How Teeth Whitening Kits Create Brighter Smiles

Everyone desires white teeth for a pleasing and attractive smile, but which teeth whitening kits are right for you? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), wanting whiter teeth is the number one request dentists hear from their patients. However, with all the products being marketed, it's often difficult to know which whitening process to use. The first step should be to seek the advice of your dentist or dental hygienist, who are uniquely qualified to explain and recommend the right product and technique based on your teeth and dental history. When choosing a safe and effective teeth whitening method - whether over-the-counter or a dental office dispensed version – the ones recommended by your dental office should be your only choice.

Dazzling to Dull

White teeth or the natural shade that you remember from your younger years, can darken or yellow over time. Most importantly, to maintain a dazzling smile, you need good home care and regular dental visits. Flossing daily and brushing with a whitening toothpaste that contains peroxide and/or baking soda, can help you keep your teeth looking their whitest by helping to remove plaque and surface stains. Lifestyle factors can cause staining to occur intrinsically or into the deeper layers of the tooth. These can include side effects from medications and medical treatments, as well as from tobacco use.

Also any trauma, like bumping or dislodging a tooth can cause a tooth to darken over time. Of course, some of your favorite beverages, like coffee and red wine, will dull and darken your smile by penetrating the enamel over time. Teeth can also darken without any external factors, simply just from aging. As you age, the enamel layer covering the tooth can become thinner allowing the darker layer underneath, the dentin, to become more prominent. Whitening treatment will depend on the existing shade of the teeth and the contributing factors and the final shade that the patient desires.

Bleaching Choices

What are the options for a whiter smile? Based on your dentist's advice, it will entail either an office dispensed whitening kit, an in-office procedure or an over-the-counter product, all of which are easy processes. The active ingredient is either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide that can range from 10 to 22 percent in strength. Typically, the simple case that desires only a few shades lighter can be achieved with a productavailable at a drug or discount store and done at home. These can include strips, pastes or gels and the amount of bleach concentration is usually 10 percent or less, as the ADA recommends.

In-office procedures can be done in as little as five minutes or up to an hour, depending on the process. Perhaps the most common and effective treatment is having custom trays made from an impression of your teeth at your dental office. Then you bleach at home with a high concentration bleach material dispensed by your dentist, who will closely monitor you during the process. There can be some temporary sensitivity in the teeth while bleaching and your dentist or dental hygienist can make suggestions to reduce this side effect.

After You Bleach

Once bleaching is complete, you can maintain your sparkling smile by touching up at home with strips or your trays, usually every six to 12 months. Again, your dentist should dictate how long to do it, as over-bleaching can harm your enamel and gums. Additionally, after you're done bleaching, using a whitening toothpaste like Colgate® Optic White® will help whiten your teeth and is safe for daily use. Your dentist can advise you if or when it's best to rewhiten after treatment.

Tooth whitening or bleaching has become the most popular aesthetic dental treatment requested. It's also the most cost effective way to improve your smile, but it's not always risk-free. Teeth whitening kits vary and offer effective results when used properly. The single most important step to getting and maintaining dazzling teeth is to consult your dentist, who will know the best choice for your smile!

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How To Smile In Pictures For A Genuine Result

The old maxim to say "cheese" when posing for a photograph is aimed at getting you to smile and show your teeth. It's not the ideal method, though, because the word actually causes your mouth to stretch unnaturally and often unflatteringly. Here's how to smile in pictures so you appear natural, relaxed, confident and willing to show off your teeth to the best effect.

1. Start with a Natural Facial Expression: The best photos start with natural facial expressions. A real, genuine smile is difficult to fake, so your best bet is to feel a positive emotion by thinking of something that makes you want to smile. Not only will your mouth achieve the right angle, but your eyes will smile too – a key difference between real and fake smiles, reports The Guardian.
2. Practice Makes Perfect: Simulate your ideal smile ahead of time, particularly if you know in advance that you'll be in a photo opportunity. Try on different expressions in front of the mirror and see which ones "feel" the most comfortable. Take note of how you achieve them, and get used to doing it without the mirror. You can also try doing this in front of a webcam; this will show you how different physical actions affect the way you look so you can discover your most photogenic pose.
3. Correcting Natural Flaws: It is possible to correct slight imperfections if you know about them. If your teeth or jaw is slightly misaligned, for example, you may need to smile "harder" with one side than the other to compensate for a visible imbalance. One of the most common, however, is squinting. Natural smiles can cause your cheeks to press against your eyes, which (although adorable) means you might want to widen them a bit more to make up for it. Of course, you'll only be aware of this if you've tested it and practiced with the help of your reflection.
4. Good Dental Hygiene: Taking proper care of your teeth is a critical factor in knowing how to smile in pictures. If you aren't confident that your pearly whites will pass muster, you won't want to bare them in the bright light of the flash. Daily brushing and flossing is the basis of good dental hygiene, and if you're preparing for a photo opportunity, spend some time whitening your teeth, too. Products like Colgate® Optic White™ Professional Take-Home Kit help to remove stains on tooth enamel caused by food, coffee or tobacco – a habit you should kick, as well.
5. Smile Early (and Hold It): Start your facial expression slightly before the shutter clicks. This gives you time to fully develop the emotion before it's recorded. If you're using a professional photographer, he or she will likely take a batch of photographs, so you can choose the best one. The reason for this is to capture the ideal moment when an emotion reaches its full potential.

Lights, Camera, Angle

Everyone looks better in certain types of lighting over others. For this reason, you or your photographer should:

• Avoid especially deep shadows that make any blemishes more obvious, according to portrait photographer Aaron Gil, and highlight contrasting dark areas under your eyes and nose.
• Aim for lighting that is evenly distributed across the length and breadth of your face.
• Determine which type of lighting works best with your skin tone, hair and eye color.
• Consider the shade of your tooth enamel. Only the whitest of teeth look good in natural light, whereas slightly yellower enamel can appear whiter than it is if you use soft, diffused lighting.

Ultimately, choose a facial angle that makes the most of your best features. A heavy jaw shouldn't merit a full-face shot because it is unlikely to bring out the best head shape from that perspective. Rather, turning your head slightly to one side will present an appealing profile to the camera, while still showing off your smile.

Similar Options

If knowing how to smile in pictures is important for reasons such as your work, you may want to consider more corrective options for improving your smile. Some of these include dental work such as tooth bonding or veneers, regular professional cleanings and even minor orthodontic work.

A warm, welcoming and beautiful smile is important for everyone, regardless of age. The good news is there are many ways to achieve it, and both adults and children can take steps to ensure their smiles don't break the camera.

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How To Maintain White Teeth

Whether you already have white teeth or you've just completed a whitening treatment, keep in mind that you've still got some work to do when it comes to preserving that beautiful, sparkling smile. In the same way that you might avoid driving through mud puddles after washing a car, you also need to be thoughtful about how you treat your teeth if you want them to remain white. To help your teeth stay brighter for a longer period, follow these helpful tips.

Minimize Staining LiquidsIf you reach for a mug of coffee every morning and a cold glass of cola each afternoon, you may notice that your teeth have lost their bright appearance. Coffee, tea, cola and red wine are some of the common liquids that stain teeth. If you're serious about keeping your teeth white, try to cut back on these beverages. If you just can't live without these drinks, try sipping them through a straw, particularly in the first few days after a whitening treatment.

Eliminate TobaccoThe American Dental Association notes that tobacco use not only stains your teeth but it can also cause tongue discoloration. Of course, there are many other negative oral risks associated with tobacco use, including gum disease, oral cancer, dulled tasting abilities and slower healing after certain dental procedures, so quitting can lead to drastic improvements for the appearance of your teeth as well as for your overall dental health.

Reach for a Whitening ToothpasteThe third step to maintaining white teeth involves brushing with a whitening toothpaste on a regular basis. Whitening toothpastes work by gently polishing your teeth and removing any surface stains that may have accumulated throughout the day. It's a simple step but it can provide your teeth with a twice-daily whitening refresher, which can give you many more reasons to smile.

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Tooth Brushing Techniques For Whiter Teeth

Everyone wants a sparkling white smile, but not everyone knows the best way to get one. Dingy gray or yellow stains happen naturally as we age. And eating or drinking some common foods, such as coffee or sweets, can stain teeth. So use these toothbrushing techniques to restore your bright smile.

Pick the Right Toothbrush

Did you know that using the right toothbrush can actually keep your teeth clean and white? Try a soft-bristled powered toothbrush to polish teeth. Powered toothbrushes cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. In addition, the ADA recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth so that you can reach all of your teeth with ease. Colgate's new Optic White powered toothbrush can help whiten teeth in just one week. Its soft "whitening cups" hold toothpaste to clean teeth more effectively, while polishing bristles buff away surface stains.

Brush the Best Way

With your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, gently brush your teeth using short, back-and-forth strokes. Concentrate on areas that have surface stains, but be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the inside. Cleaning the inside of your front teeth might be tricky. Tilt your toothbrush vertically and use a few up-and-down strokes to brush those surfaces. In addition, be sure to brush your tongue to get rid of any bacteria that may be lingering there. Don't forget to floss after brushing.

Replace Your Toothbrush

The ADA recommends that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner. A worn-down and frayed toothbrush can't clean your teeth as well. It won't lift stains or polish your teeth properly. When you're looking to obtain your whitest smile, throw out your toothbrush as soon as the bristles become frayed, even if it's before three months.

Use a Whitening Toothpaste

For the best results, you should use a whitening toothpaste in conjunction with these techniques. A whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains and keep them at bay. Check out Colgate's new Optic White toothpaste, which can whiten teeth three shades. You'll start seeing results in just one week.

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Breaking Down Laser Teeth Whitening Cost

Laser teeth whitening is a highly effective way to whiten your teeth. It's becoming more popular among average people who are looking to correct a dull smile. So what does laser teeth whitening cost? This article will break down not only the financial cost but also the time and maintenance costs involved so you have a full picture of what you can expect.

Looking at the financial cost

This is, of course, one of the first things a person will look at when considering a teeth whitening treatment. Dental insurance typically does not cover the cost of whitening treatments, so if you are interested in this procedure, chances are you will have to foot the bill yourself. Teeth whitening options vary in price and effectiveness. Laser treatments tend to be at the higher end of both ranges. Although the price will depend on your dentist and the discoloration of your teeth, you can expect to pay around $1,000 for the procedure.

Looking at the time cost

If you are a busy person on the go, time costs are important to you. If something takes too much time, some people tend to move on to the next thing. Fortunately for these people, a laser teeth whitening appointment can fit into anyone's busy schedule easily. The whole procedure takes about one hour. Typically, you only need to go for one treatment to see a noticeable improvement in the color of your teeth.

Looking at the maintenance cost

When deciding on a teeth whitening method, consider the maintenance involved after the procedure. Practice good dental hygiene to ensure that your investment in a brighter smile lasts as long as possible. Even with the dramatic results that follow a laser whitening treatment, these changes will fade over time. On average, the whitening effect should last anywhere from six months to one year. You can help maintain your beautiful smile with the following dental care habits:

1. Avoid drinks that stain your teeth, such as coffee and tea. Learn more about foods that can actually help brighten your smile in the Colgate Oral Care resources.
2. Brush with a whitening toothpaste. Colgate Optic White toothpaste can help keep your teeth white.
3. Schedule a follow-up treatment every six months.

So, to answer the question of what laser teeth whitening costs: It will cost more money than other options, but you will get instant results after one treatment. The time savings may be worth it as well. As with other whitening treatments, you can cut down on follow-up visits by investing in a good maintenance plan that includes a good whitening toothpaste.

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How Custom Whitening Trays Brighten Your Smile

If you avoid smiling because your teeth aren't as white as they could be, you do have safe and simple options to improve your smile alongside brushing and flossing. One option is a bleaching procedure that uses custom whitening trays to put that healthy look back into your mouth without the expense of costly, generic cosmetic treatment. Here's what you need to know about whitening your teeth with custom trays that are made just for you.

Why Custom Trays?

Many over-the-counter products are available for whitening teeth without dentist supervision. However, for the most effective and safest whitening treatment, the American Academy of Comestic Dentistry recommends using custom-fitted mouth trays made by your dentist. Tooth-whitening gel can leak out of ill-fitting trays causing irritation to your gums, as well as not whitening as efficiently as custom trays. With trays that specifically fit your mouth and bite, you can avoid these problems.

At-Home Whitening Process

Before starting the whitening process, your dentist will want to clean your teeth and treat any existing dental problems like decay or gum disease. The next step is making your custom trays – sometimes called stents or custom bleach splints. After taking an impression of your teeth, your dentist will use the molds to make the trays. This usually takes a couple of days, according to cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kenneth Loeffler.

Your dentist will instruct you to place a small amount of the bleaching solution into the clear trays and wear the trays for up to four hours a day for one to two weeks. Patients are often amazed at how much whitening takes place during this time, and an occasional treatment now and then is all you'll need to keep your teeth looking their best.

Side Effects

Bleaching your teeth is an easy, painless procedure that is safe for your teeth and existing dental work. Occasionally, patients do notice some tooth sensitivity to cold during the course of at-home whitening. Within one to three days after completing the whitening process, however, your sensitivity usually disappears and you'll be back to eating ice cream. If any sensitivity persists, check with your dentist to rule out any other dental problems.

Shine On

Naturally, those with shiny white teeth and a brilliant smile want to keep it that way. Here's how:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a whitening toothpaste like 
• Floss daily.
• Avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, wine, carrots, blueberries and other dark-colored foods.
• Schedule regular cleaning appointments.
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.

How your teeth look when you smile is important to everyone – regardless of age. So, if you've been wishing your teeth were a bit brighter, talk to your dentist about custom whitening trays to put that zest back into your smile.

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Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?

by Stacey Price

Baking soda is a common household product that has many uses around the home, from eliminating smells to cleaning carpets. Now, baking soda can be found in many toothpastes and teeth-whitening products. Using it to remove stains from teeth is common practice. But does baking soda whiten teeth, really? It does an excellent job at removing surface stains, but you should proceed with caution to prevent damage to your enamel.

Home Remedies to Whiten Teeth

How can a simple mixture of equal parts baking soda and water whiten teeth? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is composed of a chemical compound that makes it a great mild abrasive. It is this same abrasiveness that effectively removes surface stains from your teeth and make them appear whiter. However, if your goal is to remove deeper, older stains, then baking soda will not be as effective. You will need to see your dentist or use a product that was specifically created for whitening teeth.

Caution

If you're considering using this method to help whiten your teeth, you need to be aware of possible side effects. With continual use, you could cause damage to the enamel that coats your teeth. In addition, baking soda doesn't contain fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and prevent dental cavities, so you will still need to use regular toothpaste. If you have braces that contain orthodontic glue or use a permanent retainer, don't brush with baking soda. It will soften the glue. 

Who doesn't want a beautiful, bright smile free of stains? Getting that smile shouldn't be at the expense of the health of your teeth. For a safer alternatives, you should seek teeth whitening services from your dentist. Learn more about tooth whitening, at the Colgate's Oral Care resources.

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How To Avoid Red Wine Teeth This Holiday Season

Tis the season for eggnog, mistletoe, gift-giving and late-evening red wine, but only one of these causes a cosmetic problem. The last thing you want is a magenta smile at a holiday party or similar gathering, but a single glass of cabernet or merlot is likely to have that effect. How do you enjoy your favorite reds this season without the self-consciousness associated with red wine teeth stains? Here's the scoop on dental discoloration so you can take the right steps to maintain your pearly whites.

Why Red Wine Stains

Strong pigments in red wine are instant stain-makers for porous surfaces like your teeth. These pigments, called chromogens, give it that deep, intense hue, and leave their mark on your teeth after just a few sips. The nature of enamel plays a big part in this process.

"Enamel isn't perfectly smooth," says Benjamin Rudow, D.D.S. "It has small cracks and irregularities, and pigmentation from red wine will settle in them."

The acid and tannins contained within red wine, however, are the main contributors to staining. Wine is an acidic beverage – much like coffee, tea and soda – so it promotes enamel erosion that makes it easier for chromogens to soak into your smile. Tannins, the astringent compounds that create the dry-mouth texture of wine, also bind to the teeth, encouraging pigment to latch on.

This doesn't mean you have to avoid red wine during the holiday season. Red wine has long been touted for its health benefits, some of which include reduced risk of gum disease and tooth decay. It also may lower your susceptibility to heart disease and offer protection against Alzheimer's, according to Medical Daily. So before you switch to white, keep in mind there's a lot you can do to lessen staining in the short term and ensure a white smile for life.

1. Brush and Floss before Pouring a Glass - Stains cling to the film of plaque on your teeth, so a thorough brushing and flossing before heading into your holiday event calendar is a good personal rule to uphold. By properly removing new plaque and food residue from your teeth before an indulgent meal (the back of your teeth are key), you can minimize your chances of staining. Cleaning your teeth on this type of schedule also cuts down on your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Rinse Your Mouth Out Afterward - To help prevent red wine from lingering on your teeth, take a swig of water, which is generally a good habit while consuming any type of alcohol to keep you hydrated. You may think it makes sense to brush the wine off your teeth, as well, but enamel is actually more sensitive right after a meal. You should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to prevent this damage and let your enamel recalcify.
3. Eat as you Drink - Consider noshing on cheese and crackers or another hors d'oeuvre as you drink; this food can act as a barrier to the acid in red wine. Go with particularly fibrous foods that are low in sugar, such as broccoli, celery or hard cheeses – all of which can stimulate saliva flow and naturally scrub away drink stains.
4. Use a Whitening Toothpaste - Whitening toothpastes such as Colgate Total®Advanced Whitening work to remove surface stains on your teeth that naturally occur over time, and prevent new red wine teeth stains from forming. It's a good idea to use one if you're concerned about keeping your smile bright this time of year. Rudow suggests that when the teeth are thoroughly clean, they have a better chance of picking up whitening agents effectively – so be sure not to skip your regular dental cleanings.
If you want a more extensive whitening effect, of course, you may want to consider an at-home or professional treatment. Talk to your dentist before you use any non-paste whitening product, especially if you have a history of sensitive teeth or gums.
As with most dental concerns, keeping your commitment to regular dental cleanings and exams can go a long way in preventing a permanent stain from an acidic drink or food you'll want to enjoy on occasion. Do so with these tips in mind, and you won't have to cut back on your favorite reds at such a wonderful time of the year.

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Teeth Whitening For Summer

We're well into the warm months, and this time of year brings big events like graduations, weddings, vacations and family get-togethers. But with plenty of fun outdoor opportunities, there has never been a better time to consider teeth whitening for summer. Whether it's a neighborhood party or high school reunion, presenting your radiant smile is sure to impress.

From an office procedure to a purchasable toothpaste, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy site, you have options available to you.

Professional Bleaching Procedures

First, you need to determine if you qualify for whitening treatment, and which type is best for you. Do you have porcelain work or discolored front teeth? Is there currently decay on your front teeth? If any of these issues apply to you, consult with your dental professional before pursuing a whitening application.

Professional whitening treatments vary. Some require dental impressions so the office can deliver trays that you can use to apply whitening gel in the comfort of your own home. Other systems use laser or ultraviolet light during in-office procedures to activate the whitening solution to your teeth applied by your dental professional. Because these types of whitening can take a few dental appointments to complete, summer is a great time to schedule these treatments before the kids go back to school and calendar gets busier.

As always, your dental professional will help you choose which treatment is best for you, after considering all options for in-office tooth whitening.

Over-the-Counter Treatment

Everyone wants a gleaming smile, and fortunately there are options available over-the-counter (OTC) to assist you in addition to those in the dental office. The ADAconsiders these safe and effective, and a good fit for multiple budgets.

Whitening toothpastes are a great starting point if you are not ready to take the plunge into professional whitening treatments. Toothpastes like Colgate® Sensitivity Whitening work to remove stains caused by common foods such as coffee, tea and other dark-colored products. The whitening ingredient(s) in these products cut through surface stains and effectively improves the tooth's natural color, while going easy on teeth that are prone to the sensitivity caused by stronger bleaching methods. This way, you won't have to limit your consumption of cool summertime foods like ice cream and other frozen treats.

Maintaining the Shine

Once your teeth are whiter, you can maintain that healthy glow through routine dental checkups, proper home care including twice daily brushing with toothpase and flossing. Oral care can get dicey during the summer, with more outdoor snacks and activities keeping you away from a toothbrush. But on-the-go toothbrushes like the Colgate® Wisp® can keep your teeth cleaner after impromptu snacks on vacation. OTC mouthrinses have also been shown to produce results for consumers when used in conjunction with teeth whitening pens, which provide a convenient option for whitening with minimal sensitivity. Whitening pens can be packed easily in a purse or pocket for whitening on the go during busy summer travel days.

Warm seasons are the perfect time of year to pursue teeth whitening for summer and to show off your bright summer grin. Through both in-office and at-home whitening products, you can remove those stains to uncover the luminous smile underneath.

About the author: Emily Boge, RDH, BS, MPAc is currently a health sciences public administration Master's degree candidate at Upper Iowa University and has practiced dental hygiene since 2003 in Manchester, Iowa. She is also the owner of Think Big Dental, a consulting and writing firm specializing in the education of corporations and health professionals on the role of a dental hygienist.

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Instant Teeth Whitening: What Your Options Are

Big events in the near future – your wedding day or perhaps an important job interview – are big reasons to want to show off your best smile, and gleaming white teeth is on everyone's to-do list. But time is precious, and if instant teeth whitening is possible right before the big day, who wouldn't be in line? As a matter of fact, it is. Here are your options, including the fastest teeth whitening treatments, and the ones that take some time.

In-Office Method

For instant whitening that's not only fast, but the most effective, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recommends an in-office whitening method. Your dentist starts by applying a gel to your gums prior to the bleaching agent (the strength of which can feel irritating with no base-layer protection). After applying the bleach – concentrated hydrogen peroxide – to your eight front teeth, your dentist shines a special light on the bleach to enhance and shorten its whitening effect. Within one hour, your teeth can appear eight to 10 shades whiter.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-Home Teeth Whitening

If you have a little extra time to spare, ask your dentist about a take-home whitening system. This method requires custom trays, so you will need to have impressions taken of your teeth – products like Colgate® Optic White™ Professional Home Teeth Whitening Kit allow you to do this yourself. For others, you can pick these up within a matter of days. When you're ready to put them in, you'll release the bleaching gel into the trays according to your dentist's directions, and wear them for a few hours a day for a week or two.

Over-the-Counter Products

The value here is convenience and cost: Teeth Whitening strips, paint-on tooth gel, whitening toothpastes, brushes and pens are available in drug stores, as well as mouth trays with gel. But if you're short on time (or patience), know that these methods will take longer, and the results are not as dramatic as with other whitening treatments. Keep in mind the concentration of a bleach is not as strong in products sold over the counter as it is in those applied through your dental office.

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Colgate® Optic White® toothpaste is formulated with 2 percent hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth, but it takes one week to see results and four weeks of regular use to achieve nearly three shades improvement in tooth color versus the leading whitening toothpaste. It's a great choice for keeping your smile white once you've completed a faster dentist-supervised treatment. Optic White®toothpaste also gives you the benefit of fluoride to protect against cavities.

Other Tips

For maximum whitening results, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, you should know a few things before you start with any type of bleaching treatment:

• Have your dentist examine your mouth to make sure you don't have decay, gum disease or sensitivity before the procedure.
• Know that bleaching agents won't harm existing fillings and crowns, but they will not change their existing color either.
• Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks like blueberries, coffee and tea, and don't smoke or chew tobacco after treatment.

Today's whitening technology is safer, faster and more effective than ever, and the variety of whitening treatments and products available is only growing. But whether you need instant teeth whitening or are considering other options, let your dentist advise you on the treatment that's most suitable for you.

by Donna Pleis

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