Professional TEETH-BLEACHING...
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| Almost everyone who's gotten their teeth professionally "bleached" admits they see a moderate to miraclous improvement in the whiteness and brightness of their smile. |
In the blossoming world of cosmetic dentistry...
Teeth Whitening Or... "Bleaching Is Queen"
"Bleaching" is highly valued by both women and men alike...
Whitening or teeth-bleaching has been known to change a person's whole disposition or personality!
| Yet, only 15 percent of the American population has ever tried "bleaching"... no wonder there's so much MISinformation out there about teeth-bleaching or teeth-whitening. |
First of all, you should know... technically speaking, there's a...
You may not know it but according to the FDA... the term "bleaching" is permitted to be used only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color.
On the other hand, the term "whitening", refers to restoring a tooth's surface color by removing dirt and debris. So any product that cleans (like whitening toothpaste) is considered a whitener.
For our purposes, here, today...
We'll Agree "Bleaching" And "Whitening" Refer To The Same Thing
Of course, the term "whitening" sounds better than "bleaching".
Either way, we wouldn't have to "bleach" or "whiten" our teeth if it wasn't for such a thing called "tooth discoloration".
| To begin with... there are 2 types of "tooth discoloration" or staining. There are extrinsic and instrinsic stains. |
- Extrinsic stains - those appearing on the surface of teeth as a result of exposure to dark-colored beverages... foods...tobacco... and routine wear and tear.
Extrinsic stains are minor and can be removed with brushing... or regular dental cleaning. To remove stubborn extrinsic stains a more involved effort is needed... like teeth-bleaching.
Long standing extrinsic stains can penetrate into the teeth and become ingrained... if such stains are not dealt with early enough.
- Intrinsic stains - form on the interior of teeth. Intrinsic stains result from trauma... aging... exposure to minerals (like tetracycline) during early childhood... and/or excessive ingestion of flouride.
Not too long ago...
...dentist didn't believe "bleaching" work on intrinsic stains. They felt intrinsic stains were too resistant to bleaching. Today, cosmetic dentistry experts believe even deep-set intrinsic stains can be removed with professional teeth-bleaching.
Although, I'm sure your somewhat familiar with some of the "bleaching" or whitening options (products) on the market today...
...let's take a close-up look at the 3 major options.
- Strips... available over-the-counter... or from your dentists.
- Custom fitted trays... available from the dentist.
- In-office professional whitening... dentist office
A. There's lot's of research indicating over-the-counter tooth-whitening strips are safe and effective.
However, many cosmetic dental specialist have some concerns about these newer paint-on products that apply whitening material to teeth much like nail polish. Because some of these products are so new, many advise waiting... until these products are researched more.
| In fairness it should be stated... these products appear to be relatively safe, especially since these products have a low concentration of the less powerful *carbamide proxide gel. |
Over-the-counter teeth-bleaching or whitening cost: $20 to $100.
B. In contrast to strips... custom fitted trays from your dentist works wonders. Trays effectively hold the whitening material in place and fit very well. Generally, both strips and trays are safe and effective tooth whitening options.
Professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce great results over a longer period of time. Take-home kits include an easy-to-use lower concentration of *carbamide peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or longer, sometime overnight.
| You simply have to ask yourself... "Am I more comfortable with strips I put on once or twice a day... or custom fitted trays I apply at night"? |
Take-home teeth-bleaching kits cost: $100. to $400.
C. The third option is to have your teeth professionally whitened in the dentist's office. Products used in the office have higher concentrations of *carbamide peroxide... ranging from 15% to 35%... as opposed to 3% to 8% for over the counter products.
| "A higher concentration of peroxide means whitening is faster and more effective. The only real draw back... professional whitening in your dentist office is expensive - costing you upwards of $500. per session". |
In-office teeth-bleaching cost: $650. per visit (on average) nationwide.
Lets discuss in-office or professional teeth-bleaching further... that is, if you're interested in...
| Significant color change in a short time... is the major benefit of in-office whitening. In-office involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration *hydrogen proxide gel... |
...applied to your teeth by a trained dentist.
Generally, the peroxides remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals adding up to an hour (at most).
If you have particularly stubborn stains the dentist may ask you to return for one of more additional bleaching sessions.
Teeth-Bleaching Risks
Teeth-bleaching treatments are considered safe when directions are followed. However, there are certain risk associated with "bleaching" you should know about.
- Sensitivity - teeth-bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature... pressure... and touch. This is most likly to occur during in-office whitening, where higher concentration bleach is used.
You are at greater risk for whitening sensitivity if you have recessed gums... significant cracks in your teeth... or leakage from faulty restorations.
Bleaching sensitivity last no longer than a day or two, in rare cases sensitivity may last up to a month. Dentists usually recommend a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth.
- Gum Irritation - Many of those using a hydrogen peroxide whitener experience some degree of gum irritation resulting from the strong bleach concentration or contact with the whitening trays. Such irritations usually last for 2 - 3 days... ending after bleaching has stopped or the peroxide concentration lowerd.
| For more specific information about the things you should know before you "bleach"... please read my article or webpage entitled teeth-whitening. |
On that webpage...
Cosmetic dentistry specialists answer 9 of the most asked questions... questions related to teeth-whitening.
In the meantime... as I promised at the outset... if you want to know how you can...
Not only does recommended dental plan save you money on "bleaching"... they save you money on ALL your cosmetic dental procedures.
Procedures like... dental veneers... crowns... implants... dental bonding and more.
No Other Dental Plan Saves You Nearly As Much Money
...on teeth-bleaching and ALL other cosmetic dental procedures as the recommended dental plan does.
If you (including dental insurance brokers), find or know of any other dental plan in America that...
...even begins to save you money on cosmetic dental procedures like the recommended dental plan...
Then Please E-mail Me The Name Of Dental Plan
While we're waiting... do visit the discount dental plan I recommend to all my readers.
Recommended dental plan guarantees you...
| Savings of 25% and often more on in-office Teeth-Bleaching... with one of their trained and professionally licensed dentist - dentist in their nationwide network of providers. |
There you have it... the long and short of modern day teeth-bleaching!
Broker-Moe...
"...brings you insiders savings tips on Dental and Health Care!"
Hot Tip: Visit ProWhiteSmile for more helpful whitening and bleaching info.
6 St. Joseph Terrace - Albany, NY 12210
(518) 255-5596
