Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Cosmetic Dentistry’

Facts About Safety and Effectiveness of Teeth Whitening Products

December 21st, 2009

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.

Uncategorized , ,

Looking After Your Teeth Condition: the Teeth Whitening

December 15th, 2009

Cosmetic Dentistry can provide you with a wide range of teeth whitening methods; these methods are applied by professional and experienced dentists who will choose the procedure depending on the type of the teeth stains. For instance, one of the teeth whitening methods is the popular use of the in-office bleaching or the so-called chair-side bleaching. This method is among the simplest ones and it will require two or even more visits to your dentist in order to achieve the wanted results. During the entire bleaching process, your dentist will apply some protective gel right to your lips and some rubber shields right to your gum in order to protect all the soft oral tissues. These tissues must be protected from the toxic bleaching agents that must be applied in order to whiten the teeth.

Some dentists will use lasers or even additional heat in order to enhance the final action of the bleaching agent. The final effects of this procedure of teeth whitening are going to be long lasting. But if you are not interested in having this procedure, you can relax because the modern Cosmetic Dentistry may come along with various alternatives to this procedure. For instance, you may consider the home bleaching because this method is a highly popular and effective one. There are plenty of whitening kits that can be purchased in order to be used in the comfort of your own home. You will not have to pay a visit to your dentist in order to have your teeth whitened.

On the contrary, you can use these kits that have been prescribed by your dentist in order to whiten your teeth by yourself and without any other intervention. The ordinary whitening kit will contain a sort of hydrogen peroxide based gel; this gel will be applied right to the tooth enamel but you will have to use a mouth guard as well. The lasting effect will vary with the frequency and duration of the treatment. Looking after the teeth condition is to be regarded as a genuine commitment; this commitment pays plenty of dividends and it will help you to maintain a glowing smile.

Still, you should provide yourself with further information in order to learn how to maintain your white teeth in the proper shape without damaging the results of the intervention. Therefore, you should learn which foods are likely to stain your teeth and you must try and avoid them for good. For instance, foods with some heavy staining properties such as berries and soy must be avoided in order to maintain the positive effects of the Teeth Whitening. It is highly recommended for you to clean your teeth on a daily basis in order to stay away from unwanted stains. You should also pay attention to some drinks that may affect your teeth color.

For instance, coffee, red wine and tea may affect the natural color of your teeth. You should also stay away from the sticky foods because they are likely to cause future tooth decay. A tooth brushing is also essential for the good oral health. Cosmetically, the regular brushing will keep your teeth white. It will also remove plague. Fresh breath will be maintained. When trying to do your best in order to take proper care of your teeth, you should pay attention to the following tips in order to maintain the healthy color of your teeth. For instance, you should try and brush your teeth after every meal but you should not brush them too hard. You will have to do it in a circular way; circular motions are the best for your teeth and you will have to use a quite soft brush in order not to damage the gums.

You should be aware that you must renew your tooth brush on a constant basis in order to maintain your oral health. Actually, you should consider the electric toothbrushes as the best investment you can make in order to maintain your teeth healthy. Even the gums must be brushed and you will have to do it in soft manner in order not to affect them. Still, you will have to pay visits to your dentist on a regular basis in order to detect any possible problems when it comes to maintaining the positive effects provided by the Cosmetic Dentistry. Teeth Whitening can be useless unless you know how to take proper care of your teeth and gums. You should not worry because the modern dentistry is likely to have all the answers in the world when it comes to your present dental problems.

Uncategorized ,

What Teeth Whitening is All About

December 3rd, 2009

Teeth bleaching or teeth whitening as it is commonly called is an often used method in general dentistry and more so in the area of cosmetic dentistry. It is usually expected that white teeth are the most striking characteristic of a smile. The bleaching process is perfect for patients who have very healthy teeth and gums but it is not suggested for people suffering from gum disease or those who have fillings in their teeth as the success rate in such cases is lower. With advances in technology, we now have laser bleaching.As a person grows older, the color of the teeth gets darker. This is because the enamel gets less permeable this altering the tooth’s mineral structure. Teeth also get discolored depending on the amount of tea or coffee you consume. Another reason for discolored teeth is if you are in the habit of smoking, chewing tobacco or betel leaf as is common in Asia. Since white teeth are connected with youth, bleaching procedures have plenty of takers in recent years. The teeth whitening techniques used in cosmetic dentistry are surely exceptional ways to whiten and brighten your smile.Anybody who has already got his permanent teeth can meet the criteria for teeth whitening. There are plenty of whitening methods to think of beginning with the whitening toothpastes or bleaching kits that are within everybody’s means. Then you move on to the more sophisticated methods provided by cosmetic dentistry like costly in-office whitening sittings or laser bleaching.Cosmetic dentistry employs two core methods of teeth whitening. In the first method, often referred to as power bleaching or office bleaching, a highly concentrated oxidizing agent is used. In the other method called take home bleach or over the counter bleaching, a narrow mouth guard a used to hold a low concentration of oxidizing agent near the teeth for several hours a day over a period of five days to two weeks. As a comparatively new procedure in cosmetic dentistry, laser bleaching is a variant of the power bleaching or office bleaching mentioned earlier. The only difference is that laser bleaching makes use of an argon laser to stimulate the bleaching agent rather than the normal light source used in conventional in-office methods. The laser improves the efficacy of the whitening. Laser bleaching is the most costly option in cosmetic dentistry but it also produces the most remarkable results. If you come to a decision that cosmetic dentistry is the correct option for you, don’t forget to ask your dentist which whitening method would work best on you and don’t expect to see results overnight. Teeth that have turned yellow react best to bleaching. Teeth that have turned grey or brown or spotted may not whiten uniformly when subjected to bleach. People with sensitive teeth or diseases of the gum should avoid chemical whitening and check out other choices like bonding or veneersAs time goes by you will find that your newly whitened teeth will begin to darken as you consume tea, coffee, cola, red wine or smoke. You can rinse out your mouth as soon as you have these. Based on which teeth whitening technique you used, you might require a touch every few months or every couple of years or so.

Uncategorized , ,

Some teeth whitening advice in cosmetic dentistry

November 30th, 2009

Teeth whitening is becoming popular as everybody wants sparkling white teeth. It makes us look more attractive when we smile. Cosmetic dentistry and other related teeth whitening advices are one way to make our teeth look healthy and white. There are number of teeth whitening products available to us now. Some of them are easily available over the counter.Whitening toothpaste is the most common product though it may not actually repair damaged teeth but maintain the health of the teeth. Though formulation and effectiveness of toothpastes have improved over the years, the way to use it remains the same. Other option is teeth whitening gel or bleaching gel. These contain peroxide which removes stain by penetrating the teeth enamel. Another product is laser teeth whitening gel which is activated using laser light, preferably in a cosmetic dentist’s chamber. The heat of the laser device penetrates the enamel and removes the stain from the teeth.  The first step toward teeth whitening procedure through cosmetic dentistry is to go for some professional teeth whitening advice. Just being aware of the products is not enough. Before you try something on your own teeth whitening advice should be followed, otherwise, the product may harm you. The best place for receiving teeth whitening advice will be the cosmetic dentistry clinic. The dentist in the clinic will examine your teeth and advice you accordingly. He or she will be able to tell you, by looking at your teeth, what kind of whitening procedure will suit you the best, the time required for the process, how much whitening your teeth may receive once the procedure is over, and the approximate cost.  Surfing the net is another way to get teeth whitening advice while going in for cosmetic dentistry. There are lots of articles available on the net on this subject.  The only problem is that you may have to decide on your own which teeth whitening procedure will suit you the best. These are some other teeth whitening advice which you may like to consider while going in for cosmetic dentistry: • To bleach the teeth the dentist will use hydrogen peroxide which will be spread on the teeth for laser treatment. This substance is harmful if it penetrates the gum. So, immediately after the treatment you should rinse off your mouth. • If you have some kind of white filling already in your teeth, remove it, because it will remain less white after the process of teeth whitening. • After using cosmetic dentistry another general yet effective teeth whitening advice will be regarding the aftercare. You should brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking or at least rinse it. Using a whitening toothpaste will also help. It is essential that you should maintain the whitening as long as possible.You should be careful to choose the product you use for teeth whitening. Use only a good product and do not hesitate on purchasing the costlier ones. Using a cheap and substandard product can harm your teeth permanently.

Uncategorized ,

Teeth Whitening Information You Need for a Bright Smile

November 29th, 2009

Most of the people long for shinning white pair of teeth like that of a set of pearls. Such kind of teeth is preferable for both professional and personal reasons. With cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening information you can remove and reduce stains and discolorations from your teeth. The natural protective covering of the teeth, the enamel, becomes yellowish due to the chemicals present in the foods and drinks that we consume.Teeth whitening products contain peroxides that release oxygen. The teeth whitening products differ in the peroxide concentrations. Before teeth bleaching one must make sure that he/she has healthy teeth and gums, so as to withstand the treatment. You would need teeth whitening information before you go for cosmetic dentistry.A basic method for teeth whitening is using whitening toothpastes regularly. This is the cheapest and easiest way to remove stains from the teeth. But if the stains are stubborn, one needs the aid of cosmetic dentistry. Although this does not mean one has to visit a dentist. You may search the Internet for most authentic teeth whitening information.There are two teeth whitening techniques, the ‘In-office’ and ‘At-home’. You must obtain the complete teeth whitening information on the techniques depending on the level of bleaching you are looking for. With cosmetic dentistry you can make your teeth five to eight times brighter. The in-office or dentist’s office teeth whitening procedures is the laser- bleaching treatment. You can get teeth whitening information using laser techniques from a dentist practicing cosmetic dentistry. This is the most expensive procedure. Cosmetic laser dentistry can be used for treating a number of teeth- and gum-related problems like gum disease treatment, decay removal, strengthening tooth restoration, oral surgery, and last but not the least, teeth whitening. Also dentists professionally clean the stains on one’s teeth by using abrasion and polishing. Teeth whitening information will also be relevant if you use veneering as a cosmetic dentistry treatment for whitening teeth and repairing broken teeth. Veneers are porcelain and plastic coatings fixed on tooth by dentists, which look natural.At-home procedures are much easier and inexpensive. One at-home procedure is ‘brush on formula’, in which gel is put on the teeth and left to dry overnight. Teeth whitening information on at-home whitening strips are also available which can be applied on the teeth and are completely hassle free. At-home dental cosmetic dentistry products like whitening toothpastes are available at affordable price. Also, peroxide-based bleaching gels can be used for cosmetic dentistry. In spite of the wide range of at-home procedures, the in-office procedures are more effective, provided you have complete teeth whitening information. At-home techniques can lighten teeth color up to one or two shades, whereas professional dentistry can lighten teeth up to three to eight shades. There are several sites offering traditional Teeth whitening information on teeth whitening like rubbing teeth with lemon juice or baking soda. The products to be chosen and the dentist’s recommendations on aftercare should be followed religiously to get the best results.

Uncategorized ,

Teeth Whitening â?? Find the Procedure That Suits you

November 27th, 2009

Who would not like a Hollywood smile? You know, one where your teeth are shiny white and match perfectly with the red of your lips. A smile that you want to use all the time, a smile that makes people instantly fall in love with you. However, this smile is not available to everyone. Moreover, while we might use the reddest of lipsticks, somehow they all fail to impress in combination with slightly yellowish teeth.

Naturally, cosmetic dentistry comes to mind, as the perfect solution. There are a number of whitening procedures offered by cosmetic dental treatments to make your smile whiter and brighter: starting with whitening toothpastes, at- home bleaching, whitening strips and gels up to laser bleaching and mouthpiece trays. These are but a few of the teeth whitening solutions offered by cosmetic dentistry, so obviously there is a bright palette from which you can choose.

Nevertheless, which procedure is right for me? – One could naturally ask, confused by the many teeth whitening possibilities. It is advisable that one should visit a professional to receive information about all possibilities. According to each specific case, the specialist will recommend the most appropriate dental whitening procedure that cosmetic treatments can provide. This is particularly important, since there are many debates concerning the best solutions offered by cosmetic dentistry. Many believe that a â??do-it-in-the-showerâ? or â??quick overnightâ? dental whitening is more than enough, while others argue that the old â??at-homeâ? dental bleaching procedures are way out, not to mention dangerous.

Teeth whitening, regardless of the whitening procedures used, is not for everyone. The ideal candidates for such a treatment are patients who have healthy teeth with no or very few fillings, and healthy gums. Nevertheless, cosmetic dentistry is not recommendable in the case of pregnant women, individuals with sensitive teeth, gum diseases or cavities. In such cases, dental bleaching treatments will very probably be much less successful, if not in vain.

However, if one insists on teeth whitening, one should know that such a procedure does not stand as a lifetime guarantee for white teeth. One needs to repeat periodically teeth whitening procedures, if he or she wants to maintain a permanent white color. In addition, if one expects radiantly white teeth as an immediate result after having undergone the cosmetic dental treatment, one might be slightly disappointed, as results may vary from case to case. Moreover, after the treatment, one has to avoid such products as tobacco, tea and coffee, as they cause yellowing and diminish the results of dental whitening remarkably.

These products cause external stains on the teeth. Nevertheless, teeth may also have internal or intrinsic stains caused by early administration of antibiotics or exposure to too much fluoride at an early age. Cosmetic dentistry takes it upon itself to clean internal stains as well, but dental whitening still has the best results in the case of surface stains caused by the above-mentioned products, as well as food and age.

Apart from the beautiful transformation that makes you feel better about yourself, cosmetic dental procedures may also have a number of side effects. Although there are no serious risks involved, one should have the following in mind: teeth may become temporarily sensitive and gum irritation may appear. These side effects result on the one hand, because of the solutions used in the whitening procedure, and on the other hand, because of an ill-fitting mouthpiece tray. It is possible to avoid such side effects with the use of high fluoride-containing products, which re-mineralize the teeth, the use of toothpaste for sensitive teeth or wearing the mouthpiece tray more often for shorter periods.

Uncategorized ,

The latest in Teeth Veneers and Bonding!

November 17th, 2009

Cosmetic dentistry improves the appearance of teeth through various medical procedures. Orthodontics is also a branch of dentistry, dealing with either the prevention or correction of teeth irregularities. In simple terms, it helps people by straightening their teeth. These two combined are making miracles when it comes to having the perfect smile and displaying a set of healthy, white teeth.In the past few years, the concept of dental care developed tremendously and new procedures were offered to prospective patients. Cosmetic dentistry today revolves around the application of porcelain veneers, reshaping of the tooth through bonding and dental crowns. Experienced dentists perform tooth implants and they take every measure in order to obtain that perfect smile. They help patients understand the necessity of cosmetic dentistry, along with the various procedures orthodontics presume.The tooth is alive and easily affected by food, beverages and smoking. Various chemical substances stain the teeth and even penetrate the enamel, making cosmetic dentistry something essential and not just a trend. Starting with teeth whitening and moving on to more difficult procedures, cosmetic dentistry is the best dental care one could ever desire. As for orthodontics, the procedures recommended for straightening the teeth depend on each patient and they can definitely improve the aspect of one’s smile.The truth is that one cannot have a bright smile if the teeth are not healthy and this is exactly what cosmetic dentistry focuses on. The dentist analyzes the problems the patient has and performs a series of cosmetic procedures, resulting in healthy teeth and gums that indicate good health as well. Teeth whitening is a popular choice, dentists recommending bleaching gels but also a wide range of in-office procedures. For chipped or broken teeth, it is for the best to choose a dental crown or veneers, the latter being highly resistant over the years.Leaving aside the procedures recommended for dental care, there are many trends encountered in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Made famous by celebrities, the application of jewelry or tattoos on the teeth has become a favorite of many people. Orthodontics has a lot to do with the aspect of teeth as well, the specialist taking all the necessary measures to bring the teeth to their normal position. This is not only about the cosmetic part, as teeth irregularities can affect the way someone bites. Teeth repositioning is a specialty of orthodontics and there are a lot of patients who need such procedures.It goes without saying that orthodontics is often a recommendation for children, as teeth are best repositioned while the child is still developing. Adults have a smaller chance to restore the normal position of the teeth but technological advances have given a lot of hope whereas such matters are concerned. Often times, orthodontics is followed by a series of cosmetic dentistry procedures, making the teeth look good and healthy. It is highly important to understand that straightening the teeth comes first, then any cosmetic procedure that the dentist might recommend after analyzing your situation.

Uncategorized , , , , , , ,

Learn How Teeth Whitening at the Dentist Office Works

November 13th, 2009

It is true that our teeth affect our self-esteem. It is a part of our appearance. Whitening directly changes one’s appearance, and in an indirect way, it affects our confidence.

With the number of products and services that results in whiter teeth, people become confused with what to choose. These products and dental procedures differ in cost and pace in providing results. While the products used to be strictly classified with professional and home use, nowadays, products that are of the ‘professional use’ quality are now in the market. These products provide results closer to the professional dental treatment compared with the ‘home use’ products like toothpastes.

If you are more into fast results, the advised dental procedure is chairside teeth whitening. It is usually performed at a dentist’s office. Also called teeth bleaching, this provides results in about an hour. The difference that can be seen in the result within an hour is four to six shades lighter, which depends on every individual.

Below are some facts that describe how it works.

– Bleaching is performed with the use of a product that contains 15% to 35% of hydrogen peroxide in gel formula. Before this treatment is started, the gums are protected with a gel (some use a dental dam) that shields the soft gum tissues.  After this, the dentist will apply to the teeth the hydrogen peroxide gel. To increase the whitening effect, a laser or a special light (of the same purpose as a laser) can be used. After a while, the gel is rinsed off. The application of protective gel and whitening agent is repeated several times. Right after the treatment, you will notice the impact of your teeth’s new shade to your appearance. This treatment provides a ‘natural white teeth’ result, in just about an hour.

– In case you have white fillings, it is advised that you replace them with a shade that does not go against the shade of your teeth after bleaching.After the procedure, you might notice that your teeth sensitivity has increased. This is to be expected and is a natural reaction of your teeth after the treatment. The degree of teeth sensitivity however varies from one person to another. Nonetheless, the sensitivity will disappear within 24 hours after the treatment.

The advantage of an in-office whitening treatment is that you, as the patient, are sure that only your teeth will get in contact with the hydrogen peroxide. Also, with the dentist performing the treatment, he or she will know if the teeth in contact with the agent can still take another round of the treatment.

Before deciding, it is important that you consult with your dentist. Also, visit your dentist for check up and cleaning. It is only after these two procedures that your dentist can decide and advise you if you need a teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist will also advise you with what type of treatment is going to work best for you considering your current oral health.

Uncategorized , ,

Natural Ways to Have Beautiful Looking Teeth

November 12th, 2009

Now Attractive and Healthy Teeth are Available Through Cosmetic Dentistry

November 2nd, 2009

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in the past two decades and now more then ever it is possible to have the smile you have always dreamed about. The truth of the matter is that people do judge one another by the looks of their teeth and it something that many sociologists have theorized is related to the fact that early primitive peoples that had bad teeth were also doomed to a shorter life span.

So it may be deeply engrained in a persons psyche to gravitate towards people that have a nice beautiful smile. Discolored teeth are one of the easiest things to remedy and many times a teeth bleaching treatment may do the trick. There are over the counter treatments that are available but it is important to bear in mind that your dentist can assist you in achieving your perfect smile with other treatments at his or her disposal.

Dental veneers and laminates can turn a smile with teeth that are chipped and gapped into a beautiful flawless smile by resurfacing teeth with a thin ceramic coating that also fills in the chips and gaps. If you have missing teeth then you may be a candidate for dental implants that replace the missing tooth or teeth with prosthetic teeth that are permanently mounted to a pin that is embedded in the jaw bone itself.

After the procedure is completed the dental implant teeth look and function just the same as the original teeth. Dental laminates are completely painless to have put on your teeth and they don’t even require a shot of local anesthetic. They whiten your teeth and also your dentist can use them to even out any discoloring that might occur in the various teeth.

Uncategorized ,