Which Teeth Whitening System Is Right For You?
Jared Winston
Modern dentistry has improved and changed a great amount in the last ten to twenty years, and this has led to new treatments being available to everyone, rather than just the few rich people who could afford it. People are visiting dentists for 'cosmetic' dental treatment in the same way that they would visit a cosmetic surgeon to have their body altered or enhanced.
With more and more celebrities having cosmetic dental treatments and exhibiting perfect teeth in magazines and on television, tooth whitening is one of the dental treatments that have soared in popularity for people young and old. Other treatments include implants, veneers, and alteration of the gum line. This article looks at the different types of teeth whitening systems and will help you assess which is best for you. There are various teeth whitening systems available, and they range from the very expensive to the relatively cheap and accessible. All teeth whitening systems fall into two main categories - those that must be carried out by a professional such as a dentist, and those that can be done at home. Home treatments are often cheaper, but can be less effective and can even cause lasting damage if applied incorrectly.
The key to selecting which tooth whitening systems is appropriate for you is to ask yourself the following questions:
Am I good at following written instructions? What is my budget for this treatment? Am I looking for immediate results or a course of treatment? Am I comfortable visiting a dentist? Do I have minor or extensive tooth staining?
Home tooth whitening systems are cheaper, but they normally use a peroxide bleach based formula and so the instructions that come with them must be followed to the letter. Otherwise, the results may not be what you expected, and the sensitivity of the teeth can be increased.
However, if you are confident about applying the treatment yourself and are prepared to finish the whole treatment without expecting instant results, home teeth whitening systems can be a cost effective way to achieve that celebrity look.
Salon or dentist based teeth whitening systems are more expensive, but can have longer lasting and more immediate effects. Dentists use similar peroxide based formulas to the home systems, but the effect is enhanced by the use of a laser. Laser whitening can make your teeth 5-6 shades lighter on the first visit by activating crystals inside a gel, but if you have extreme discoloration you may need to go back more than once.
The risks of laser teeth whitening are not great, with the most common side effect reported being increased sensitivity to hot and cold. Rubber dams are used to protect the gums when bleach based formulas are being used, and this ensures the gums are protected from the effects of the tooth whitening system.
Modern lifestyles can have a bad effect on our teeth, with drinks like coffee, tea and red wine causing staining and discoloration. Teeth whitening systems are a way to instantly reverse the effects of our lifestyle, but are no substitute for regular brushing and flossing.
Copyright © Jared Winston, 2005. All Rights Reserved.
About the author:
Learn more about tooth whitening and which teeth whitening system may best serve your
needs at Lustrous Teeth.com. http://www.lustrousteeth.com
The latest information and news on Dental Care Advice :
Over the last decade, Dr. Robin Feltoon has made a healthy living by renovating her patients? mouths. In becoming sole owner of Holly Tree Dental in Hanover in January, Feltoon also took a close look inside the business itself.
Dental Marketing a Profitable Investment for Educated Dentists (PR.com)
To find patients in tough times, dentists are turning to dental directory marketing and dentist website campaigns for their dental marketing. Jim Du Molin offers a no-cost video tutorial. [PR.com - September 07, 2008]
Financial Analysis of Dental Website Marketing Campaigns (PR.com)
Internet dental marketing can be a great way for dental practices to improve their bottom line, but a good return on investment demands proper dental website search engine optimization. [PR.com - September 07, 2008]
Health district welcomes new dental director (The Moultrie Observer)
Olivia Taylor, who has more than 20 years of experience in dentistry, including dental research, has joined the staff of the Southwest Health District as director of dental services.
Supermarket trials in-store dental service (TVNZ)
A British supermarket chain has come up with a novel way to get shoppers through the door, offering them the chance to get their teeth fixed while picking up their groceries.
Dental fillings without gaps (News-Medical-Net)
Tooth cavities are usually closed with plastic fillings. However, the initially soft plastic shrinks as it hardens. The tension can cause gaps to appear between the tooth and the filling, encouraging more caries to form. For the first time, researchers have simulated this process.
More often, employees given choice of dental, vision plans (BizJournals)
As workers gear up for their annual health benefits open enrollment period, they need to look beyond the basic plans.
Dental hygiene students can brighten your smile (The Times of Northwest Indiana)
B y Times Staff CHICAGO HEIGHTS | Prairie State College?s Dental Hygiene Department is looking for community clients to participate in its annual Periodontal Clinic. The clinic enhances the dental hygiene students? clinical learning experience. For a $35 fee, each client gets a full set of X-rays, impressions of the mouth, a consultation with the periodontist on staff, and a thorough cleaning by ...
Don't be prejudiced by graphic pictures, jury told (NZPA via Yahoo!Xtra News)
A High Court judge has told a jury to ensure graphic pictures of a woman killed in a dental centre fire last year do not prejudice them against the man accused of her murder.
Poor economy draw parents and children to free health and dental screenings e...
Dozens of parents and children lined up early Saturday for free child health screenings at the Fairground Complex.