Whiter Teeth Guide

Katie asked:


Just wondering, because I was thinking about improving my smile.

Robert asked:


There is no doubt that whiteners are one of the most increasing numbers of oral hygiene products and while manufacturers are busy meeting market demands, the ADA Council of Scientific Affairs continuous to monitor its development and the need for standardizing the term “whitening” or “whiteners”.

In a layman’s term, whitening is the process of making the teeth to appear whiter. Although whitening is commonly administered by dentists in their clinics, there are also teeth whitening products available for home use like whitening toothpastes. A whitening product can bleach (this product contains peroxide) the tooth by removing surface and deep stains while non-bleaching formula like whitening toothpaste only works by physical or chemical reaction that helps remove surface stains.

Consider bleaching products or peroxide-containing whiteners, these available products either dentist-dispensed or over-the-counter (OTC) for home use are bearing ADA Seal of Acceptance. It contains 10% carbamide peroxide just like the other products in this category. Carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea in a water-based solution.

Hydrogen peroxide becomes the active bleaching agent. There are other peroxide ingredients that contain tooth whiteners and the list includes glycerin, carbopol, sodium hydroxide, and flavoring agents. According to clinical studies, 10% carbamide peroxide is safe and effective tooth-whitening agent. However, there are temporary side effects that may occur during treatment process like tooth sensitivity (often occurs during early stages of bleaching) and occasional irritation of oral mucosa or soft tissues in the mouth (often caused by ill-fitting tray). Both of these side effects may stop after treatment. The bleaching product for home use treatment procedure usually lasts for two to four weeks.

There is also this professionally applied bleaching agent that contains 15-35% hydrogen peroxide and is sometimes being applied with a light or laser to activate the whitening process. Before the application of such product, gum tissues are being protected using a protective gel or a rubber dam. Unlike home use products, the professionally applied whitener is faster to apply. Usually, the procedure lasts for only an hour. The most common side effects observed for this product are similar to the side effects of carbamide peroxide: temporary tooth sensitivity and occasional irritation of oral tissues. Irreversible tooth damage has been reported also although this is a very rare case. Professionally applied whiteners are not eligible for the ADA Seal due to the fact that on December 31, 2007, the professional component of the Seal Program was discontinued.

On the other hand, another tooth-whitening product available is called dentifrice or the most common form is toothpaste. Most whitening toothpastes available OTC has received ADA Seal of Acceptance. They contain polishing or chemical agents to remove certain stains. These non-bleaching agents aid to whiten teeth gradually.

 

Just like any other medications or health products, it is advisable to consult a dentist before trying any teeth whitening product whether at home or under professional supervision. ADA recommends patients, especially those who have many fillings, crowns, and extremely dark stains, to submit to dental consultations and thorough oral examinations to determine the most appropriate treatment.

I_M_N_Pain asked:


I went in 4 days ago to get the Zoom Tooth Whitening System. I was in very much discomfort during the hour session and paid because I was so happy to get out of there, my dilema is that I told the receptionist when I left that my lips were very swollen. I went home and put ice on the swelling. The desntist told me to expect tooth sensitivity. He never mentioned anything about burns and blisters and serious possibilities to infection. I just wanted a quick fix. By the evening of the first day, my lip had swollen 3 times it’s size. It was so painful, I couldn’t even lift the top lip to look inside.
I called the dentist and he told me to just put Vitamin E on the gums and that maybe the gel got on my lips. By that night, I was in so much pain. I have been gargling with warm salt water 4x a day since then for 4 days now and applying Vitamin E to both the lips and gums. The blisters and skin fold has still not healed!

cosmeticdentistnyc asked:

Review of teeth whitening products by New York Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Brian Kantor helps you choose the best tooth whitening toothpaste, strips, or trays.

Sambo7:-) asked:


Most of the products i’ve tried don’t really work and are expensive. I want crystel whit teeth but not sure how to get them:-( Any advice?

Katie K asked:


Is there any natural ways to make my teeth whiter? How long does it take to make my teeth whiter by doing this?

winelover asked:


I am thinking of getting my teeth bleached by my dentist, does anyone have any tips or advise?

hero asked:


i just got my braces off! but my teeth have a slighty yellowy tinge. not much, but enough to seem slighty icky.
what are some good products?
ive heard crest is good, but
is there a specific type?
any tips too, please

lerishal asked:


I had ben dental in my late childhood. I now have off colored teeth and I feel as if its a big turn off. Do you know of any cheap and working teeth whiteinging methods or products?Thanks in advance!

Suzanne asked:


A smile can conquer a thousand hearts! A reflection of your personality, mood, and health, a smile bears the capacity to stamp an impression on people. A smile certainly augments the beauty in a face, and is thus regarded as one of the parameters for judging true beauty. Not only that, but a beautiful and attractive smile communicates self esteem and confidence in a person while a pale and unattractive smile signals lack of self confidence. To be blunt, an unattractive smile could be the symptom of another problem. Poor dental structure and oral health problems are some of the common reasons that deter a person from smiling broadly. Yellow teeth, cracks, worn down or misaligned teeth are considered quite unattractive. Nevertheless, medical science has now created various solutions to overcome these problems; cosmetic dentistry being one of them.

In contrast to traditional dentistry, cosmetic dentistry addresses the increasing demand for improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth and smile. Its restorative benefits are evident in the treatment of decayed tooth. Previously, dental fillings used to leave visible dark spots on the teeth. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, dental fillings can now be selected matching the color of the subject’s tooth, thus maintaining its natural appearance.

The desire to own a beautiful smile is one of the biggest reasons for the growing popularity of cosmetic dentistry. Smile makeovers and full mouth reconstruction are two of the latest technological advancements under the genre of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening play a significant role in effecting a complete smile makeover. On the other hand, full mouth reconstruction involves the combined efforts of cosmetic dentists on specific areas of the mouth. The procedure addresses critical oral problems of severe teeth wear, pain, deformed bone structure, etc.

The treatment procedures mentioned above cannot be initiated without prior evaluation of the oral health of the subject. If diagnosed with oral conditions such as misaligned bite (malocclusion) or gum disease, restorative treatment becomes mandatory before moving ahead with smile makeover. ****** appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth, gum tissue, and lips (to give a customized smile) are all taken into consideration in order to make cosmetic dentistry procedure a success. Nevertheless, cosmetic dentistry does require maintenance over a period of time. For instance, teeth whitening should be repeated in order to keep up its brightness. Porcelain veneers might chip off and need replacement. Dental crowns too require replacement after every 10 to 15 years. However, patients should not consider that the results of cosmetic dentistry do not last long. These maintenance procedures are actually undergone after years of treatment that can be quite inexpensive.

To sum up, cosmetic dentistry has given new hope for those who previously felt disheartened on account of their critical oral problems. All that is required is to seek the help of an expert cosmetic dentist and follow maintenance instructions periodically. Cosmetic dentistry will certainly cast a magical spell to revive your smile and boost your confidence the way you always wanted!