Australia Teeth Whitening Articles

Melbourne dentists are frequently asked if teeth whitening procedures are safe to use. Years ago, the treatment products on the market used harsh abrasives that acted like sand paper on your teeth. They would get rid of the stain, but it would also wear away at the enamel. Other patients worry about the effect that the chemicals can have on their body. Some temporary effects have been associated with the process; however, there has been no research to suggest that these procedures have any long term affects on your body or your teeth.

Exploring 4 Myths About Teeth Whitening

Myth 1-Teeth Whitening Causes Cancer

Patients often become concerned about the chemicals and brightening agents used by a cosmetic dentist. Melbourne dentists, like others around the country, often use products that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbomide peroxide. After a review of various studies involving more than 4 000 patients, experts found that this idea is completely false. They believe that the saliva found naturally in the mouth balances off with the components in the treatments eliminating any harm that might be present.

Myth 2-Whitening Products Damage Nerve Endings

Another common myth is that they can cause damage to the nerve endings found inside your teeth. This is true in some countries that use products with a considerably higher concentration than recommended. High concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can actually burn the pulp and nerve inside of your teeth. When these procedures are carried out correctly by a licensed professional, all of the necessary precautions are taken so that the hydrogen peroxide cannot negatively affect the structure of your teeth.

Myth 3 – Patients with Dental Work Cannot Have Teeth Whitening Treatments

Unfortunately, this is partially true; those with caps, crowns, and certain fillings cannot undergo some brightening procedures because these products simply have no effect on those types of materials. In these instances, consider bonding or veneers as alternatives. Those with regular fillings or root canals can have whitening treatments on a regular basis without being concerned about harming their dental work. By consulting with a cosmetic dentist, Australian patients can learn what the best procedures are for their particular case.

Myth 4 – Whitening Procedures Wear Away at the Enamel

Older whitening compounds were effective because they contained abrasive materials that wore off the surface layer of enamel in order to get rid of stains. When teeth stain, the discoloration sits into the tiny tubes in the surface of your teeth, called enamel rods. Without treatment, these stains soak farther into the tooth and become permanent. New teeth brightening technologies soak into the teeth and act directly on the stain to neutralize it rather than actually removing it from the surface of your teeth.

Although patients of many Melbourne dentists often voice these concerns, there is no need worry about the safety of these treatments. The only side effect that is caused by these procedures is sensitivity to temperature that goes away after one to two days. Teeth whitening can be repeated safely up to every six months in order to enjoy a young, healthy smile.

Christine O’Kelly is an author for Australian dentists, including Shamblott Family Dentistry, one of the leading cosmetic dentist Melbourne has to offer.

By: Dave Montgomery

Up until a few years ago, the process of teeth whitening was so complex that it involved numerous trips to a dentist, wasting hundreds if not thousands of dollars, and wasting hours of your precious time. Technological advances in the last ten years have made that all a thing of the past. Now it’s possible for safe, effective “dentist quality” teeth whitening at home for a mere fraction of what it used to cost.

Nearly all teeth whitening products, whether sold over the counter or through a professional, contain the active ingredients carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in various concentrations. These similar ingredients seep into the microscopic pores on the tooth surface and whiten or bleach away stains through the process of oxidization.

Brighter Teeth, Brighter Smile, Brighter Life

The most common types of in-home teeth whitening applications are specially treated strips that adhere to your teeth, brush-on whiteners and trays with bleaching gels. The teeth whitening process by using whitening strips is a simple one. These types of whitening products come with clear, thin strips for the upper and lower teeth which are pressed up against the surface of the tooth. When finished, the strips are simply removed and thrown away.

Brush-on gels are also another simple method of teeth whitening to try at home. The peroxide based gel is applied to the surface of the tooth with a small brush generally twice a day for two weeks. Results can be seen within days and can last up to four months.

Tray-based teeth whitening kits are also easy to use at home, at your convenience. These affordable kits come with a mouth tray that you fill with the whitening solution or gel and then wear for the required time.

Before beginning your teeth whitening venture, there are a few things you can do to ensure the product works as well as it should no matter which method you choose. Thoroughly brushing first will make sure the teeth whitener adheres to the enamel of your teeth as opposed to dental plaque. Flossing is also a good idea to remove the plaque between your teeth.

Teeth that aren’t flossed and brushed may end up looking noticeably different after a teeth whitening session, and definitely not for the better. Plaque build-up between the teeth will prevent the whitening agent from working properly and may produce dark looking areas in between which could almost appear as gaps. A little time spent in preparation will make for longer lasting results.

Having realistic expectations will also make your teeth whitening experience a successful one. Teeth that practically glow in the dark because they’re so bright are anything but natural looking. Teeth whitening at home by a regular, gradual process is the least noticeable and the most believable way to lighten your teeth. A common rule of thumb is to strive for a shade slightly lighter than the whites of your eyes.

Teeth whitening can not only help us feel better about ourselves and more self-confident, but whiter teeth help us to look younger as well. An in-home whitening kit can be your answer to a brighter smile and will also help keep your wallet happy as well!

To find out more about teeth whitening please visit our homepage.

By: Amy-Jo Strutt

There is nothing worse than smiling in the mirror and seeing 2 rows of yellow teeth. What happened to those pearly whites we had as children? Well, over time, our teeth start to darken because they absorb stains and they start to discolor. Some of the worst things we can consume that will impact the color of our teeth are tea, coffee, colas, and smoking. The procedure known as teeth whitening or teeth bleaching is getting very popular. You no longer have to settle for those yellow teeth. You can brighten your smile either in the dentist chair, or at home using teeth whitening methods. There are a number of teeth whitening products including new tooth pastes and home use kits.

A popular method to teeth whitening is using at-home tray based teeth whitening products. This system uses a clear plastic tray that is filled with whitening gel and is then placed over your teeth. The tray is worn for several hours per day or at night while your sleep. The procedure often takes a few weeks for your teeth to come out white. Whether you do it at home or your have your dentist do it for you, it is important to use teeth whitening products that will provide lasting results, give you a naturally looking smile, are clinically proven to be safe as well as effective, uses low concentration of hydrogen peroxide and is approved by your dentist. There are a number of teeth bleaching products on the market sold over the counter that can do more harm than good.

Best Results for Teeth Whitening

Before you proceed with any form of teeth whiting treatment, your best bet is to consult your dentist first. They will likely be able to guide you in the right direction according to your current teeth discoloration. Yellow hued teeth respond well to teeth bleaching while gray hued teeth don’t respond well at all. If you have porcelain veneers or other dental bonding, whitening will not help them at all. You will likely have to have them changed out if they are really discolored so that they match your other teeth. Because your teeth are so very important, please discuss the use of any teeth whitening products with your dentist to ensure the safety of your teeth long term.

Amy-Jo Strutt is a successful writer and regular contributor to cosmetic-surgery-laser.com – An online resource to help you find the very best information on all forms of cosmetic surgery.

http://www.cosmetic-surgery-laser.com/teeth-whitening.html

By: Abigail Franks

You can get whiter teeth faster by using high quality products, and they don’t cost an arm and a leg! Today’s products all can give you a bright and white smile. Tooth whitening products are available from low cost white strips to expensive dental professional services and everything in between.
The key to whiter teeth though is the delivery system. Whitening products are usually a gel or paint like product placed on your teeth. The tooth bleaching gel or teeth whitening gel is held in place by a delivery system. The delivery system is how the teeth whitening product is held in place next to your teeth. Usually this is a tray or molded plastic impression of your teeth. The key to getting good results is that the gel or pain product with the tooth whitening agent must stay in contact with your teeth surface. Simply putting it on and having it wash away will not work. Some of the less effective delivery methods are the strip type.

Great Tooth Whitening Results

Crest white strips are very popular. These are simply a tooth bleaching tape that’s placed on the front teeth only. Crest whitestrips use a delivery system that’s a lot like a piece of flexible tape. The tape is placed on the front teeth and contains tooth bleaching gel. It’s easy and simple to use. Remember that although the whitening strips may only cover the front teeth, they’re usually more comfortable.

The more complete and better delivery method is a tray similar to those teeth protectors used by athletes. In the cheaper teeth whitening kits, the trays provided are heated in hot water then placed in the mouth to form an adequate, if not perfect fit. The better the fit, the better the teeth whitener gel will stay in contact with your teeth.

What I consider to be the best long term value however is a custom tray made just for your teeth. Higher quality teeth whitening kits provide a material to take an impression of your teeth. Because the impression fits exactly to your teeth, it’s more comfortable and allows the whitening product to cover all the teeth surfaces. The one negative to using a custom tray is the short delay while the impression is sent to the dental lab to make the custom tray to fit your mouth. This just takes an extra couple of days but the results are very much worth it to say nothing of the much more comfortable tray.

The good news is that most custom tray teeth whitening kits provide everything needed for the best, most economical teeth whitening results. Custom trays last a long time and give great results at an affordable price.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects such as home, family, and health.

By: Lee Dobbins

There’s no doubt that a brilliant white smile adds a lot to the way you look and as you age your teeth can lose a bit of their brilliance. Stains from coffee, cigarettes and simply aging can turn your teeth several shades off from what they once were. Luckily there are many options for teeth whitening out on the market. Which one is right for you?

Explore Your Options For Teeth Whitening

How White Will Your Teeth Get?

When considering teeth whitening many people want to know how white their teeth will get. The level of whiteness you can achieve varies from person to person and from teeth to teeth. In rare cases your teeth can be whitened by up to 9 shades, but it is not likely. However, even just a difference of three or four shades will certainly enhance your smile.

The goal for most people undergoing teeth whitening to reach the optimal level of whiteness, without the teeth looking fake. It is important to note that the method used to whiten your teeth will have a significant impact on your outcome. Home-based teeth whitening systems will not typically achieve the same results as in-office teeth whitening. Usually during your first consult with your dentist about teeth whitening he or she will explain to you what results you can expect for your teeth.

How Much Will It Cost?

You can whiten your teeth at home or go to the dentist and have it done professionally. The do it yourself systems cost around $40.00 and typically require that you use strips or a tray for a week or more every day. Contrary to what you might hear, they DO work but you will have to make the commitment to apply the system every day.

An office visit to the dentist just for one teeth whitening treatment could cost up in the thousand dollar range at some of the more high end offices. But many people prefer to have a professional whiten their teeth to be sure it is “done right” or if they can’t commit to using a do it yourself product every day. Depending on the type of treatment your dentist decides is best for you , you could have whiter teeth in just one visit!

Tray Whitening Systems

One common method of teeth whitening is the tray system. This method was the predecessor to today’s teeth whitening strips, but is not obsolete as many consumers still use them today. Basically a gel-like substance, made of concentrated hydrogen peroxide and water and gluten to ensure adherence to the teeth, is put in a tray that fit around the teeth of the user. The trays generally come in sizes, or in some cases can be custom fitted for your teeth by your dentist.

Teeth whitening trays generally are worn for several hours during the day, or even overnight. Most people prefer to be awake when using the tray so that they can be sure the tray doesn’t fall out, or their mouth gets too dry. In most cases the user is able to carry on normal activities without disruption.

Whitening Strips

The whitening strips are thin pieces of plastic coated with hydrogen peroxide or some other whitening agent. The teeth whitening agent is typically clear, so the strip itself is transparent. There are two teeth whitening strips in each treatment set, one for the top row of teeth, and one for the bottom. Each is a different size and designed to fit with the corresponding teeth. They can’t always perfectly fit the user because everyone’s teeth are different, but they are usually comfortable for most people.

The strips are easy to use, you just apply them to the front of your teeth and then fold them over to stay put. The strips are worn for 30 minutes at a time twice a day.

Side Effects Of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is fairly safe and minor side effects can include gum irritation and sensitive teeth. Your gums about the teeth can become irritated when they come in contact with the whitening gel. This will subside once you stop using the whitening product.

Tooth sensitivity is brought on by the inflamed nerve of the tooth. The teeth whitening strips use a chemical that tends to irritate the tooth’s nerve and consequently cause the teeth to be sensitive to hot and cold. This is typically temporary and does not require a dentist visit and will subside once the treatment is over.

Lee Dobbins writes for Body Care Zone where you can find out more about taking care of yourself and read more articles on teeth whitening and dental care.