Teeth Whitening Insider

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

November 22, 2007 – 6:04 pm

A lot of people have now become very interested in teeth whitening. With the available products and resources, almost anyone can have his teeth whitened. It is important to remember though that nearly everything has a price. If you want to have your teeth whitened, you should first understand the pros and cons of teeth whitening.

Advantages of Whitening

For some of us, our self-esteem is the reason why we want whiter teeth. Having slightly off-white teeth is probably okay and may even be a sign of dental health. It’s a different story though if you have dark yellow teeth or teeth that are irregularly colored. This is not just embarrassing, having badly discolored teeth could be potentially damaging to your career and personal life.

Contrary to popular belief, actors and actresses aren’t the only ones who need to know about teeth whitening. The average person also needs some knowledge about teeth whitening too. They would need good looking teeth when they face customers and clients at work or simply when they meet with special people in their lives.

Whitening Solutions

Since you are already interested in discovering the pros and cons of teeth whitening you should also know about the potential solutions to discolored teeth. There are a variety of products on the market that you can choose from. You can have your pick among whitening strips, toothpastes and bleaching kits. If you are not comfortable with any of these products, you have the alternative of approaching a dentist. A dentist can customize a bleaching tray for you for you to use. He can also use lasers to assist in whitening your teeth.

Some experts would say that one should assess the pros and cons of teeth whitening only when using over the counter products. Dentist-assisted whitening is not really dangerous except in the hands of incompetent practitioners. The real danger in whitening teeth is in the overuse or misuse of common whitening products.

Disadvantages of Whitening

The least alarming disadvantage of teeth whitening is irregular whitening. Whitening strips and trays are not shaped like our teeth at all. Even if you could mold trays, they will not always fit your teeth perfectly. This will result in irregular or patchy whitening. You should also know that if you have fillers or artificial dental attachments, they will not become white with the use of whitening products.

The worst part about the misuse of whitening products is that you could actually damage the different parts of your oral cavity. Using too many abrasives for example could thin out the enamel of your teeth which could make it more prone to damage and decay. Other than your teeth, the nerves and tissues of your gums and cheeks could also be damaged by the repeated use of chemical whiteners.

Now you know the major pros and cons of teeth whitening, if you are irrevocably decided on whitening your teeth, then decide carefully on the best solution or procedure for you. Remember to use products only as indicated.

Posted in Teeth Whitening |

Your Choices In A Teeth Whitening System

November 18, 2007 – 12:12 am

Our teeth aren’t immune to stains or discoloration because they are actually porous. Fortunately, there are now numerous teeth whitening methods available in a teeth whitening system, which your smile can definitely benefit from.

A teeth whitening system mainly involves bleaching. There are two major kinds of bleaching: one is the office bleach involving high concentrations of an oxidizing agent, and the other is over-the-counter bleach involving a strip or mouthguard with low concentrations of an oxidizing agent.

Whether you should use the method with high concentrations of bleach or one with lower concentrations depends on how white your teeth should be for the most aesthetically pleasing effect. Oftentimes your dentist will present you with a chart illustrating different shades of white. You may choose to go 4 shades to 10 shades lighter, depending on your taste.

Your choice should also be based on how serious the tooth staining is. For example, yellowness caused by coffee or red wine can benefit from some bleaching. On the other hand, smoking and tetracycline may cause more serious staining and/or discoloration that may benefit from more thorough bleaching or alternative methods.

For most yellow tooth stains, you may use an over-the-counter teeth whitening system such as gels and strips. You may purchase one from a drugstore, department store, online or even your dentist.

Teeth whitening gels often come with mouth trays, where you can place the gel and apply over teeth for just a couple of hours. Strips are coated with whitening agents and can be applied directly and immediately secured over your teeth. All these products often come in kits as a whitening system as well as in prescription strength.

A very effective whitening system is often one that is prescribed by your dentist, but may be a bit more expensive than the regular ones. However, the more important thing lies in choosing carefully according to your taste as well as the condition of your teeth.

An over-the-counter teeth whitening system often needs to be applied for a number of hours within a 5 to 14 day timeframe. You may use whitening mouthwashes and toothpaste alongside your whitening kits.

If you think you need more powerful bleaching methods, you may want to consider in-office whitening. In-office whitening can safely and effectively whiten your teeth up to 10 shades whiter in less than an hour. During this method, your lips and gums will be protected with a rubber guard or gel. Whitening gel will be applied every 15 minutes—depending on what shade you’re satisfied with—where a particular light source stimulates and speeds up the whitening process.

Tooth veneers can also be applied by your dentist. These are not only able to whiten but also repair cracks, chips, and gaps.

Before using a teeth whitening system, it’s always wise to consult with a dentist. Focus not only on how white you want your teeth to be, but also other factors such as sensitivity, overall condition of your teeth, and which method best suits you.
 

Posted in Teeth Whitening |

What You Need to Know About Your Teeth Whitening Tray

November 18, 2007 – 12:04 am

Today teeth whitening have become an obsession for a lot of people. In the past, you could only get your teeth whitened through the professional assistance of a dentist. These days there are other more convenient ways to perform the procedure.

Whitening Teeth

The truth is that teeth are not exactly pure white in color. In fact, a number of dentists do honestly say that a slightly off white teeth color is a sign of dental health. Then again, there are also some obvious teeth stains that can become embarrassing. Teeth that are too yellow may have acquired their color through repeated and constant intake or use of such substances as tea, coffee and cigarettes.

Teeth Whitening Tray

These days there is now a more convenient way to have your teeth whitened in the comfort of your own home. You can simply use a teeth whitening tray. In this method of teeth whitening, you would have to apply a whitening gel on a tooth guard or tray. You would then have to wear the tray over your teeth for a prescribed number of minutes or hours for a couple of times a day. You can choose to use a tray that can be bought over the counter or you can ask your dentist to make one for you.

Active Ingredients

The number of hours, days and weeks that you would have to wear and use a teeth whitening tray would depend on the specific product you chose. Each product would have a specific active ingredient in a specific percentage concentration that would determine proper product use. Whitening products for trays usually contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The latter however is more commonly used. The whitening of teeth occurs when the oxygen released from the breakdown of the active ingredient works on the stains.

Custom-Made vs. Over the Counter

The main point of concern for a lot of individuals now is whether to get an over the counter teeth whitening tray or one from a dentist. There are some things you may have to think about.

• Over the counter products that are considered perfect fit can be self-molded for the specific size and shape of your teeth. It is obvious though that the first benefit of asking a dentist to do the job is that he can make a tray that is specifically suited for you alone. You can definitely get a closer fit through a dentist.
• Aside from the benefits of having a personalized teeth whitening tray, a dentist would also normally conduct a thorough oral check-up before instructing you about whitening. This can ensure that you get the exact whitening ingredient and chemical strength that will be suited to the unique stain conditions of your teeth.

Other Considerations

You should take note that teeth whitening usually results in teeth sensitivity. More importantly, teeth whitening products usually do not have an effect on caps, fillings and sometimes even on teeth areas exposed by receding gums. This is another reason why a dentist’s evaluation is important before attempting teeth whitening.
 

Posted in Teeth Whitening |

The Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Strips

November 3, 2007 – 11:42 pm

Teeth whitening strips are one of the most popular whitening products that you can use to improve your smile. If you can’t decide which whitening product to choose, read on and learn more about the pros and cons of teeth whitening strips, so you can decide if teeth whitening strips are suitable to making your smile brighter.

Teeth whitening strips are very effective for whitening teeth. They are made from thin plastic strips with one side coated with a mild carbamide peroxide solution, which whitens your teeth through bleaching. Using a whitening strip is easy: Just press the coated side against the teeth for up to forty-five minutes, twice a day. But not even whitening strips are perfect.

One of the advantages to using whitening strips is cutting down the cost for whitening your teeth. Expense is one of the many considerations of teeth whitening products, and whitening strips is a less expensive way to go. A dental in-office whitening treatment can be prohibitively expensive compared to using an over the counter whitening strip. The average price for a pack is between twenty to thirty US dollars per pack of teeth whitening strips.
 
Experts believe that in weighing the pros and cons of teeth whitening products, convenience is a huge factor as well. Whitening strips are not only affordable, they are convenient to use, especially at home. Just pull out a strip, place the coated side directly on your teeth, and let it stay there for half an hour, everyday, for two to four weeks. It’s that easy.

On the other hand, one disadvantage of whitening strips is gum irritation. If you have sensitive gums and teeth, this seriously limits your choices of teeth whitening strips. For sensitive gums and teeth, use only whitening strips with the mildest peroxide solutions. Most whitening solutions, if abused, may harm your gums and cause your teeth enamel to weaken.

Another disadvantage of teeth whitening strips is its shape. If the whitening strips can’t cover all of your teeth, this could result in uneven whitening. And because it has a straight form and is made of plastic, there’s no guarantee that you can get it around the contours and spaces between your teeth. Improperly fitted strips may also cause an uneven whitening of your teeth. Because it may fit poorly, whitening strips may inadvertently come in contact with your gums, resulting in gum irritation, especially for people with sensitive gums and teeth.

More and more people are using teeth whitening strips as a practical and cheaper alternative to dental teeth whitening treatments; just don’t expect to get the same results as you would with professional in-office treatments.

Now that you’ve learned about the pros and cons of teeth whitening strips, deciding which brand of teeth whitening strip to choose is made easy. Pick one that’s suitable for you and gives you something to smile about.

Posted in Teeth Whitening |

Get Your Hollywood Smile by Using Teeth Whitening Products

November 3, 2007 – 11:26 pm

Now you too can get that Hollywood smile! You can do so by undergoing a quick and safe cosmetic dental procedure called teeth whitening. While there are many cosmetic dental procedures to help make your teeth visually pleasing, the most common and easiest teeth whitening treatment used is the application of teeth whitening products.

Teeth whitening is just one of the many branches of cosmetic dentistry. It’s the most common way for you to get the perfect Hollywood smile you’ve always wanted. A lot of teeth whitening products are available over the counter and have easy directions to follow. Americans have spent about 1.5 billion dollars in teeth whitening products over the last year, and it’s likely to stay that way.

Clean white teeth are signs of great health and good personal hygiene, so it’s no surprise that more and more people are looking to improve their health as well as appearance. And you should, too.

Most teeth whitening products help to make teeth look whiter in two different ways. The first way to make your teeth white is through bleaching, or the changing the natural tooth color. Teeth whitening products are usually composed of solutions containing carbamide peroxide solution to help remove deep and surface stains.

The peroxide solution is what actually bleaches the tooth enamel (the outermost part of your teeth). The enamel of your teeth are actually porous, so coffee, wine, nicotine and even some food stains may easily enter and stain your teeth.

This type of teeth whitening is easily available over the counter at your local pharmacy. These teeth whitening products may come in toothpaste or gel form which is brushed directly on your teeth, or placed in a mouth guard. A third teeth whitening product has the bleaching solution on plastic strips that you may place directly over your teeth (that you can use directly, or with a mouth guard).

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

The second type of teeth whitening is by using abrasive teeth whitening products that grind away surface stains from the teeth. The most common example for this type is your average garden variety toothpaste. Most toothpastes usually have small particles of either silica, aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate, or calcium phosphate to grind off stains that form after drinking coffee or wine, or even after enjoying a smoke or two. This the simplest way to whiten your teeth and the safest kind to use.

However, like teeth whitening products with bleaching solutions, it may take you weeks before you can see the change. If you can’t wait that long, visit your family dentist and ask for advice for undergoing dental whitening treatments. But beware: Price tab-wise, these treatments may be prohibitively more expensive than over the counter do-it-yourself teeth whitening products.

There are a lot of teeth whitening products to choose from. Picking the best one is all a matter of personal preference. There are some teeth whitening products that may be too strong or too mild for you to use, so be sure to read the label, or ask your pharmacist what he or she can recommend for you. Buying a teeth whitening product is your first step to getting your Hollywood smile in place!
 

Posted in Teeth Whitening |

The Basics Of Teeth Whitening Gels

November 3, 2007 – 11:18 pm

You may wake up one day noticing that your teeth have gradually turned yellow or into a duller color. Even those of us in our 20s already begin to notice staining or discoloration in our teeth. The good news is advanced technology has made teeth whitening gels affordable and available to everyone.

First of All, What are Teeth Whitening Gels?

Whitening gels are agents that bleach teeth so that they appear whiter. A whitening gel normally contains 10 to 35 percent hydrogen peroxide depending on levels of concentration. Bleaching agents may be carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The gel contains concentrations of oxidizing agents that is painted on the gums and papilla.

How Are Whitening Gels Applied?

Typically gel is poured into a tray and directly applied to the teeth for 4 to 8 hours. The time required for this procedure can be lessened by the use of laser light.

Your dentist may apply whitening gel to your teeth during an office visit. This is also called professional teeth bleaching. In this case, your dentist uses a customized mouthpiece derived from the mold of your teeth. This is a very accurate procedure, as the gel will coat your teeth more evenly.

You may also purchase teeth whitening gels over the counter and apply them in the convenience of your own home. Some kits contain a mouthguard or strip to hold the gel over your teeth. Application may require many hours per day for up to 14 days to a month. It may take longer for effects to show with this method, but it is often considered gentler on your gums and teeth.

Are There Any Risks Involved?

As with most procedures there are some risks involved in using teeth whitening gels. However, these risks are often very minute. The main risks lie in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of soft tissues or gums. Sometimes, sensitivity occurs because of the tray fitted into the mouth rather than the bleaching agent itself.

Regardless of what whitening method you use, it’s always best to consult a dentist. This is especially advisable for those with defective restorations, sensitive teeth and gums, or receding gums. If you are aged 16 or below, pregnant or lactating, you should not be using whitening gels.

How Do I Maintain Whiter Teeth?

Teeth whitening gels are generally safe and effective. But if you want best results and long-lasting effects, you should consider using other products alongside your teeth whitening gel. This is a good idea if you are sensitive to bleaching or not ready to give up wine, coffee, or tea. You can purchase whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes, which contain weak forms of teeth whitening gel There are also products that act to lessen sensitivity.

Now that you know the basics of teeth whitening gels, it’s important to remember that these are most effective when used with teeth-whitening practices such as using additional bleach-containing products and avoiding certain habits known to stain or cause discoloration. These habits include drinking coffee and smoking.

Posted in Teeth Whitening |

Top 10 Considerations of Dental Tooth Whitening - Part II

November 3, 2007 – 11:05 pm

Consideration #6 - In-office bleaching uses a stronger bleaching agent for faster and better results.  However, the bleaching agent can cause you problems with your gums or extra sensitivity in your teeth.  This can be worse when you have whitening done in a dentist’s office with the stronger bleaching agents.
 
Consideration #7 - If you will be using a tray-based system, you want to choose one which allows you to mold the trays to your unique teeth design.  This will help the system work a lot better.
 
Consideration #8 - Your dentist will apply a gel or use a rubber shield to protect your gums from the whitening agents.  If you choose to whiten your teeth at home you will not have this additional coverage and can sustain damage to your gums over time.
 
Consideration #9 -  Children under the age of 16 should never use a whitening product because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is still growing.  By submitting the pulp chamber to the bleaching agents a child can cause their teeth to become very sensitive to hot and cold.
 
Consideration #10 - Pregnant women should never whiten their teeth while pregnant.
 
As you can clearly see, there are lots of things to consider when you are thinking about whitening your teeth.  For the best results, even if you want to whiten at home, you should ask your family dentist for advice. 

Posted in Teeth Whitening |

Top 10 Considerations of Dental Tooth Whitening - Part I

November 3, 2007 – 11:03 pm

Today there are many teeth whitening systems available to you, both at home and at your dentist’s office.  You can use whitening toothpastes, over the counter gels, strips and trays and also have your dentist apply whitening agents to your teeth as well.  Dental tooth whitening is generally ideal for people who have healthy teeth without any dental appliances and without any gum disease symptoms. 

While there are a lot of options for tooth whitening, you need to be aware that there are also risks associated with the procedure. 
If you are considering whitening your teeth, there are many things you should know about the process.  Here are the top 10 considerations for anyone interested in dental tooth whitening:
 
Consideration #1 - Can you start with a whitening toothpaste first?  If your teeth are not too badly stained it is always a good idea to start the whitening process with a toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.  They are capable of removing surface stains and whitening your teeth about one shade.
 
Consideration #2 - If you want to have more of a bleaching effect than you can achieve with a whitening toothpaste, try using over the counter whitening strips or gels.  These products contain peroxide and can whiten your teeth in anywhere from 10 to 14 days of use.
 
Consideration #3 - Another home system you can try if you are not getting the desired results with a whitening toothpaste, is to try a tray-based whitening system.  This system will come with a mouth guard to wear in your mouth and a gel whitening solution to put into it.  You can purchase these systems over the counter or from your dentist’s office.
 
Consideration #4 - In-office bleaching of your teeth provides you with the quickest and most effective way you can whiten your teeth.  In your dentist’s office a whitening product is applied to your teeth and then a special light or laser is used with it.  The light or laser accelerates the whitening process and you can see amazing results in only an hour. 

The biggest consideration for in-office bleaching is that it generally is expensive.  However, if you have a discount dental plan which covers cosmetic dental procedures, then this can be a great option.
 
Consideration #5 - Tooth whitening is not permanent.  Your whitening efforts can start to fade in as little as a month if you expose your teeth to foods and beverages which cause staining.  If you do not consume teeth staining foods and drinks, you will still notice a change in your tooth color within a year of your whitening.

Posted in Teeth Whitening |