There are plenty of ways to whiten your teeth, but there are two major competitors in the market. In results, both products are fairly competitive. In a week, they both offer visibly whiter teeth. So which should you choose?

Crest Whitestrips

Crest Whitestrips come in various strengths and styles, but the basic model is the same for all of their products. Crest Whitestrips stick directly to the teeth, holding the gel firmly to the teeth. Depending on which variety you use, you may have to leave the strips on anywhere between 5 minutes to an hour per day (half an hour in the morning and half an hour at night).
Crest Whitestrips aren’t particularly uncomfortable to wear compared to whitening trays from the dentist, but having plastic strips stuck to your teeth for half an hour isn’t incredibly pleasant either. It may cause excessive saliva, especially during application (which is a problem, since the strips won’t stick to incredibly wet teeth).
Crest Whitestrips may also cause sensitivity in the teeth for a few days, but it shouldn’t last.

Aquafresh White Trays

Aquafresh White Trays are newer on the market, but have now been around for a couple of years.
The trays are effective, using a 10% hydrogen peroxide concentration in a plastic tray filled with gel. Some people complain that the gel can get clumpy and whiten unevenly, but with proper application, they should still whiten effectively. These trays may actually cover more area than Crest Whitestrips. However, the trays may not fit all mouths equally and are less comfortable than Whitestrips. Even if they fit, they are more difficult to keep on than the strips, but unlike the strips, they only have to be worn for half an hour per day instead of for an hour total like the Premium 7 day formula.
A major consideration with the Aquafresh trays is in the effect on your gums. Unlike Crest’s product, which is fairly easy to put up against the gum, White Trays are harder to keep only on the teeth and can cause the gums to be bleached and swollen. This can be prevented by putting Vaseline on the gums before applying and by wiping off any extra gel with a dry cloth. It’s also a good idea to avoid brushing your teeth before using the product, as brushing can cause tiny abrasions in the gums and will absorb more of the hydrogen peroxide.

Megan is the Web editor for Overstock Drugstore, an online pharmacy that offers great deals and great service on health and beauty products you use every day, including Crest Whitestrip Premium Overstock Drugstore believes in offering the best products and the best service, including a help line that goes to a person every time. To learn more, visit http://www.overstockdrugstore.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/aquafresh-white-trays-vs-crest-whitestrips-989568.html

Editor-in-Chief, Judy J. Johnson, DDS                                                                                  

Aesthetic Considerations in Periodontics

Periodontics, also referred to as Periodontology, is the study of the structure of the teeth along with the diseases and conditions that affect them. Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, can be caused by a series of events within the mouth, all of which lead to periodontal disease. 

The Problem is Gum Disease

Gum disease is typically caused by bacterial infection of the soft tissues and bone which support the teeth. Eventually, the disease will cause the bone and teeth to be destroyed. When destruction occurs, the individual will experience tooth loss.

No matter which stage of periodontal disease the patient is in, treatment will improve the individual’s gums and making them healthier. The type of treatment an individual receives varies according to the stage of gum disease they are in.

Treatment to Conquer Gum Disease

Typically, the goal of periodontal treatment is to eliminate any bacterial infections that the patient may be experiencing, which may be causing gum disease. Treatment also controls the inflammatory process destroying the tissues that anchor the teeth to the jawbone. It also creates a healthy periodontal environment, making it easy for the patient and the dentist to maintain.

Damage Done

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and if interrupted, it can be stopped without permanent damage to the tissue or bone. A dentist with no special or additional training should be able to effectively treat gingivitis in the office. If gingivitis develops into a more advanced stage of gum disease, damage can occur. The patient’s structures, which anchor the teeth into the jawbone, are in jeopardy of becoming damaged. A very advanced stage is referred to as periodontitis. This stage requires very aggressive treatment and the patient will likely be referred to a periodontist, who is a specially trained gum specialist.

Esthetics Affected

In periodontic treatment, there are many different aesthetics to be considered. Even if there is no bacterial infection, gums may recede or shrink. Improper brushing is probably the main cause of gum recession. Individuals who use a hard or medium bristled brush may be wearing away their gums.  Using too much force during brushing may also wear the gums away with time. 

Receding Gums

When an individual’s gums recede, the roots of the teeth will eventually be exposed.  When this happens, the outcome is that the individual’s teeth will become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.  Individuals who experience significant amounts of gum recession are at a higher risk for developing root cavities. 

Gummy Smile

For patients who have what is referred to as a “gummy smile”, their teeth may look very small in comparison to their gums, which will have the appearance of being too big for their mouth.  Some medicines may cause overgrowth of gum tissues (such as phenytoin, cyclosporine and nifedipine).  A periodontist can remove excess gum tissue with a procedure that’s called gingivectomy. 

Crown Lengthening

When bone tissue or gum is removed, the procedure is referred to as crown lengthening.  This procedure is necessary when a tooth needs to be fixed.  Sometimes, not enough of the tooth will stick out above the gum to support a filling or a crown.  This procedure is necessary when a tooth breaks off at the gum line or when a crown or filling falls out.

Grafts

Soft-tissue grafts can also be very beneficial to the aesthetic look of an individual.  Periodontal disease, physical mouth trauma, such as brushing too hard or too often with a firm bristled brush. The position of the tooth or gum tissue that is too thin may benefit from a soft-tissue graft. 

Some of the tooth will be exposed when gums recess severely.  Again, this will cause the tooth to become extremely sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and these teeth are more prone to tooth decay.  Often times, people do not like the way their mouths look when this happens.

A soft-tissue graft is used to add more tissue and can help to prevent further recession, to cover the exposed root, stop the tooth sensitivity and to improve the overall look of the teeth.  For individuals who have naturally thin gums, they are more likely to have a problem with gum recession at some point in their life and may need a soft-tissue graft to remedy the situation. 

There are three different types of soft-tissue grafts:  free gingival grafts, connective-tissue grafts and pedicle grafts.  A free gingival graft is typically used for people who naturally have too little gum tissue around their teeth and need to have their gums enlarged. 

A connective-tissue graft is most commonly used for treating root exposure.  A pedicle graft can be done in certain cases, but not all cases.  There must be a tooth next to the tooth which is being treated, which has enough gum tissue to “share”.  A pedicle graft uses the flap of tissue from the gum of one tooth to fix a tooth next to it that is experiencing recession.

Read More About Dental Health from Esthetic Considerations in Periodontics Reference Links:

• Inflammation:  Connection the Mouth and Body
  •  via http://www.perio.org/consumer/inflammation.htm
    • (American Academy of Periodontology)
• Periodontal Procedures
  • via http://www.perio.org/consumer/procedures.htm
    • (American Academy of Periodontology)
• Periodontal Gum Diseases
  • via http://www.ada.org/public/topics/periodontal_diseases.asp
    • (American Dental Association)

Editor-in-Chief, Judy Johnson D.D.S. oversees all articles produced by Smile MD. She is a member of The New York Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Patients reference versions of dental articles and instantly schedule comprehensive online appointments with this New York Cosmetic Dentist at her Midtown Manhattan dental practice on http://www.smilemd.com.

Neville Coward is CEO of Smile MD.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/aesthetic-considerations-in-periodontics-987301.html

I have been a practicing Cosmetic Dentist in New York City for over twenty years. In that time I have performed many one visit whitening procedures, with many different systems. I guess it is OK to admit that this procedure has improved over time and I have learned a few tricks along the way.

 The most important factor to success is to use good fresh bleaching product. It should be kept away from light and refrigerated until just before use.  The manufacturers usually suggest removing the gel the night before its intended use. I don’t believe most dentists do this, and I certainly do not. 

What I do, that is crucial, is prior to using the gel, I place it in a tall cup of hot water. Not so hot as to scald, but hot. I check it by seeing if I can hold my finger in it comfortably for 20 seconds without having to remove it. I leave the bleaching solution (it is still in its light proof plastic container) in this hot water for at least 10 minutes. It is important that the solution is brought at least to room temperature. It seems that the process is temperature sensitive and works best with warmed bleaching solution (but not hot bleaching solution.)

Prior to applying the solution, I carefully mask all exposed gingival with a specially formulated block out mask that protects the gums from the effects of the bleaching solution and from the UV light that is used to enhance the whitening process. I currently Use the Zoom Advanced Power Light by Discus Dental. This is a UV light which the manufacture claims potentates a better tooth whitening. U.V. rays may be good for whitening, but they are harmful to skin and gingiva. Consequently great care should be taken to mask any tissue and keep it from prolonged U.V. exposure.

 After protecting the gums and skin, the bleaching process begins. The light has a timer and the manufacturer recommends three fifteen minutes bleaching cycles. Before each cycle the teeth should have fresh warmed bleaching gel placed on the teeth and left alone for 15 minutes.

 In theory this whole process could take about an hour, but I find that if I am careful about protecting the soft tissues from the whitening solution and the UV rays  the process takes me about one and a half hours to complete.

 Afterwards most patient’s teeth and smiles are noticeably brighter. They also tend to be sensitive to air and cold water. In my experience, this sensitivity tends usually tends to last for less than 24 – hours.

 Patients are instructed post bleaching from temporarily avoiding things that might stain the teeth such as Black teas, Black coffee, and Red teas or juices This precaution is usually only necessary for approximately two weeks when freshly bleached are considered more porous and prone to picking up stains.

 I strongly recommend combining this light assisted in office bleaching with custom tray bleaching.  The combination of the two tooth whitening techniques allows for teeth to be both rapidly whitened and allows patients the opportunity to either continue further whitening their smile and also allows for affordable touch ups at a later time.  Touch ups are often desired in 6 months to a year after initial tooth whitening.

 The cost for this procedure can vary but the Zoom kit that I  use costs me approximately $80 for each treatment and the process should take about an hour and a half .I would be wary of dentist offering deals that seem to good to be true. I would estimate the approximate cost of Zoom Whitening should be between $350-$800 depending on the dental office and who is performing the procedure-the dentist or his hygienist.

Lawrence Spindel is a dentist practicing in Midtown Manhattan in N.Y.C. For more information about This New York Cosmetic Dentist, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, veneers or other dental topics visit http://www.lspindeldds.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/a-new-york-cosmetic-dentists-insider-guide-to-rapid-one-visit-tooth-whitening-970425.html