Teeth Whitening Treatments & Procedures

There are three general approaches: Whitening toothpastes (dentifrices) At-home bleaching Over-the-counter whitening strips Over-the-counter whitening gels Over-the-counter tray-based bleaching systems (purchased at your local drug store, over the internet, by mail) Dentist supervised tray-based whitening system (whitening supplies are purchased through your dentist’s office)

In-office bleaching – also called chairside bleaching or power bleaching

How do whitening toothpastes work and how effective are they at whitening teeth?

All toothpastes help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach; over-the-counter and professional whitening productscontain hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching substance) that helps remove stains on the tooth surface as well as stains deep in the tooth. None of the home use whitening toothpastes can come even close to producing the bleaching effect you get from your dentist’s office. Whitening toothpastes can lighten your tooth’s color by about one shade. In contrast, light-activated whitening conducted in your dentist’s office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.

What about whitening strips and whitening gels? What’s the opinion on these products?
Whitening gels


These clear, peroxide-based whitening gels are applied with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth. Instructions generally call for twice a day application for 14 days. Initial results are seen in a few days and final results are sustained for about 4 months. The retail cost for this product is about $15 for a 14-day treatment.

Whitening strips


These are very thin, virtually invisible strips that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The strips are applied twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. Initial results are seen ina few days and final results are sustained for about 4 months. The retail cost for this product ranges from $10 to $55 for a 14-day treatment.

Both of these products contain peroxide in a concentration that is much lower than the peroxide-based products that are used in your dentist’s office. Although some teeth lightening will be achieved, the degree of whitening is much lower than results achieved with in-office or dentist-supervised whitening systems. Additionally, use of over-the-counter products do not benefit from the close supervision of your dentist — to determine what whitening process may be best for you, to check on the progress of the teeth whitening process and look for signs of gum irritation. On the positive, the over-the-counter gels and strips are considerably less expense (ranging from $10 to about $55) than the top-of-the line in-office whitening procedures, which can cost nearly $800.

Generally, what’s involved in the typical tray-based, tooth whitening procedure?

For the more traditional types of teeth whitening procedures using tray-based tooth whitening systems purchased over-the-counter or through your dentist’s office, the first step involves filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel-like whitening solution — which contains a peroxide-bleaching agent. This tray is then placed over the teeth and worn for a period of time, generally from a couple hours a day or every day during the overnight for up to 4 weeks and even longer (depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening). (For more information, see section about mouthpiece trays below.)

Generally, what’s involved with an in-office-based tooth whitening procedure?

Bleaching procedures performed in the dentist’s office involve a few different or additional steps — namely, that a protective gel or guard is positioned over the gums before the bleaching agent is applied, the bleaching agent is applied directly to the teeth, and the whitening process is hastened with the use of heat, a special light, or laser light that is directed at the chemically coated teeth. There are other differences that are addressed in the next question.

What are the main differences between in-office bleaching procedures and the at-home and over-the-counter tray-based bleaching systems? Strength of bleaching agent

For starters, over-the-counter home use products and dentist-supervised at-home products usually contain a lower strength-bleaching agent (from 10% carbamide peroxide–which is equivalent to about 3 percent hydrogen peroxide — up to 22% carbamide peroxide). In-office, professionally applied teeth whitening procedures products contain hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 15 to 43 percent.

Mouthpiece trays


With dentist-supervised at-home bleaching products, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and make a mouthpiece tray that is customized to exactly fit your teeth. This customization allows for maximum contact between the whitening gel, which is applied to the mouthpiece tray, and the teeth. A custom-made tray also minimizing the gel’s contact with gum tissue. Over-the-counter whitening products do contain a mouthpiece tray, but the “one-size-fits-all” approach means that the fit will not be exact. Ill-fitting trays can irritate the gum and soft tissue by allowing more bleaching gel to seep onto these tissues. With in-office procedures, the bleaching agent is applied directly to the teeth.

Additional protective measures

In the office setting, your dentist will apply either a gel to the gum tissue or use a rubber shield (which slides over the teeth) prior to treatment to protect your gums and oral cavity from the effects of the bleaching. Over-the-counter products don’t provide these extra protective measures.

Speed of the bleaching process

Dentist-supervised at-home bleaching and over-the-counter bleaching products typically need to be applied every day for 1 or 2 hours or every overnight for up to 4 weeks. In-office bleaching provides the quickest and most effective way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser. The light and/or heat accelerate the whitening process. Results are seen in only 1, 30- to 60-minute treatment. To achieve dramatic results, however, several appointments are usually needed. With laser-enhanced bleaching, however, dramatic results can be seen after the first treatment.
Costs

Over-the-counter bleaching systems are the least expensive option, with costs ranging from $20 to about $150. Depending on where you live and the extent of the procedure, dentist-supervised home bleaching systems range in cost from approximately $150 to $300 per upper or lower set of teeth, or $300 to $600 for the whole mouth. In-office bleaching procedure range in cost from $200 to $500 per arch, or $500 to $1,000 for the whole mouth.

Supervised versus unsupervised process

Dentist-supervised at-home bleaching and in-office treatment offer additional benefits compared with over-the-counter procedures. First, your dentist can perform an oral examination and consider your complete medical history, which can be helpful in determining how your teeth became discolored and if bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment based on your type of stains and number, type, and location of restorations. Your dentist can then better match the type of stain with the best treatment, if appropriate, to lighten those stains. With dentist-supervised bleaching procedures, your dentist will likely want to see you a couple of times to ensure you are following directions, to make sure the customized tray is fitting properly, to inspect your gums for signs of irritation, and to generally check on how the teeth whitening process is proceeding. With over-the-counter bleaching products, you are on your own.

Source of article :http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments_and_procedures/hic_What_Teeth_Whitening_Options_Are_Available

Caring for Your Dentures

Proper denture care is important for both the health of your dentures and mouth. Here are some tips.

Handling dentures

Stand over a folded towel or a full sink of water to help avoid damaging your dentures if dropped.

Brushing/rinsing

Dentures must be brushed daily to remove food and plaque and to help prevent permanent stains. Use a soft bristled brush specifically made for cleaning dentures. Don’t use a hard-bristled brush; it can damage dentures. Gently brush all surfaces. Be careful not to damage the plastic or bend attachments. Rinse your denture after every meal. Although you can use an ultrasonic cleaner, daily brushing is still a must. (Ultrasonic cleaners are devices that use sound wave to dislodge food and other deposits from dentures while they sit in a tiny tub of cleaning solution.)

Denture cleansers

Use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean your dentures. Toothpastes and household cleansers are too rough on dentures. Do not use bleach to clean your denture. It can whiten the pink portion of the denture. When not worn, dentures should be placed in water. This keeps them moist, which helps keep them from losing their shape. Your dentist can recommend the best methods for caring for your particular denture. Dentures should never be placed in hot water, as it can cause them to warp.

Denture repair

Never attempt to repair or adjust or your dentures yourself. Bending any part of the clasp or metal attachments can weaken the metal. Don’t buy over-the-counter repair kits or glues either. These can cause permanent damage to your dentures and glues may not be safe. Wait. You will be seen by your dentist or prosthodontist;(a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth) soon after receiving your dentures. If you think you need to be seen before your scheduled appointment, call your dentist.

Other frequently asked questions:

What if I feel that my dentures aren’t fitting right?

Dentures That don’t fit properly can cause irritation and sores in your mouth or on your gums. Call your dentist immediately if your denture breaks, cracks, chips or if one of the teeth becomes loose.

Will my dentures need to be replaced?

Because of the wear-and-tear on denture over time plus natural age-related changes to your face, mouth, jaw bones and gums, your denture will need to be relined, rebased or remade. Any of these types of fixes will also need to be made if dentures become loose. To reline or rebase a denture, the dentist or prosthodontist ;refits the denture base or makes a new denture base and reuses the existing teeth. Generally, complete dentures can be worn for 5 to 7 years before replacing them.

If I properly clean my dentures, what else should I do to maintain excellent oral hygiene?

Whether you have full or partial dentures, you should use a soft-bristled brush and brush your gums, tongue and palate (roof of your mouth) every morning before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Be sure to clean the teeth that fit under the partial denture’s metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. If you wear a partial denture, remove it before you brush your natural teeth. Clean, rest, and massage the gums regularly. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm salt water will help clean your gums. Never sleep with your dentures in place. Eat a balanced diet so to help keep your body healthy, which will help keep your mouth healthy too.

How often should I see my dentist?

Every 6 months is the standard routine unless otherwise told by your dentist. Regular dental visits are important so that your denture and mouth can be examined for proper denture fit, to look for signs of oral diseases including cancer, and to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

Source of article: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/head-neck/treatments-services/hic-caring-for-your-dentures

Taking Care Of Teeth With Few Principles For Maintaining Oral Hygiene

From time to time, people usually tend to give a break to their diet routine, especially during holidays. Gorging on chocolates, sipping cold beverages, tasting the special gourmets during holidays, can be delightful experiences. But, at the same time, there are undue pressures on the digestion of these substances from the oral cavities, leaving some kinds of food particles or increased sensitivity on the teeth.

It is during these times of enjoying hearty meals and eating vociferously that people usually find their teeth and oral cavity under attack by microorganisms, leading to further decay from the mouth. Plaque formation and periodontal disease can be found during this period, when sugary food substances can be the important reasons for upsetting the oral hygiene. Instead of chocolates and fast foods or crunchies, it is best to provide some important fruit and vegetables in the diet. The same can be done with cookies or other sweet substances, where the sugar content should be lowered.

It is important to follow certain basic principles to keep the oral hygiene proper, so that bacterial attack, dental plaque and caries are not formed inside the teeth.

• Keeping a strict vigil in the kind of food intake
• Lavish eating should be followed by proper antiseptic gargle, brushing
• Using plenty of water and fruit in the food
• Alcoholic beverages in small quantities
• Minimal amount of sugar based sweet drinks like hot chocolates
• Many dentists in Delhi advice for brushing teeth after the food
• Regular twice a day brushing quite effective
• Removing food particles, within the tooth crevices or gaps using floss and not toothpicks
• Any discomfort faced even during holidays should be attended to by visiting the dental clinic in Delhi

Most of the dental problems in people, both adults and children, arise when there is lack of proper cleaning of the oral cavity and teeth. They may be lapsed in the regularity of brushing. Dental floss is not used on a regular basis. Also, most importantly, if there is some discomfiture in the oral cavity, people need to visit the dentist in Delhi for an effective checking of the hygiene.

Besides having all the good things in the habit and lifestyle, people cannot neglect their teeth. This is one of the most important parts of the body, which will lead to lots of pain and infections, when the care is not proper. As a result, it is necessary to get the oral check up done in the patients and they will be able to get proper advice from the dentist in Delhi.

Realising The Importance Of Early Diagnosis Of Oral Cancer With Robust Awareness

Many people in their prime of age, mostly in 20s and 30s usually feel that they need not have insurance plans covering dental procedures. They assume that they will not be having large value treatments from their age, while they are ready to pay the money at the least amounts for the smaller or simpler problems like teeth cleaning or fillings.

To a large extent, such a thought process carries a lot of significance in the modern day scenario, because dental expenses have become quite high due to advanced techniques being introduced in the market. Even though people can have dental insurances in their lifetime, but these kinds of insurances from private companies tend to have big premiums.

Under the health insurance policies in India, various companies provide for dental problems also in their comprehensive sections. This will cover all the members of the family, including children and other dependents. But, people need to check the dental cost, declare any pre-existing diseases and give certain amount of premium accordingly. This kind of dental policy needs to have a number of features to enable people with the value for their money spent. It can only be considered to be useful if certain features are satisfied.

• Specific rules guiding dentist fee and the choice of dentists
• Policies cover certain dental conditions and without or with dental emergencies
• Number of family members to be covered
• Dental materials included in the list of items covered under the process
• Preference of the patients for certain specified clinics and dentist in Delhi

Usually the insurance companies have their tie ups with certain large hospitals, where multispecialty wings are located and dental clinic is part of it. So, the best dentist in Delhi tends to be associated with such a hospital, because this will allow a large turnover of the patients and the patients are also benefited because they can claim these units. As a result, it is common to find practising dentists in different branches of dentistry to have their offices and clinics in the larger hospitals.

Nowadays, insurance companies are trying to cover as much dental procedures as possible, with some of them giving cover for cosmetic procedures and smile designing. This leads a lot of people to take up dental insurances so that they can enjoy the benefits at some point in the future, without spending much from their pockets.

Reviewing The Cost Of Dental Procedures And Planning Insurance Accordingly

Many people in their prime of age, mostly in 20s and 30s usually feel that they need not have insurance plans covering dental procedures. They assume that they will not be having large value treatments from their age, while they are ready to pay the money at the least amounts for the smaller or simpler problems like teeth cleaning or fillings.

To a large extent, such a thought process carries a lot of significance in the modern day scenario, because dental expenses have become quite high due to advanced techniques being introduced in the market. Even though people can have dental insurances in their lifetime, but these kinds of insurances from private companies tend to have big premiums.

Under the health insurance policies in India, various companies provide for dental problems also in their comprehensive sections. This will cover all the members of the family, including children and other dependents. But, people need to check the dental cost, declare any pre-existing diseases and give certain amount of premium accordingly. This kind of dental policy needs to have a number of features to enable people with the value for their money spent. It can only be considered to be useful if certain features are satisfied.

    • Specific rules guiding dentist fee and the choice of dentists
    • Policies cover certain dental conditions and without or with dental emergencies
    • Number of family members to be covered
    • Dental materials included in the list of items covered under the process
    • Preference of the patients for certain specified clinics and dentist in Delhi

Usually the insurance companies have their tie ups with certain large hospitals, where multispecialty wings are located and dental clinic is part of it. So, the best dentist in Delhi tends to be associated with such a hospital, because this will allow a large turnover of the patients and the patients are also benefited because they can claim these units. As a result, it is common to find practising dentists in different branches of dentistry to have their offices and clinics in the larger hospitals.

Nowadays, insurance companies are trying to cover as much dental procedures as possible, with some of them giving cover for cosmetic procedures and smile designing. This leads a lot of people to take up dental insurances so that they can enjoy the benefits at some point in the future, without spending much from their pockets.

Availing Cosmetic Dental Procedures In Best Dental Clinic In Delhi

Gone are the days when people had to worry about having insurance policies to cover for the dental expenses. They had to arrange money before going to the dentist, so that a suitable procedure can be adopted. For cosmetic dentistry cost, people had to shell out thousands of rupees in Delhi, even for the smallest procedures by dentist in Delhi. Nowadays, the scenario has changed for the better. People can avail variety of cheap cosmetic dentistry procedures, after a proper discussion with the dentist in Delhi. Such facilities can be availed at the best dental clinic in Delhi, where these procedures can be undertaken and there is proper brightening and shining of teeth.

Among the various cosmetic procedures being done by the dental clinic in Delhi, teeth whitening are perhaps the most important. There are some other techniques involved in the smile designing process.

•    Tooth bonding and contouring
•    Dental implants
•    Ceramic braces or invisalign
•    Veneers and laminates
•    Dental fillings
•    Teeth shaping

While each of these processes has the ability to provide great results in cosmetic dentistry, the latter ones are possibly helpful with lowering the total cosmetic dentistry cost. Under this category are included the veneers or laminates, which are artificial prosthetic materials, fitted to the outer side of the teeth or to the front side. Also, teeth shaping and contouring can be good options. Teeth whitening is one of the most frequently requested service in brightening the smile and improving the appearance.

Visiting the best dental clinic in Delhi is beneficial for people, seeking bright and white teeth with a regular alignment. This is because these clinics have dentist in Delhi, with lots of experience and huge patient turnout. So, they will be able to advice on the teeth whitening cost and the expenses on some other minor procedures like teeth fillings and shaping.

During the contouring process, the teeth edges are smoothened to bring about a clean and smooth shape. It also helps in decreasing the vertical irregularities.

Veneers help in hiding off the stains and small chips on the anterior surface of the teeth.

Laser teeth whitening in Delhi are also a quick process, as the teeth whitening cost by this method is quite reasonable and will benefit many people seeking white and bright teeth.
Taking cue from the teeth whitening cost and the cosmetic dentistry cost, people usually have to decide about the procedures as the dentist in Delhi puts forth a proper picture of the entire scenario in mind and allows these services to be rendered in the best dental clinic in Delhi.

Comparing Cost Of Dental Implants In Delhi For Successful Procedures

In dentistry, there are always different options to be chosen for the restoration or salvaging a particular tooth. For a number of teeth, the same can be said to be true. Most of the modern dentists in India as well as in Delhi are trying their best to provide these services in dentistry to their patients in the clinics with high end set ups and facilities. Among the different procedures that have come up in recent years in protecting the teeth or replacing missing teeth is that of the dental implants treatments.

Under the purview of the dental implants treatments in India is the procedure of implantation in places of absence of teeth. When there is loss of teeth due to trauma or extraction of one or more teeth, people need to fill this gap by some artificial prosthesis. A gap between teeth will generally result in moving these towards the gap or lead to erosion over time as well as cause infections. Rather, dental implants are able to stay in the jaw bone and surrounded by gum for longer periods, when done properly in the best dental implants clinic in India.

• New modality of treatment for dental teeth replacement

Being a new procedure and due to the cost of the materials involved, the total cost of dental implants in Delhi goes up considerably. Prior to taking up the decision to fix the implants, people should try and get a proper assessment of the expenditure in dental implant centre in Delhi and compare it with other procedures like tooth extraction, root canal treatment and use of dentures or dental bridges. Also, one should take into account, the different types of expenses incurred during the dental implants treatments, as these comprise of a number of features for successful teeth presence.

• Explaining about the cost divisions

In the dental implants clinic in India, patients seeking dental implants treatments should be explained about the procedures in detail, so that they are aware about the reasons for the payments that they are going to make. This should be either explained by the dentists or dental implant experts or by the counsellors in such dental implant center in Delhi.

Taking into account, dental implant parts, miscellaneous charges for hospitals and other materials
Compared to other procedures, cost of dental implants in Delhi is a bit higher, because of the titanium screw or implant that is fixed into the bony part of the jaw. Titanium metal is used because it has good acceptability inside the bone and it tends to be fused with the bone in the long run. This means that the rejection of a foreign material from the jaw is lowered and the success rate of the dental implants treatment in India is quite high.

Besides the titanium screw being a costly feature of the treatment, there is a porcelain crown and an abutment, which also make the cost go high. Apart from all these material costs, there are expenses towards the dentists’ fee, consultation charges, operative expenses and other minor expenses towards the materials and care provided by the dental implants clinic in India. With all these clubbed together, the total cost of dental implants in Delhi can be in the range of thirty to forty thousand rupees, which is a reasonable price, considering the long term efficacy of these implants.