a nice set of white teeth. People with genetic problems have teeth that appear yellow or discolored. This is usually a result of the color in the dentin.
Physical causes: There can be various causes behind discoloration of your teeth. Teeth can become stained due to smoking, medications, tea, coffee, cigarettes and other tobacco products. Even soft drinks like cola can cause teeth to be stained.
Stained and discolored teeth look ugly and affect your appearance and personality. Teeth whitening can help you get back your naturally white teeth.
Studies have shown that not only do people who have whiter teeth look younger than people who don’t, but there is a correlation between high self-esteem and a white, confident smile. In addition to the aesthetic reasons, it is also true those people who have whitened their teeth:
- Develop a greater awareness of their teeth and become more compliant with their oral hygiene routine, including daily care and routine professional cleanings.
- Are more open to additional cosmetic dental procedures including replacing restorations and crowns and considering veneers.
- Typically have healthier gums and fresher breath.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Tooth Whitening - Tooth Bleaching
Tooth whitening or tooth bleaching are procedures that attempt to lighten a tooth's color in either of two ways: by chemical or mechanical action.
Working chemically, a bleaching agent is used to carry out an oxidation reaction in the enamel and dentin. The agents most commonly used to intrinsically change the color of teeth are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. A tooth whitening product with an overall low pH can put enamel at risk for decay or destruction by demineralization. Consequently, care should be taken and risk evaluated when choosing a product which is very acidic.
Tooth whiteners in toothpastes work through a mechanical action. They have mild abrasives which aid in the removal of stains on enamel. Although this can be an effective method, it does not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.
Microabrasion techniques employ both methods. An acid is used first to weaken the outer 22–27 micrometers of enamel in order to weaken it enough for the subsequent abrasive force. This allows for removal of superficial stains in the enamel. If the discoloration is deeper or in the dentin, this method of tooth whitening will not be successful.
Working chemically, a bleaching agent is used to carry out an oxidation reaction in the enamel and dentin. The agents most commonly used to intrinsically change the color of teeth are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. A tooth whitening product with an overall low pH can put enamel at risk for decay or destruction by demineralization. Consequently, care should be taken and risk evaluated when choosing a product which is very acidic.
Tooth whiteners in toothpastes work through a mechanical action. They have mild abrasives which aid in the removal of stains on enamel. Although this can be an effective method, it does not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.
Microabrasion techniques employ both methods. An acid is used first to weaken the outer 22–27 micrometers of enamel in order to weaken it enough for the subsequent abrasive force. This allows for removal of superficial stains in the enamel. If the discoloration is deeper or in the dentin, this method of tooth whitening will not be successful.
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