Is at Home Teeth Whitening Better Than Dental Office Teeth Whitening?

2010 March 4
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Teeth Whitening Overview

The administer of teeth whitening is about more than just vanity, it's about confidence, healthy teeth and standing out for all the right reasons. Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure. There are a whole host of teeth whitening (or bleaching) treatments available, from whitening toothpastes to press on strips to take home certified kits to in office bleaching sessions. Yet only 15% of the populace have tried teeth whitening beyond using toothpaste. The truth is, teeth whitening works. Nearly everyone who tries it sees a moderate to significant boost in the pallor and brightness of their teeth. But, teeth whitening is not a do it once and forget it solution; it requires periodic touch ups for the best effect.

Most of us are born with luminous white teeth. Their enamel go up is calculated to protect the teeth from the things of chewing, grinding, and the acidity generated by eating sweets. As time passes, enamel is worn down and the yellow dentin that forms the core of the tooth shows through more and more. The enamel go up gets millions of tiny cracks, that gradually accumulate stains and debris.

Teeth whitening removes the stains and debris, leave-taking the enamel cracks open and exposed. Some of the cracks are quickly re-mineralized by saliva, while others are filled up again with organic debris. Some stains are indifferent easily, while others are more tenacious and may require periodic treatment over a matter of months or longer.

Whitening versus Bleaching

Technically, "whitening" refers to restoring your teeth's natural shade by removing go up stains. "Bleaching" is permitted to be used by the FDA only when teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color, and applies exactingly to products that control bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Since whitening sounds so much more tasty than bleaching, that term is nearly always used even though most treatments use bleaching agents.

Common Causes of Teeth Stain

Over the years, our teeth are subject to wear and tear, and the accumulation of tiny cracks in the enamel. The younger you are, in general, the more responsive and dramatic consequences you will see from teeth whitening. But, older folks can beyond doubt benefit from teeth whitening. They just have to be a bit more persistent with long-lasting treatments. Obviously, some foods and beverages tend to stain teeth and/or contribute to enamel deterioration. Coffee, red wine, soft drinks are some examples. Smoking is a additional evident cause of tooth discoloration. Some drugs and medications when used during tooth formation can cause hard to remove stains.

Teeth Whitening Treatments

There are three major types of teeth whitening treatments: in office whitening, certified take home kits, and over the counter whitening products.

In office whitening involves 3 or 4 visits to your dentist's office, and involves the application of a high concentration hydrogen peroxide gel applied to your teeth after a paint on rubber dam has been applied to protect your gums. The average cost of in office whitening is about $650. You will likely see a noteworthy improvement in tooth color in a small period of time.

Many dentists believe that high quality take home kits can in fact produce the best long term things. They typically use a lower concentration peroxide gel that can remain on the teeth for a longer period of time, typically an hour or so. Take home kits typically use carbamide peroxide rather than hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is about one third as concentrated as hydrogen peroxide, so it takes a bit longer to achieve the same consequences as a visit to your dentist. But, take home kits are simple to use and no hassle, and are perfect for periodic maintenance of your bright new smile. Costs range from $100-$400 for certified quality teeth whitening kits.

Over the counter treatments can improve the pallor of your teeth by a shade or two and are relatively low-priced, ranging from $20-$100. They can control whitening strips or low concentration gels.

Keeping Your White Smile

Dentists are likely to urge that you avoid dark painted foods and beverages for at least a week subsequent your teeth whitening treatment, and later, sipping those kinds of beverages through a straw. Brushing and flossing after every meal will beyond doubt help. Periodic maintenance treatments, particularly with the high quality take home kits will be beneficial as well.

Author: Mark Snyder
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Netbook, Tablets and Mobile Computing



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