Blinded by the White?

Washington DC-By J. S. Ronnette-Patients traveling the road toward whiter teeth have a dizzying array of options to choose from. There are so many whitening products and treatments out there that some dental consumers get blinded in the glare of choices. From paint-on bleaching gels to stick-on whitening strips to in-office power bleaching-what's a white-smile-seeker to do?

The current methods break down into whitening at home and at the dental office, with a growing interest in whitening at the dentist's office. "Many of our patients are busy professionals, and they would rather come in for a one-visit power bleaching session to get the job done right away," says Dr. Daniel J. Deutsch, of the Washington Center for Dentistry. And many patients are not new to the world of whitening, having already tried over-the-counter techniques.

Home teeth whitening

· The brush-on method sounds wonderfully easy and unobtrusive. Just brush on the bleaching gel before you go to sleep. Let it sit on your teeth all night long and brush it off with your toothbrush the next morning.

Also considered the Lazy-Man's whitening system, this method contains inherent flaws. The most obvious drawback is that once saliva "wets" the gel on the teeth, the bleach gets diluted and rubs off in some areas. This situation lowers the chance for an even whitening result. And no one wants that blotchy, partially bleached look!

And many of these at-home formulas contain glycerin, which is known to deplete moisture in the enamel of the teeth. This condition often leads to discomfort from sensitivity during the whitening process.

· The stick-on strips method is popular because they are simple to use. They are easy to apply and need no preparation.

But, again, the short-cut approach gives skimpy results. Here's why: The upper and lower strips get pressed against the outer front surface of the teeth. And while they adhere pretty well, the strips cannot fit completely within the cracks and grooves that occur along the contour of your teeth. The recesses between each tooth might possibly retain their darker staining, and even might look darker against the newly bleached flatter areas. Eventually, as the whitening process progresses, teeth might appear to have undesirable, pronounced gaps between them.

In addition, these methods often use bleach at a lower concentration (6 to 10 percent), which is less effective than bleach supplied by many dental offices.

· The trays and bleaching gel method remains the most successful and efficient home whitening treatment.

A special form-fitting, soft plastic tray is made from a mold of your mouth. The tray fits snugly over each tooth. The dentist also supplies a higher concentration (16 to 22 percent) bleaching gel.

Patients wear the trays and gel for a certain period of time every day for a specific number of days-as prescribed by the dentist.

This method gets good results for patients amenable to wearing trays and gel either a few hours in the evening ? or while they sleep.

In-office Whitening - Britesmile
· The one-hour power bleaching method is fast becoming the option of choice for patients seeking great results ? fast!

This in-office treatment-known as Britesmile-gets high marks for quick, comfortable, easy whitening at lightning speeds.

"The Britesmile chair is often the first stop for patients getting a full smile makeover," says Dr. Marc Doctors, also of the Washington Center for Dentistry. "They want to match their new crowns and veneers to teeth that are as white as they can get."

The Britesmile system lightens teeth up to nine shades whiter, on average, with no harm to tooth enamel, gums or existing fillings. Teeth reach their optimum natural whiteness and reveal a smile that many patients haven't seen in years.

The one-visit session goes like this: After examining teeth and gums, pre-whitening toothpaste is applied with a hygienist's polisher to prepare teeth for the whitening session.

The current shade of the teeth is measured. A before photo is taken. Then, the technician protects the gums and mouth with special materials and applies the whitening gel.

Many patients relax with movies or music while a gentle blue light shines on their teeth to activate the whitening gel. The technician reapplies the gel every 20 minutes-three times during the one-hour session.

When the sessions are complete, the new shade is noted and an "after" photo records the new brighter smile for posterity.

How long does it last? Long-term results depend on the patient. Tobacco, coffee, tea, dark soft drinks and lax attention to dental care can work against the results. Regular professional care will help maintain a new "Britesmile" up to two years. Some patients maintain results at home with trays and gel.

For more information on Britesmile whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures in the Washington DC area, please click here.

---

How to Achieve Younger Looking Skin

HEALTHY SKIN BEGINS WITH THE BASICS.Overexposure to the sun causes... Read More

Emu Oil For Anti Wrinkle!

What is Emu Oil?Emu oil was discovered by Aborigines many... Read More

Fade My Freckles!

Freckles, age spots, pregnancy mask - these harmless skin defects... Read More

Caring for Tattoos

Before You Get a TattooMake sure the tattoo parlor is... Read More

Color Contact Lenses - Do They Work on Dark Eyes?

Do you want to change dark eye color to something... Read More

Hair Extensions

Who gets hair extensions? What are hair extensions, methods, etc.?... Read More

Can You Find Used Tanning Beds In The Classifieds?

Can you find used tanning beds in the classifieds? Yes... Read More

Makeup Tips for 40, 50, and Beyond

Growing older doesn't have to be a burden. Aging is... Read More

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

In the following article we will attempt to shed some... Read More

How Do You Take Care of Your Bodys Biggest Organ?

How do you take care of your body's biggest organ... Read More

The Healing Properties of Green Tea

The healing properties of greeen tea have put it in... Read More

The Many Faces Of Mascara

After finding the right foundation shade, choosing mascara is probably... Read More

Baby Boomers Seek Hold on Youth Through Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Elkhart-IN -People in the 35-50 age group comprise the largest... Read More

Reversing the Aging Process

Many scientists would say that we don't know what is... Read More

Best Plastic Surgeon for the Money

If you have made the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery,... Read More

SPF? What Does It All Mean?

Spf or sun protection factor, is the amount of increased... Read More

5 Sunless Tanning Lotion Tips For Summer

If you use sunless tanning products it's probably because your... Read More

Options Available for Cosmetic Surgery in India

Medical Tourism is a new and developing concept worldwide and... Read More

Chemical Peels: Phenol, Carbolic Acid, TCA, Alphahydroxy, Beta Hydroxy

Chemical peeling is a process whereby the skin (usually of... Read More

Plastic Surgery - A Risky Business

When most of us think of plastic surgery, we contemplate... Read More

How to Have Great Looking Skin

Great skin is something that nearly everyone can cultivate. Our... Read More

Importance of Your Skins pH

One of the most important roles of our skin is... Read More

Face Off

The other day, I indulged in one of my many... Read More

Detoxification and your skin

Learn to help your body glow from the inside out.... Read More

EDT, EDP, EDC? The Various Types Cologne And Perfume

Not all cologne and perfume is made equally. In fact... Read More

5 DIY Anti-aging Tactics

Do you want your life story to be a long... Read More

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Information

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a major... Read More

What Diet Your Skin Needs: Find Out!

There is no denying the fact that appropriate diet not... Read More

Color Contact Lenses - an Easy Way to Change Your Look!

Want to change something about your appearance? How about your... Read More

Handmade and Homemade Toiletries?Buyer Beware

If you've been to a craft show or a farmers'... Read More

Lotion Candles May Be Harmful To Your Skin

If you have a love for candles, then you have... Read More

Beauty

There are many vantage points from which to find beauty.... Read More

Wonderful Foaming Honey Foot Bath at Home

I imagine you can tell me at length about how... Read More