 by Gabby
Brighter Smiles
Your smile is the first thing people notice and all of us
would love to flash a brilliant, movie star caliber
smile. In the last decade, amazing advances have been
made in the area of tooth whitening.
 Over the years you may have
experienced a natural build up of organic pigments on
your teeth. Colorized proteins from coffee, tea, and
other foods have simply darkened the natural whiteness of
your teeth. The use of tobacco, antibiotics, and certain
minerals usually speeds the darkening process. But,
yellowing can be easily reversed. Proven results are
achieved by exposing teeth to the active ingredient
hydrogen peroxide. There are many methods to apply this
treatment. You can buy over-the-counter tooth whiteners
that work over 2-4 weeks, or a dentist can perform an
in-office procedure that can whiten your teeth instantly
for a special event such as an interview or a wedding.
Many people do it to boost their self image and self
esteem. People are drawn to your smile. A whiter grin can
give you extra confidence or boost those first
impressions.
Tooth Whitening Methods
Toothpastes:
Basics: The idea with whitening tooth
paste is that the active whitening ingredient is applied
to your teeth every time you brush. An example of a
whitening toothpaste is Colgate Platinum.
Time: Consistant use
Cost: $5-$15 per tube
Pros: Tooth whitening tooth paste is
relatively low in cost and easy to purchase.
Cons: The active whitening ingredient
isn't exposed to your teeth long enough to achieve
significant whitening. Beware of claims of dramatic or
fast results.
Gabby Sez: Use these after undergoing
one of the other treatments as a means of maintenance.
Over-The-Counter
Tooth Whiteners:
Basics: Over-The-Counter products use
what's called a boil-and-bite mouth piece where you put
the active bleaching ingredient against the tooth. The
mouth piece is boiled in a pot of water and then you bite
down on it and press to form it to your teeth. You then
put the bleaching material in the mouth piece and wear it
as instructed by the particular manufacturer. The
products can be purchased at most drug stores. An example
of an over-the-counter product is Vanna White's Perfect
Smile.
Time: 2-3 weeks
Cost: $40-$300
Pros: Basic whitening can be achieved
using this method. The products cost relatively less than
those offered by a dentist and are easy to purchase.
Cons: The mouth piece dramatically
overlaps your gums producing more irritation. It also
feels bulky in your mouth. The concentration of the
active ingredient is low to prevent sores and burning.
The bleaching material is runny and not well contained by
the mouth tray so much of the material can be swallowed
and cause throat irritation. It can take up to six months
of continuous bleaching to do the job, which involves
multiple purchases of the kits. Mouth tray has to be worn
every night for weeks.
Professional
Take-Home Tooth Whitening
Basics: Dentist makes custom mouthpiece
trays which snugly fit your teeth. Each night the patient
places bleaching agent on the trays and places the trays
in mouth.
Time: 2-3 weeks
Cost: $300-$500
Pros: This method is the most proven and
effective method of bleaching your teeth. In case of
sensitivity, the dentist can adjust the treatment
regimen. There are a number of treatment options to
address different types of stains and your specific
needs. Dental follow ups during treatment make sure
things are proceeding well with no adverse side effects.
Cons: The cost is higher than
over-the-counter products. Some people may have slight
sensitivity to the bleaching material. You have to wear a
mouth tray every night for weeks.
GabbySez: I did this procedure about 5
years ago and was mildly satisfied with the results. I
experienced sensitivity in my teeth and had to stop using
the tray altogether after about 2 weeks. The dentist gave
me flouride in a tube that I brushed on my teeth twice a
day and that alleviated the sensitivity a lot.
Professional
In-Office Power Bleaching
Basics: Dentist isolates
and protects lips, gums, and inside of mouth. A bleaching
agent is applied to the teeth. Finally, a powerful light
source is applied which completes the procedure by
activating the bleaching agent.
Time: 1-2 hours
Cost: $600-$1200
Pros: Fast dramatic results can be
achieved. You can have immediate results for a special
event. Specific problem teeth can be lightened to match
the rest of your smile. You're working with a
professional who knows how to handle such ingredients and
procedures.
Cons: The cost is higher than
over-the-counter products. Minor tooth sensitivity can
occur for some patients.
Laser
Tooth Whitening
Basics: Similar to In Office Power
Bleaching with the exception that a laser is used as the
light source which activates the bleaching agent.
Time: 1-2 hours
Cost: $750-$2000
Pros: The procedure is faster and
produces quicker results.
Cons: Most dentists have not accepted
the procedure or don't have the equipment. It's the most
expensive technique available. Dental industry experts do
not believe it's as promising as was hoped. More people
tend to have sensitivity issues.
Gabby Sez: This is the treatment I want
to try. I'll do a followup to this article with my
results after I do it.
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