Over the years testing has been done and dentists have found that using a 10% carbamide peroxide mixture will successfully whiten teeth with very little risk to patients. In fact, many dentists don’t want you to know this, but many of their expensive treatments are predominantly made of the same 10% peroxide solution. This means that you can get results similar to those the dentist can give you, but at a fraction of the cost. While the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has approved peroxide as a safe teeth whitener, it’s always best to consult a physician or dentist about your particular situation.

Many over-the-counter bottles of peroxide that you can buy at the drugstore are only 3% peroxide and 97% water. This concentration level will whiten teeth but not as quickly or efficiently as the 10% solution, which is the maximum concentration level that has been approved for teeth whitening by the FDA. For this reason, you should be sure to get the 10% mix. 3% bottles are sold at most drugstores for about $2. In order to get a 10% solution you may have to purchase the over-the-counter whitening products which are typically a bit more money, but still inexpensive compared to dentist whitening costs. A quality 10% teeth whitening peroxide product is Dr. Collins All White Bleaching Gel, which comes highly recommended and can be found in most drugstores.

If you’re considering having your teeth whitened but are concerned about prices and results, teeth whitening peroxide is a good place to start. The treatment is available low cost and is proven to achieve noticeable results, quickly and with little risk. Even if you’re part of the minority who doesn’t see results from peroxide teeth whitening, at least you’ll find out before forking over a ton of cash to have your teeth whitened professionally.

Recently, veneers have been improved to have a more natural appearance, so much so that it’s difficult to tell when someone’s got them.

When are Veneers Used?

Veneers are commonly used to fix chipped, cracked or crooked teeth. However other issues such as discoloration due to stains or aging, and genetic abnormalities are instances when veneers can be considered. Veneers can also be used when teeth are damaged due to general wear and tear. The most important thing to remember when considering veneers is that most existing teeth must be altered so there is room in your mouth for the veneers. Any changes made to your existing teeth are permanent, making the decision for veneers one that should be thought out carefully and discussed with your dentist. Typically speaking veneers should only be used when the look and functionality of your natural teeth are beyond repair. Otherwise bonding, crowns and other teeth whitening methods should be looked into.

Are There Alternatives to Veneers?

As mentioned above, veneers should only be used as a last resort, when all other options won’t work. Depending on the problems you have with your teeth alternative options are available, and should be considered. If stains and discoloration are your problem, consider looking into professional teeth whitening.  There are many options available to remove stains and whiten teeth. You may even realize that professional whitening is more than you need and your stains can be easily removed with home teeth whitening methods.  In fact, before even going to see your dentist about removing stains you may want to give our 30 Day Teeth Whitening System a try. If stains aren’t your problem and instead are someone who has crooked or irregularly sized or spaced teeth you also have other options. Orthodontic dentistry can help fix your problem with the help of braces or a retainer. Although this method takes much longer than veneers (1-2 years vs. 1-2 appointments), the finished product will be a beautiful, straight smile using your natural teeth. Cracked or chipped teeth is the scenario when veneers would make the most sense, but you have alternative options then too. If they aren’t badly damaged bonding is a possiblity, where the crack or chip is filled with a white resin filling. This can get the tooth looking normal without permanently altering it.

So Should I Get Veneers or Not?

As with any dental treatment you are considering, the best advice is to first discuss your situation with your dentist. He or she will have access to your previous dental history and will be best equipped to give you a recommendation on the best option for your situation.

1. Can you explain the procedure to me?

   How the dentist answers this question will go a long way towards influencing your decision. Do they take their time and give you a step by step explanation of what they’ll do and how it works? Or do they seem annoyed or bothered by your question and give you a rushed and bland response? Their reaction to this question will give you a good idea of how they treat their patients and either spark your interest or throw up some red flags.

2. What concentration of hydrogen peroxide do you use?

   Typically professional whitening treatments use a mixture that is 10% hydrogen peroxide. Any less than that and the results are lessened. Any more than that and you start running the risk of damaging your teeth. The dentist will most likely be aware of this and probably uses 10%. But by asking this question you let them know that you’re informed on the subject and that you expect accurate and truthful answers.

3. What does the treatment cost?

   This may be the most influential question. The answers to the other six questions will sway you one way or the other based on feelings. This answer will probably be the only one that includes a hard number, which makes the varying responses easy to compare. The prices will probably be pretty similar; however, the options and packages may be different. Beware of the super low price, especially if your intuition speaks up. This can be a sign that they use cheap products or shoddy instruments. Also keep in mind that although your budget is critical, the cost is only one component that goes into quality whitening. It may pay off to spend a little more in exchange for piece of mind.

4. How often do they perform the procedure?

   Do they whiten teeth daily? Weekly? Once a month? The dentist’s level of experience and practice is important in getting quality results. Just like you wouldn’t hire an inexperienced baker to make your wedding cake, you don’t want to spend good money on a dentist who performs a handful of whitening procedures a year.

5. Will they put you in touch with a previous whitening patient of theirs?

   Citing privacy laws most dentists will probably deny you this request. However, some patients are so pleased that they will be happy to give a testimonial for their dentist. If the dentist is on top of his or her marketing campaign they may have already gathered a list of references for the procedure. This question will probably not get you anywhere, but if you are able to speak with a patient you may get some extremely helpful insight into the dentist and the procedure.

6. What whitening system do they use?

   They probably use one or more of the three more popular brands: Zoom, BriteSmile or Rembrandt. Do some research ahead of time to see if there’s one system you prefer over another. All three come with high reviews, but there may be some things you like better about one. If all things are equal with two or three dentists, a preference in the brand may be the deciding factor.

7. Are you comfortable with this dentist?

   This is a question you ask yourself, while you’re meeting and afterward. Did you like the dentist? Were they personable and friendly? Was their office a pleasant place to be? Was it clean? Did you find their dental assistants to be helpful and caring? All these questions are important in ensuring that your treatment is enjoyable. Because you don’t have to answer to an insurance company and are paying for the treatment out of pocket, make sure you’re comfortable with everything involved. There are plenty of dentists to choose from so don’t force yourself to settle.

After you’ve met with all the dentist’s you scheduled appointments with, go over their answers and think about how you felt about each one before you decide. Keep in mind that you’re the decision maker. Don’t let a dentist make you feel rushed or intimidated. You are the consumer and they need/want your business. It’s not a good idea for them to upset you. Instead, give them an opportunity to make their case and then take your time coming to an informed decision. Your results will reflect the effort you made and you’ll be happier with the outcome.

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The Under $10 Products

If you’re looking for whitening products under $10 you’ll mostly find toothpastes and gum. Neither is known for their drastic whitening abilities but both typically contain hydrogen peroxide in small doses. Most of the time the chemical doesn’t come in contact with the teeth long enough to have much of a whitening effect on them. These products usually work best in conjunction with another whitening product. Here are some of the better whitening products you can buy for less than ten bucks.  

The Under $25 Products

There are a number of products under $25 and by spending up to that much you’ll start seeing whitening treatments within your budget. Whitening strips, gels and trays can be found in this price range and quite a few of them have been successful at achieving noticeable whiteness. The products recommended below typically work well on their own, but can sometimes be improved by using them in combination with some of the toothpastes found in the less-than-$10 range.  

The Under $50 Products

Many solid whitening treatments fall into this price range. If you’re able to spend this amount of money you’ll find you have many more options to choose from. It should also be noted that some of the widely considered scam products can be purchased for less that 50 bucks. It’s important that you do thorough research and read customer reviews before purchasing any whitening product. With that said, the products recommended below come with the approval of BTWO.  

Products $50 and Up

Many of the products that cost $50 or more are kits that attempt to simulate dentist whitening treatments applied by professionals. The home whitening versions are often equally successful, yet cost much, much less. Some of these types of products are listed below.   Nearly all the home teeth whitening products can be purchased for less than $100. The cost really begins to climb when you start having treatments done professionally. Veneers and intensive whitening treatments can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000.

Fortunately, many of the professional whitening treatments can be purchased over the counter and applied at home. If this is a route you’re considering, be sure to have adequate knowledge of how the treatment should be applied. Doing so incorrectly could cause tooth pain and damage.

For more information on how you can successfully whiten your teeth for less than $100, check out our 30 Day Teeth Whitening System. ]]> http://www.bestteethwhiteningoptions.com/teeth-whitening-product-guide/feed/ 0 http://www.bestteethwhiteningoptions.com/30-day-teeth-whitening-system/ http://www.bestteethwhiteningoptions.com/30-day-teeth-whitening-system/#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:11:34 +0000 RJ http://bestteethwhiteningoptions.com/?p=141 People want quick results with anything they do and that’s no different with teeth whitening. You can get have professional teeth whitening treatments that will make your teeth shades whiter in as little as an hour. However, not everyone has the budget for those treatments. They also don’t want to wait forever for moderate results. Here you’ll find the best of both worlds.

Following this guide will have your teeth noticeably whiter in thirty days – for less than $90. The first thing you need to do is get all the materials together. Below is a list of what you’ll need to follow the 30 day Teeth Whitening Plan.

1. Two (2) packages of Crest Whitestrips Premium Plus 10 Day Treatment. $27.45 each
2. One (1) package of Rembrandt Premium Whitening Mint Toothpaste, which comes with three, three ounce tubes. $19.47
3. One (1) bottle of Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash. $8.73

The 30 Day Whitening Guide

The 30 Day Whitening Guide is actually very simple. Once you’ve got the materials above, use them according to the steps listed below.

Days 1-5

For the first five days, use the Rembrandt Premium Whitening Mint Toothpaste at least twice a day (morning and night) and a third time (after lunch), if possible. In addition to the toothpaste, use the Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash in the morning and again before bed. Days 1-5 are simply to prepare your teeth to be whitened and ensure that your teeth and gums are clean and healthy.

Days 6-15

The next ten days are the first whitening cycle. Begin using the Crest Whitestrips Premium Plus 10 Day Treatment as directed on the box. The treatment will require you to apply the strips to the top and bottom of your teeth for thirty minutes, twice a day for ten consecutive days. After day 15 the first box of whitestrips should be finished. Continue using the toothpaste and mouthwash as directed for days 1-5. If you experience tooth or gum sensitivity you may take a discontinue the whitestrips for a day or two, but be sure to resume the treatment again as soon as possible.

Days 16-20

Days 16-20 should be treated the same as days 1-5. Continue using the toothpaste and mouthwash on a regular basis and give your teeth a short break from the whitestrips. By now you should definitely see some significant whitening. At this point, if you’re satisfied with the amount of whitening your teeth have gained, you should save the second box of whitestrips and repeat the guide in five or six months. However if you’d like your teeth to get even whiter continue on to days 21-30.

Days 21-30

These ten days are the same as days 6-15. You’re going to apply the second box of whitestrips treatment. Again if you notice your teeth becoming sensitive it’s ok to give them a day or so break. By now you should notice a significant change in how white your teeth are. Continue to brush your teeth with the Rembrandt toothpaste and rinse twice daily with the Listerine mouthwash.

Once you’re finished with the second box of Crest Whitestrips you’ll be done with the thirty day whitening guide. It’s ok if it takes you a few days longer to finish due to tooth sensitivity. The important thing is that you use all the strips. To maintain your level of whiteness continue using a whitening toothpaste and taking solid care of your teeth and gums by flossing and rinsing.

The thirty day whitening guide should keep your teeth white for 6-8 months before you begin to notice them losing a bit of luster. The un-whitening process will be slow but it will happen. Whenever you decide it’s time to re-whiten, simply begin the process again.