Skip to main content
    

Teeth Whitening and Bleaching

Want a brighter smile? When it comes to tooth whitening, you've got two options: in-office-based teeth bleaching, or at-home care.
Both tooth whitening options use peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide. In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide. Generally, the longer you keep a stronger solution on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become.

There are pros and cons to each option, but before you try at-home tooth bleaching kits, be sure to talk to your dentist. Not everyone will see good results.

In-Office Tooth Whitening

Teeth whitening done by your dentist can get teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than at-home kits. Also, heat, light, or a combination of the two may be used to speed and intensify the whitening process.
The most dramatic results -- teeth generally get three to eight shades brighter -- usually take several 30- to 60-minute in-office visits. Some dentists use newer techniques that can be done in a single 2-hour appointment. The cost of in-office tooth whitening varies, but can range between $500 to $1,000.

At-Home Teeth Bleaching Options

There are many choices for bleaching teeth at home, the most common include:
  • Tooth whitening strips and gels. Applied directly to the teeth with a brush or a thin strip, these peroxide-based tooth bleaching products usually need to be applied once or twice a day for 10 to 14 days. Results last four or more months and may cost from $10 to $55.
  • Tray-based tooth bleaching systems. With this teeth whitening option, a mouth guard-like tray is filled with a peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste and placed over the teeth for one to several hours a day for up to four weeks. You can buy tray-based tooth whitening systems over-the-counter or have one custom-fitted by your dentist. The cost can range from $150 to $600.
  • Tooth whitening toothpastes. Because they're mildly abrasive, every toothpaste helps remove stains from teeth. Whitening toothpastes, however, also contain chemicals or polishing agents that help scrub stains from teeth without the aid of a bleaching agent. Tooth whitening toothpastes are relatively inexpensive and brighten teeth by about one shade.

Tooth Bleaching: Keeping Teeth White

Whether you use an at-home tooth whitening system, or have your teeth bleached by a dentist, you can help maintain the results by flossing and brushing daily. Also, avoid acidic and tannin-rich foods and beverages such as:
  • Black teas and coffee
  • White and red wine
  • Sports drinks
  • Carbonated beverages (dark and light-colored sodas)
  • Berries and other strongly-colored foods
  • Sauces (soy, tomato, curries)

Teeth Whitening: Why You Should Talk to Your Dentist

Tooth bleaching can make teeth temporarily sensitive -- or be uncomfortable for people who already have sensitive teeth. When used incorrectly, home kits can also lead to burned -- even temporarily bleached -- gums.
Tooth whitening works best for people with yellow teeth and is less effective for people with brown teeth. If your teeth are gray or purple, tooth bleaching probably won't work at all.
To be sure tooth whitening is worth your time and money, talk to your dentist before you use an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to use digital X-ray Or RVG with Apple iPad , iPhone. The Kodak RVG 6500

iPad Innovation is the key to development and dentistry is not an exception.First there was no radiograph then came conventional radiograph then came high speed radiograph and Digital radiograph or RVG  and now Apple iPad. You will say ( What ! an iPad?)  yes an iPad. It's an innovation by Apple inc.which has been accepted by medical and dental field warmly.I have discussed How to upgrade your dental practice with Apple iPad in earlier post and written about the change this gadget can bring.You can check  10 free iPad application for dentists Today in Digital Radiograph or RVG we shoot an X-ray few moments later it appears on the computer screen and then you interpret it and discuss it with your patients. Now Kodak have made a RVG system which is iPad compatible and if you have an iPad or iPhone you can see and review this X-ray image directly on your gadget write reports and save it. You must have Two thing for it. 1.RVG Mobile software in your iPad...

The Calla lilly prep in endodontics !!

During patient treatment, the clinician needs to consider many factors that will affect the ultimate outcome. In simple terms, these factors can be grouped into 3 categories: (I) operator needs, (II) restoration needs, (III) the tooth needs. (I)The operator needs are the conditions the clinician needs to treat the tooth. (II) The restoration needs are the prep dimensions and tooth conditions for optimal strength and longevity. (III)The tooth needs are the biologic and structural limitations for a treated tooth to remain predictably functional. The Cala Lilly is a flower and is the new model for composite preparations. SOURCE: Modern Molar Endodontic Access and Directed Dentin Conservation, David Clark et al,2010

Articulator

Articulators    DEFINATION:  A Mechanical device that represents the temperomandibular joints and jaw members to which maxillary and mandibular casts may be attached to stimulate some or all of the mandibular movements. PURPOSES 1.   To  hold the maxillary and mandibular casts  in a determined fixed relationship. 2. Mounting of dental casts  for diagnosis treatment planning and patient presentation.   3.To simulate the jaw movement like  opening and closing. 4. Fabrication of  occlusal surfaces  for dental restoration. 5.  Arrangement of artificial teeth  for complete and removable partial denture.       USE      1. To diagnose the  state of occlusion in both  the natural and artificial dentition      2.   To plan the  dental procedures  based on the relationship between opposing natural and        ...