Within the field of cosmetic dentistry, there isn't one definitive system or chart that measures and determines tooth color. However, when deciding a proper course of action with teeth whitening a professional dentist will first refer to what's known as a shade guide. Most shade guides represent 4 basic shade ranges: A - reddish brown, B - reddish yellow, C - gray and D - reddish gray. Within each range, there are usually several levels.
When you consult a professional dentist regarding teeth whitening they will begin by matching each tooth to a shade on the guide. Then, they will make an assessment as to your possible shade improvement based on a several areas, such as dental hygiene habits, severity of the stains, age, etc.
It's important to understand that there are no exact answers as to exactly how white your teeth can actually become. Results typically depend on such things as your natural tooth color, your dental hygiene habits, how stubborn the stains are, if you are on medications, past trauma to the tooth, etc. As with any medical procedure, don't take the chance with over-the-counter kits. It is ALWAYS best to first consult a qualified, professional dentist to determine a proper course of action based on your situation so it is done safely.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
ALTERNATIVES WITH TEETH WHITENING
If you are interested in having your teeth whitened, there are NUMEROUS options available today, such as tooth pastes, whitening strips, whitening gels, etc. With so many options, it's no wonder why so many are confused and frustrated. Many Americans are spending hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, trying out various methods and products to whiten their teeth. According to an October 2006 report by NBC's "Today Show", last year (2005), Americans spent more than $1.4 billion on over-the-counter whiteners! And, many of these consumers are not even seeing the results they want and deserve from over-the-counter methods.
VARIOUS ALTERNATIVES WITH TEETH WHITENING:
Dentist Supervised Gel/Tray: With a dentist-supervised at-home bleaching product, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and custom make you a mouthpiece tray to fit your teeth exactly. Because it is customized to your teeth, there is maximum contact between the whitening gel, which is applied to the mouthpiece tray, and your teeth.
In-Office Bleaching: During an in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth by a qualified, professional dentist. These bleaching products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser. The light and/or heat actually accelerates the whitening process
Veneers: Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials. These are designed by dental professionals to cover the front side of a tooth.
Over-the-Counter Gels: A non-customized thin mouth guard is used to hold a low concentration of whitening gel next to the teeth for a set period of time.
Brush-on Whitening: After brushing your teeth at night (or in the morning), this formula is lightly brushed on each tooth.
Whitening Strips: These are very thin strips (virtually invisible) that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel.
Whitening Toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and will contain hydrogen peroxide.
Bonding: With bonding, tooth-colored materials are applied by a dental professional, or bonded, to the tooth surface. Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces between them.
Dental Crowns: A dental crown is a prosthetic tooth designed by a dental professional and is usually created by a lab technician. Teeth whitening resources
VARIOUS ALTERNATIVES WITH TEETH WHITENING:
Dentist Supervised Gel/Tray: With a dentist-supervised at-home bleaching product, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and custom make you a mouthpiece tray to fit your teeth exactly. Because it is customized to your teeth, there is maximum contact between the whitening gel, which is applied to the mouthpiece tray, and your teeth.
In-Office Bleaching: During an in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth by a qualified, professional dentist. These bleaching products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser. The light and/or heat actually accelerates the whitening process
Veneers: Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials. These are designed by dental professionals to cover the front side of a tooth.
Over-the-Counter Gels: A non-customized thin mouth guard is used to hold a low concentration of whitening gel next to the teeth for a set period of time.
Brush-on Whitening: After brushing your teeth at night (or in the morning), this formula is lightly brushed on each tooth.
Whitening Strips: These are very thin strips (virtually invisible) that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel.
Whitening Toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and will contain hydrogen peroxide.
Bonding: With bonding, tooth-colored materials are applied by a dental professional, or bonded, to the tooth surface. Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces between them.
Dental Crowns: A dental crown is a prosthetic tooth designed by a dental professional and is usually created by a lab technician. Teeth whitening resources
WILL HEALTH INSURANCE COVER TEETH WHITENING?
Even though it is proven that personal appearance has a direct affect on job interviews, assisting with personal success goals, relationship-building, etc., it generally does not fall under insurance coverage. The reason is the same reason that you must undergo several evaluations before insurance will cover the cost of braces. Insurance generally does not cover anything that is deemed simply cosmetic, such as teeth whitening.
A cosmetic procedure is generally referred to as something done to any part of your body for reasons related to personal appearance. For example, if someone has crooked teeth, but the condition is not causing an extreme amount of pain or discomfort, insurance generally will not cover a corrective procedure. Generally, teeth whitening is also not viewed as a procedure that will correct a considerable amount of pain or discomfort; rather, it is performed so the individual can improve their personal appearance. If insurance companies covered cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, they would most likely raise premiums because of the increased interest in these procedures over the recent years.
Is Cost Standing in the Way of Having Whiter Teeth and a Better Smile? Not Anymore with TheWhiteningDentist.com© Network of Dentists!
If you enter your home zip code at the top of this page, you will receive the name and phone number of a qualified, professional dentist in your area who will custom fit you for a professional teeth whitening kit for only $97. That is a savings of almost $300.00!!! Don't waste your time trying numerous over-the-counter products that won't deliver the results you want and deserve. Consult a professional dentist now!
So, when was the last time you honestly looked at yourself in the mirror? Do you see what others see? In addition to rapid discoloration of your teeth due to food, poor hygiene, age, smoking, etc., there are others reasons why you should consider teeth whitening now. To receive today "7 Reasons Why You Should Whiten Your Teeth NOW", simply enter your first name and e-mail address in the box along the left side of this homepage.
A cosmetic procedure is generally referred to as something done to any part of your body for reasons related to personal appearance. For example, if someone has crooked teeth, but the condition is not causing an extreme amount of pain or discomfort, insurance generally will not cover a corrective procedure. Generally, teeth whitening is also not viewed as a procedure that will correct a considerable amount of pain or discomfort; rather, it is performed so the individual can improve their personal appearance. If insurance companies covered cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, they would most likely raise premiums because of the increased interest in these procedures over the recent years.
Is Cost Standing in the Way of Having Whiter Teeth and a Better Smile? Not Anymore with TheWhiteningDentist.com© Network of Dentists!
If you enter your home zip code at the top of this page, you will receive the name and phone number of a qualified, professional dentist in your area who will custom fit you for a professional teeth whitening kit for only $97. That is a savings of almost $300.00!!! Don't waste your time trying numerous over-the-counter products that won't deliver the results you want and deserve. Consult a professional dentist now!
So, when was the last time you honestly looked at yourself in the mirror? Do you see what others see? In addition to rapid discoloration of your teeth due to food, poor hygiene, age, smoking, etc., there are others reasons why you should consider teeth whitening now. To receive today "7 Reasons Why You Should Whiten Your Teeth NOW", simply enter your first name and e-mail address in the box along the left side of this homepage.
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