Normally what you should be looking for is a kit that comes with cast and a blue light, just to make sure that you will get the best results possible. If you already have a cast of your teeth, all you need to get is the best tooth whitening gel. Dentists use different strengths of  bleaches depending on the results that they want to get and the condition of the teeth that they are whitening. If someone already has hot or cold sensitivity, it is a good idea to stay away from the strongest bleaches. A good gel usually comes with at least 13% of carbamide peroxide or 5% hydrogen peroxide – this is guaranteed to give you notable results the very first time you use it. If you have a blue light that will speed up the results, you will most likely get visibly whiter teeth in 15 minutes or less.

These days the results that you can get at home, are comparable to the ones that you can get at a dentists with a fraction of the cost. Since the products are so easy to use, there isn’t a real safety risk in doing it on your own.

Here’s the real deal behind teeth whitening products. Yes – you get what you pay for. That doesn’t mean that generic brands of teeth bleaching products are cheaper, what it does mean is that they usually use weaker bleaching agents. The main ingredient in over the counter products that gets your teeth white is Carbamide Peroxide. Most products use anywhere between 10% – 16% in strength. The ones that have a higher amount, are usually more expensive. Ones with a less amount are usually less expensive.

The other reason that there’s such a difference in cost for over the counter teeth whitening products is what’s in the “kit” that comes with the whitening gel or teeth bleach. Some companies use what’s called a strip. For instance Crest has there own product called Crest Whitening Strips. This product is similar to a flat piece of tape that you press against your teeth. The only issue with this type of product is that your teeth have to be consistent and in line with each other in order for the strip to work properly. If your teeth are uneven, it’s much harder for the strip to work properly. That’s why the strip approach usually cost less.

Products that have kits that include “teeth trays” are usually more expensive, but they’re more effective. Thus the reason for paying more for them. The way teeth trays work is that you inject the whitener in the trays. Then you wear the trays once a day for forty-five minutes for about a week. Usually you can expect your teeth to brighten 5 – 8 shades lighter than what they currently are.

Doing a little homework can pay off in a big way. Knowing the difference between products and their cost will help you be relaxed in your decision in the long run.

Now what, you may ask, is deep sedation dentistry? Well, this is actually more on the different levels consciousness that sedation can put you in rather than a method of dentistry. But for the sake of staying on topic, only the deep level of sedation will be explained. Now, when using sedation dentistry, dentists usually employ the different types of tranquilizers that are readily available to put you in a hazy and relaxed state of mind. This in turn makes the procedure go smoothly and without a hitch to ensure the maximum comfort available for anyone and everyone willing to pay, even more so, because dental phobia and Trypanophobia(an extreme fear of having medical procedures when it involves using syringes) are so commonplace in people.

Sedation dentists usually use deep sedation to put you in a state where you are in between consciousness and unconsciousness with the use of a more upped dosage of tranquilizers. In doing so, the patient undergoing the procedure is completely free from fear, being that he or she is in a near sleeping state. This is because the patient is less pliable, and more likely to stay relaxed rather than waking abruptly from that state and panicking. And that, in a nut shell, is how deep sedation dentistry works. So, why leave any chance of waking up during the operation?

First of all, how do teeth get stained?  As we eat food or drink coffee, a layer forms on top of the enamel- the layer that protects our teeth, as years go by, this layer slowly enters the enamel itself. When this happens, brushing, using abrasive toothpastes are useless and that’s where our hydrogen peroxide comes in.

Hydrogen peroxide is very good oxidant which means it can get to the plaque-cause a chemical reaction (oxidation) and reduce or remove the stain. Something like how stains on tiles or ceramics can be removed with the same substance.

The substance (H202) might remind you of water-H2O but only with one more oxygen molecule. This being the case, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water which makes it a better choice in comparison to Carbamide peroxide, another substance used for tooth bleaching.

Hydrogen peroxide teeth bleaching is becoming more and more popular these days. After going through how the process works, cost is definitely on your mind. Bleaching gels are available for around $30.00 which has accompanying instructions that you can follow at home.  Then there is the cheap hydrogen peroxide- $2.00 you can mix with baking soda and use as toothpaste. Whichever method you choose to use, isn’t it a relief to understand what goes on in your mouth when you use these products?

Age

Aging has its pros and cons.  Experience and wisdom are definitely at pro.  But one of the cons are your teeth becoming darker as an effect of stain accumulation and wear & tear.  When you are young any stains you have can be easily dealt with using basic teeth whitening products but as you get older they get harder to remove because your teeth have absorbed so much.

Genetics

Like many other things genetics play a large role in the color of our teeth.  Some people are naturally gifted with pearly white teeth and they will stay that way for their entire life.  Other have yellow teeth from when they are little and it only intensifies over time.

Thickness

Many are unaware that different people have different teeth thickness.  Again this is something nobody can help.  Teeth that are opaque and thick appear lighter in color while thinner teeth are less transparent and have less pigment.

What You Eat

Unlike the last three things this is something everyone definitely has control of.  Your eating habits play a huge role in the color of your teeth over your life.  A person who consumes a lot of tea, coffee, red wine, dark cola, or other foods and beverages with substantial amounts  of coloring will experience considerable teeth staining.

Acidic foods like vinegar, lemon, and citrus fruits also erode the enamel making them more susceptible  to staining.

One way to avoid this is to eat less acidic foods and eat more foods that are not artificially colored.

Smoking

Something else people can absolutely control.  Smoking is one of the quickest way to ruin the color of your teeth as nicotine and other tar deposits get soaked into your teeth rather quickly.

Trauma

Major falls, injuries, and accidents can makes large cracks in your teeth therefore collecting large amounts of debris and stains.

These are the major factors in the color of your teeth.  Some of them you can help and some of them you cannot.  The best course of action is to do what you can to minimize teeth discoloration as best as you can and getting your teeth cleaned at least once a year.

Keep in mind that while there are many over the counter teeth whitening kits you can buy at any store the products and techniques a dentist uses will be more effective.  Their chemicals are stronger and they understand how to correctly apply them.  Some of them specialize in the cosmetic side of dentistry instead of the functional side of it like this Puyallup dentist.  When you are looking to get your teeth lightened its better if you go with ones that specialize in cosmetic dentistry.

There are ways to circumvent unexpected expenditures. You can always plan to visit your dentist a few weeks prior to you consultation with a cosmetic dentist. Some cosmetic dentists even offer free consultations for dental veneers, so if you find a trustworthy office that does so seize on the opportunity! During your consultation, you may be informed of other potential issues that may require more lengthy treatment. For instance, abnormal occlusion may cause dental veneers to succumb to premature failure. Only a cosmetic dentist will be able to assess your bite and tell you whether or not an orthodontic treatment will be required prior to being outfitted with veneers.

Similar issues like malrotation of the teeth may also warrant postponement of the procedure until remedied. Inform your dentist if you are being treated for dental conditions like bruxism. You may end up unintentionally abrading the bottom edge of your veneers. If you are interested in getting no prep veneers like Lumineers, it is even more important that you thoroughly discuss the current state of your oral health with a cosmetic dentist. Since these veneers are bonded directly to the teeth, they are even more sensitive to existing abnormalities. Lumineers in Boston and in other major cities are widely available, however they require a precise installation by a qualified cosmetic dentist.

Although some tooth structure can be removed to help accommodate the veneers, you are better off correcting the problem to ward off decay that may materialize in the future. While treatment with orthodontics for these types of problems can be arduous, it is well worth the beautiful results that you can obtain.

Are you tired of looking at a dull smile in the mirror? Would you like to have a sensational smile that is composed of pearly white teeth? Answering yes to both questions qualifies you as a someone that should consider teeth whitening. There are a few points that you should examine closely before you make an appointment with your dentist or head out to your local drug store.

Use in moderation

Teeth whitening is wonderful if you use the products in moderation. Overuse can cause serious damage to your prized choppers. You can easily develop a serious case of blue teeth. This is where teeth are over bleached and come down with a blue stain.

Misleading information

Teeth whitening products are not under any form of government regulation. Some brands falsely claim that it is FDA approved. Nothing could be further from the truth! Stay away from brands that have misleading information.

Cannot remove all stains

Some stains that are formed by antibiotics are virtually impossible to be removed by any whitening agent.

Calcium

Make sure the product contains free calcium. This active ingredient can help strengthen your teeth during the whitening process. This can help you avoid dealing with problems of teeth sensitivity.

It is always vital to perform your due diligence before you travel down of teeth whitening. Failing to do your research may lead to you selecting a poor product that can lead to poor results. This can lead to discouragement and damaged teeth within a short period of time. Following the pointers listed above should help you get off on the right track.

Food Debris – Floss, Brush, Rinse and Repeat

Food debris accumulates in your mouth and gets wedged between your teeth, under your gums, and under your tongue. Plaque traps debris. Floss and brush your teeth in the morning and after every meal. Flossing, brushing, and rinsing with water remove debris that causes discoloration and staining and reduces plaque build-up.

Teeth Grinding – Wear a Mouth Guard

Most people are unaware that they grind their teeth while sleeping. Teeth grinding (bruxism) flattens and erodes your teeth. This constant pressure causes your teeth to crack. Food debris trapped in these cracks causes staining and discoloration. Grinding can be prevented by wearing a mouth guard while sleeping. A mouth guard is a small plastic device that fits over your teeth and prevents the upper and lower teeth from coming into direct contact. Mouth guards can be purchased at local retail pharmacies; however, it best to see a dentist and get one that is made for you.

External Stains – Reduce Beverage Consumption

Over time, coffee, tea, and pigmented drinks such as wine stain your teeth. The heat from hot beverages can cause cracks to form in the teeth. Carbonated and sugared beverages can corrode tooth enamel and expose the underlying tissue, dentin, to staining. You don’t have to completely abstain from drinking, but cutting back can reduce staining. Using a drinking straw can also help prevent your teeth from becoming discolored.

External stains can also be treated using retail teeth whitening products and kits such as toothpastes, gels, bleaches, and whitening trays. Home remedies such as tooth paste mixtures containing, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and fresh fruits are alternatives to off-the-shelf products.

Internal Stains – Consider Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Tetracyline is an antibiotic that targets bacterial infections and severe acne. If taken during pregnancy, tetracycline can cause gray, dark yellow stains or bands to form deep in the enamel and dentin tissues as the fetus develops. This internal discoloration must be treated with cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dental procedures such porcelain veneers cover teeth stains and enhance your appearance. See your dentist for recommended procedures.

So What’s the Best Solution?

Poor oral hygiene, diet, medication, and trauma can cause teeth to become discolored and stained. Regardless of these contributing factors, stained teeth can be treated and whitened using various at-home and in-office dental methods, retail products, or cosmetic dentistry. The best method will depend on the severity of the stains, what you can afford, how quickly you expect results.

One of types of teeth whitening kits are the whitening trays. These trays are clear plastics that are pre-soaked in bleaching gels, and you allow to seat on your teeth. Other extremely common teeth whitening aids are whitening toothpastes. There are many toothpastes in the market claiming that they are effective teeth whitening products, thus, it is difficult to look for one that delivers results.

Before you decide on the home teeth whitening kits you want to use, first decide on how white do you want your teeth to become. Also, you need to understand that only your natural teeth will be bleached (excluding fillings, veneers, etc.). Moreover, you have to figure out for yourself if you want to wear a mouth guard (as in the case for whitening trays) or just wear strips. Lastly, know how much you are willing to spend for these kits and if you are getting the best value for your money.

In a world where everybody wants to outshine everybody, it is essential that you look your best. Also, if teeth whitening kits will help you achieve your goals, do not think twice on getting them. What you should ponder upon though is the kit that you are going to use. However, in getting one, make sure you have considered all your options and choose the ones that suite your needs.

Of course the first step should be making a change in your diet. The foods and drinks you are consuming will have one of the biggest impacts on the color of your teeth. Drink water instead of cola and other caffeinated beverages and base your meals around fruits and vegetables rather than fatty, greasy foods.

One teeth whitening trick is to use some baking soda on your toothbrush. Especially when using it along with your regular whitening toothpaste it can work wonders. If you are otherwise taking care of your teeth you should be able to notice a marked improvement within as little as a few weeks.

There are also different products you can use at home for whitening teeth. That includes the Miracle White pen for one. This is a professional product that has been recommended by dentists and which shows improvement in as little as a single application. To use you simply apply a thin layer to your teeth by coloring over them with the pen and then allow the gel to dry on the teeth. After about a minute you can eat or drink as normal and there is no need to wash the gel off.

For the best results if you are willing to invest a bit more money you can make an appointment with your dentist for an in-office whitening procedure. They use hydrogen peroxide to permanently whiten teeth and get you the most dramatic results. For most patients it takes only a single visit to get the results they were hoping for.

These are all great tips that really do work and which are worth trying out. If you feel your smile is not the best it could be these tricks will help you achieve that picture perfect smile.