All we see on television in the movies is bright white smiles. With the release of several over the counter teeth whitening products over the past few years, it can be hard to know which one is going to give you the Hollywood smile that you dream about.

Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes generally cost between $2-$10. Several studies have been done on these toothpastes to see if they really can whiten your teeth just while you brush. Studies have shown that you they can help a bit, and also that the same results can be achieved with normal toothpastes with a little extra brushing every day. The simple fact is that the toothpastes doesn’t sit on your teeth for long enough to actually bleach any discoloring that is present.

Bleaching Trays

Bleaching trays are usually obtained through a dentist. What happens is that the dentist will take an impression of your teeth, and make a mold. You will then have to wear that mold with bleaching solution in it for a certain amount of time each day. Experts all agree that this is the most effective method however the price is more than most people are willing to pay. Bleaching trays can cost between $300-$2000. If this is a method you are interesting in I would recommend talking to your dentist for more information.

Over the Counter

There are several brands of over the counter whiteners. The two largest ones that I am familiar with are Crest Whitestrips, and Colgate Night Effects. Both of these products work in a similar way although have completely different application. Crest Whitestrips are small plastic strips, that you rap around the upper and bottom sections of your teeth. The bleaching solution is on one side of the strip, and rests along your teeth while you wear the strips. You must wear the product twice a day for 30minutes for two weeks.

Colgate Night Effects is a paste, that is “painted” on your teeth before you go to bed, for 14 days as well. I have personally tested out both of these products and have found that most others agree that the Crest Whitestrips are the superior method. I noticed a much greater level of whitening after using the Whitestrips, and was much more impressed with the ease of application, and the time involved in using them. Whitestrips are simple to use, and can be used anywhere. I’ve popped them on at work, and no one will even notice that I’m wearing them. Crest Night Effects are a bit cheaper of a solution and if you don’t mind waking up with a chalky feeling in your mouth, they might be the product for you.

Before trying out any bleaching solution I would recommend talking to your dentist, as he or she knows your teeth the best, and will be able to guide you in the right direction.

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Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Toothwhitening Area. Which is a great web directory and information center on Tooth Whitening and related issues like Teeth Bleaching.

The term ‘Tooth discoloration’ is the most commonly mentioned problem when people visit dentists. Due to excessive intake of antibiotics, fluoride etc, the teeth from the surface gets coated with dark-yellowish stains. Therefore tooth whitening method is widely used to remove the stains. Moreover, it is well suited for people with mildly discolored teeth. It is not advisable for men and women undergoing major treatments such as root canal, filling etc.

The various procedures for teeth whitening are:

• BriteSmile Light System: A patented system for a bright smile.
• Bleaching Kits: They bleach out the stains formed, by the means of a mouth tray that is inserted in the mouth. This tray is applied with carbamide peroxide available with various concentrations ranging from 16% to 22%.
• Tooth Whitening Strips: These strips are placed on the teeth, retained for about an hour and then removed. Crest white strips are the most recommended.
• Laser Tooth Whitening: The radiation from the laser or light is directed towards the teeth. A bleaching solution is applied beforehand and the oxygen content from the solution penetrates the tooth enamel and rubs away the deposits that are formed on the crust.
• Toothpaste: Toothpaste has chemicals or polishing agents that fight against stain formation.

All in all teeth whitening is a process that adds to your face value.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://beauty.resourz.com

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There’s more to keeping you pearly whites precisely that than a bit of brushing and the odd visit to a dentist. Take a look at these dental dos and don’ts.

#1 Avoid fizzy drinks

Carbonated drinks (including the diet variety and sparkling water) can cause your teeth to look older than they really are. These drinks are so highly acidic that they can actually dissolve the upper layers of the tooth. They contain high amounts of phosphorus - a mineral that can leach calcium from your bones if you consume too much and some scientists believe they can weaken your jawbone, increasing the chance of losing teeth.

Some researchers believe calcium is first robbed not from your hips or spine but from your jaw, leading to tooth loss. We see a number of young people who have the jaws of much older people, because of poor dietary habits such as drinking soda, along with not getting enough calcium.

#2 Chew your food

Foods that work on the teeth like detergents are foods that require chewing. Apples, celery and carrots clean teeth naturally and foods such a spinach, lettuce and broccoli prevent staining by creating a film on the teeth that acts like a barrier. Major strainers will take their toll on your smile sooner of later, so steer clear of tea, coffee, red wine, and highly pigmented foods such as cherries and blueberries anything in fact, that will stain a white shirt.

#3 Don’t take drugs

Ecstasy causes jaw clenching in users. A study found that 60 per cent of ecstasy users examined had worn their teeth through the enamel and into the underlying dentine, compared with only 11 per cent of non-users. As for cocaine rubbed on gums, it restricts blood flow, traumatizes the tissue and inhibits nutrition of the gums. Remember gums keep teeth in place.

#4 Quit smoking

Smoking causes staining of the teeth and bad breath and increases the risk of oral cancer and gum disease, as it constricts blood flow to the gums. In fact, some gum specialists feel it’s not worth providing advanced treatment for gum disease in smokers, as there is very little chance of improvement. Smoking one pack a day for 10 years can cause a 10 per cent loss of bone support. Long term studies reveal that most tooth loss in 19 to 40 year olds is associated with smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day.

#5 Beware Bleaching

A professionally applied whitening system will not damage teeth. But some over the counter bleaches are so acidic; they can cause surface loss and sensitivity.

#6 Stop Biting nails

Habitual nail chewers damage more than their cuticles; they can damage their teeth, too. If you have weakened enamel, you end up with an exposed, dented, soft area in the center of the tooth. And that’s when the problem occurs. The denting is much softer than the enamel and if exposed to bad habits such as chewing nails, opening beer bottles, it will wear down. Often the middle part dissolves quicker than the outside and the brittle enamel is very prone to chipping, making the teeth look uneven and unattractive.

Cathy Gates also writes on Fingernail Fungus. More info: Nail Fungus Cure

Virtually everyone wanting to brighten their smile can benefit from teeth whitening. Patients with teeth that are discolored due to age, smoking or other extrinsic staining factors are excellent candidates for teeth whitening. Research indicates that teeth whitening is completely effective in more than 78% of people. As teeth whitening continues to grow in popularity, research continues into all types of whitening systems.

Teeth whitening is not permanent, and works by removing the organic materials in the enamel by dissolving them with a peroxide derivative. Also, teeth whitening is only effective if there is a lot of enamel.

There are two principle forms of teeth whitening: professional whitening and teeth whitening kits.

Professional Teeth Whitening

The most effective and safest method of teeth whitening is the dentist-supervised procedure. First, the dentist will determine whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening and what type of whitening system would provide the best results. The dentist should also go over what you personally can expect for your individual situation. Before the teeth whitening treatment, most dentists clean the teeth, fill any cavities, and make sure the patient’s gums are healthy.

Dentists will usually advise trying teeth whitening first, to avoid the need for more complex cosmetic work. Complications that can occur in professional teeth whitening are infrequent and are usually minor in nature. Overall, teeth whitening under professional supervision is an effective method for whitening the teeth.

Teeth Whitening Kits

An alternative method to professional teeth whitening is to use a teeth whitening system or kit. Most teeth whitening systems consists of a whitening gel that is placed in mouthpieces that fit over your teeth for various amounts of time. On average, quality teeth whitening kits cost approximately $500 to $800. Budget teeth whitening systems start at around $29.95, though they are generally less effective.

The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some teeth whitening products, so be sure and look for the ADA mark of approval if you are going to purchase a whitening kit. It is important that the manufacturer’s directions are followed precisely when using an at home teeth whitening kit. Also, do not use a teeth whitening product for more than 14 days without consulting a dental professional.

Disadvantages and Limitations of Teeth Whitening

Although teeth whitening is very effective, there can be short term disadvantages, such as sore gums or sore teeth from the bleach. Crowns, bridges, bonding, and fillings only return to their original coloring; they do not lighten any further with professional teeth whitening. Different stains require different solutions, therefore it is important to have a consultation with an oral health professional before trying a teeth whitening product.

While teeth whitening does create brighter smiles, some people’s expectations are very high and they are disappointed with the results.

Research continues into all types of whitening systems. Due to its effectiveness, teeth whitening is sure to continue to grow in popularity. Regular professional teeth cleaning by your dentist will help support the lasting success of teeth whitening.

Consider teeth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking.

Jonathan Leger runs a website devoted to the latest in dental care. It has a section dedicated to tooth whitening

Professional teeth whitening is becoming the increasingly popular choice for anybody with stained teeth. Yes, you can buy over the counter remedies, but if you want to guarantee whiter teeth now, then professional teeth whitening is the best option.

Professional teeth whitening does not produce different results from the ‘at-home’ products you can buy, but there are distinct advantages. Firstly, you can be confident that you are in the hands of a professional who knows what they are doing, and secondly, the whitening effects are immediate.

It is a matter of personal choice how many visits it will take to get your teeth professionally whitened. Your teeth will show a change of color after a one-hour visit, but you may want more than this. If you wish to achieve optimal whiteness it may be necessary to attend between two and six times.

Teeth can become stained for a variety of reasons. Food and drink with strong colorings cause stains, most commonly tea and coffee. Smoking gives the teeth a yellowish appearance. Disease and medicine can also cause teeth to become stained, and our teeth naturally become darker as we age. These are all reasons that send us to get professional teeth whitening.

The first thing your dentist will establish is whether it is in your best interests to have professional teeth whitening. There may be circumstances that you haven’t considered - for example, if you have tooth colored fillings your teeth may look unnatural if you have them professionally whitened. You may discover that having a professional dental clean is all that you need. Removing the tartar and stains from your teeth can improve their appearance and color, making professional teeth whitening unnecessary.

Having established that your teeth are clean and that professional teeth whitening is the right treatment for you, the dentist will show you the different shades of whiteness that can be achieved with professional teeth whitening. The dentist will consult with you using a porcelain tab (shaped like teeth) to establish which shade of white is right for you.

The dentist will usually polish your teeth before beginning the professional teeth whitening procedure to ensure that all surface stains have gone. The dentist will then isolate the teeth that are going to be whitened with a thin sheet of latex or a special gel that provides a seal around the teeth. The tooth whitener/bleacher is then applied and left on for the period of time necessary to achieve the previously agreed results. Depending on which technique the dentist has chosen, a laser, heat or light source may be used to help activate the bleaching agent.

Professional teeth whitening can last for a few years or as little as six months. Quite often your lifestyle determines how long your treatment will last. However, there is no doubt that professional teeth whitening can return a person’s self-esteem. Why not pay a visit to your dentist to establish whether professional teeth whitening could be right for you?

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Learn more about tooth whitening and which teeth whitening systems may best serve your needs at Lustrous Teeth.com.

I would say a smile throughout the day keeps doctor away. Undoubtly, laughter is the best medicine as it not only supplies nutrients to the skin but also makes your skin glow. But if the condition of your teeth doesn’t allow you to smile confidently, don’t worry, just read on to learn how to improve the condition of your teeth.

Thanks to your tight schedule and fast lifestyle, you have yellow teeth which not only affects your confidence but also puts off the other person. But with the help of modern dentistry, your teeth can be bleached. You can have that perfect set all over again. But the sad part, the bleaching affect is temporary. The bleaching or whitening affect depends on the discoloration of your teeth. Obviously there are home remedies for whitening of your teeth like baking soda but then, tooth whitening is a very delicate process(as it involves gums) and should be left to experts only.

The best you can do to your teeth is to eat the right food and brush them properly. Even then if the condition of your teeth doesn’t improve, then its time for you to visit your doctor or undertake some tooth whitening program. When i say eat properly i mean, eat a balanced diet to provide essential vitamins and minerals to your teeth which will help teeth and gums to grow strong and healthy. Calcium, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D are most essential minerals and vitamins for your teeth.

Tip: It is also wise to note that eating sweet snacks between meals affect teeth more than eating sweet snacks with meals. It is because the increase flow of saliva during mealtime protect your teeth by washing sugar away. Eat snacks without sugar between meals and snacks with sugar during meals.

With brushing teeth properly i mean, brushing your teeth twice a day. Brush your outer and inner surfaces at 45-degree angle. On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth. On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and won strokes with toe of the brush. Even brush your tongue to remove food particles and freshen your mouth. DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER EACH MEAL as it may effect your enamel.

Tip: The amount of time for which our teeth are exposed to sweets affect our teeth more than the number of sweets. So avoid sticky sweets like toffee or hard candies like mints.

Other reasons which can stop an individual for showing off a 440 watt smile can be Bad Breath(Halitosis), some kind of gum diseases, some stains(internal or external), ill-formed teeth etc. Now good news for you, learn how to fight bad breath here at http://www.weightloss-health.com/Bad_breath_halitosis.htm. Some handy home remedies to get you back the most refreshing breath. Also, too much smoking of cigarettes leave really ugly stains(external) on your teeth. To counter that, you can some whitening toothpastes but then you have to be extra careful with such toothpastes as they may abrade to tooth enamel. Internal stains are mostly caused by ageing or calcium or fluoride deficiency. In this case, whitening toothpastes are not helpful whereas bleaching can be really effective.

–> To learn more on tooth whitening, tooth care and LAUGHTER THERAPY, visit http://www.weightloss-health.com/teeth_problem_treatment.htm

About the Author

Jasdeep: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get free tips and tricks on skin care and a chance to go through other informative articles targetting various health issues at Skin Care Tips, Products and Tooth Whitening Programs

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There are many poets who have written about the power of the smile. A simple smile can turn a bad situation into a more manageable situation. Smile has the power to throw even the bullies off balance; such is the power of a good clean smile. Let me add, a good clean smile with a brighter teeth to support. How often have we seen in movies and television the stars sparkle because of that charming smile with those white sparkling tooth. Many have never thought about the idea of they too can have that smile, with the whiter teeth. Well there is help now a days, there are many great products out there that can whiten your teeth and bring them back to their natural shade at the minimum. You don’t have to go to the dentist for the bleaching process; just at the comfort of your home you can administer the process without much fuss and mess. You can do this even under a tight budget with very little money shelled out from your pocket.

The first and foremost to understand is that not everyone’s tooth is alike. Each person has a unique shade that can be matched to one of the many standard one. This is the first and foremost to really understand before setting up realistic goals. The first thing these products provide is remove the stains from the tooth. As years pass by the exposure to many staining substances cause the tooth to loose it original color, and without proper treatment they are not going to go off. The popular drinks like coffee, tea, coke and other such soft drinks as well as red wine contribute substantially to the staining. There are many more factors that could cause this. The teeth whitening products contain carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient that does this trick of bleaching off the stains. This is an ADA approved ingredient in most of the products out there; a few also use hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. The oxidation induced by the products helps to take care of the stains and brings back the natural shade to begin with. The whitening process is not effective against the crowns or other dental work performed on the tooth. So you should apply the dental whitening as long as needed and then go back to your dentist for a replacement with a suitable shade crown or add-ons. Generally the whitening process can show results in just a few applications and you can continue up until the desired shade is obtained. Then you can stop the application. There is a flip flop period after this as the shading becomes a little dull and the a little brighter and it stabilize at a particular shade. This is usually much brighter than the one you started out with. Don’t worry this is usual and you have to wait for the shade to set in before going to the doctor to get your replacement crowns.

The price factor is one big thing that you need to consider, almost all products including the dental bleaching procedures employ the same active ingredients and you have to choose the product that can save money on top of the same effect. You should buy the OTC products that are either certified or developed by certified Dental Labs. Some products have a unique formula - pH balanced with high adhesion qualities designed to stay on tooth surface. These are some of the factors to consider while choosing to get that catchy, bright white smile you have always dreamt of.

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Naturally, since you’ve undergone an artificial treatment – even if it doesn’t involve any sort of surgical procedure at all – there are no guarantees that your now white teeth would remain white for the rest of your life. And that’s why it’s important to do everything you can to retain the effect of the teeth whitening treatment you had undergone.

First, always remember to brush your teeth. You’re not excused this time so no more slacking! You can’t just brush your teeth only in the mornings. Now, you have to brush your teeth at least every after meal and of course before you sleep and after you wake up. This is not just to retain the whitening effects of the treatments – it’s also to retain your friends because who in his right mind could tolerate having a friend with bad breath?

Floss! It’s a hygienic habit that sadly, only a few people had come to pick. Flossing your teeth is as equally important as brushing your teeth because it removes the dirt that a toothbrush is unable to reach. And before you ask what clean teeth have to do with your white teeth, believe me, it’s very much related so complain no more and just do what I say!

Avoid nicotine, softdrinks and other food or drink that could cause teeth discoloration. If you’re a chain smoker, think of it this way. Quitting smoking would be like killing two birds with one stone – not only would you be able to make your white teeth last longer, you’ll also be able to make your life last just a little bit longer! And when it comes to softdrinks, well, haven’t you heard of diabetes?! There’s no cure to that so avoid softdrinks and just be satisfied with your bright smile!

Continue using products such as whitening floss, mouth rinse, whitening strips and whitening toothpastes to make the whiteness of your teeth last longer. Definitely, it’s a cheaper method rather than letting it deteriorate once more until you have to undergo another teeth whitening treatment once more. When it comes to whitening toothpastes, you need not use it everyday. The same goes with mouth rinse and whitening floss. With whitening strips, you’re advise to use it every after meal and let it stick for half an hour or so.

Schedule regular check ups with your dentist. This is not your mother in law we’re talking about so there’s no reason why you have to avoid him! And don’t make it an annual or semi-annual visit because that’s not what I mean!

Michael N. is webmaster of Teeth-Whitening-Insight.com . He provides more information about teeth whitening and tips on how to make your teeth whitening treatment last longer at his website.

Earlier when there was no proper treatment introduced in dentistry only dentures were the cures used for tooth decay. But now the branch of dentistry has advanced so rapidly that almost every tooth problem has a solution.

Prosthodontics deals with the replacement of teeth by fixing beautiful crows, bridges and dentures. We can line up the irregularly held teeth by studying orthodontics. A new streamline has been introduced named as cosmetic dentistry that aims to add a glow to the teeth by making it shinier and whiter. It is obvious that when your teeth look beautiful it directly reflects your smile. There are different procedures to beautify your teeth.

Bleaching is one of the procedures to whiten the layers of your teeth by using bleaching agents. There are trays that are loaded with these agents and they are fixed to the teeth. They are removed after an hour or two. The process is repeated depending upon the patient’s tooth discoloration. The new procedure includes directly applying the agent to the teeth without using any trays. It can be completed in just a sitting within 30-45 minutes.

There is another technique, which is carried out at home. Individual trays are made and are loaded with the necessary chemicals. They are inserted to the teeth and are retained for about 6-8 hours and are removed later. It requires almost 15-20 days. But it will be of great advantage if the same procedure is carried out in the dentist’s office due to his adequate knowledge.

But after this procedure you may experience slight gum irritation and teeth sensitivity. But the results of this procedure are really promising.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1602.html

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Who wouldn’t want to look and feel young and healthy for just a few years longer? From moisturizing creams to nail polish the list of beauty products is long. Tooth whitening is just a small piece of the puzzle. At-home whitening products make a whiter smile possible for many of us. People who otherwise cannot afford expensive dentist visits can whiten their teeth for a little more than a haircut.

But there is a big difference between tooth bleaching kits and other cosmetic products. Teeth don’t heal. No matter how many times we hear - “Teeth whitening is safe” - we remain cautious. That is why health conscious men and women spend more time learning about different teeth whitening options. The reward is a brighter smile; the tools are powerful bleaching chemicals. However more whitening power usually means higher risks. Life is a balancing act and tooth bleaching is no different.

The goal is to find a happy compromise; a product that provides sufficient whitening power and ensures safety at the same time. Balancing whitening power with safety is not an easy task. There are many things to consider. Oral health is the first and probably the most important factor. Individuals with less than perfect dental health should take less risk. It can mean less powerful whitening gels or a visit to the dentist. Teeth whitening strips are less effective but are considered safer than tray based whitening methods.

However there is good news to those who want maximum safety. When it comes to tooth whitening time can substitute power. In other words the same whitening results can be achieved with less powerful gels and longer application times.

The following is a list of at-home teeth whitening methods starting with the safest option:

• Whitening toothpaste
• Tooth whitening strips
• Custom fit whitening trays with low concentration gel
• Thermoform whitening trays with low concentration gel
• Custom fit trays with high concentration gel
• Thermoform trays with high concentration gel

There is no single best way to teeth whitening. A short self evaluation may help with the selection.

Visit http://www.best-teeth-whitening-products.com for more tooth whitening information.

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