Affordable Preventative dental care for American Families

Affordable Family Dental Plans

Good dental care is so important to your family’s good health and well-being. Who can underestimate the importance of a pleasant and attractive smile? Healthy gums and teeth can contribute to an individual’s self esteem. A pleasant smile can help you feel confident and secure when you meet people and even help you do well at a job interview.

Dental and gum disease may possibly effect your general health. There is some evidence that the bacteria from diseased gums and teeth may cause inflammation in the body which can eventually lead to heart and coronary artery disease. Preventative dental care can avoid these serious complications, yet there are many Americans who cannot afford expensive dental treatment.

Now that it is back to school time and your child will be required to bring in completed dental and medical examination forms, it might be time to give some thought to your family’s dental plan. What if you or your children need some serious dental work? What if your child needs expensive orthodontic treatment? If there are any senior citizens living in your household, they may have medical coverage through Medicare, but do they have an affordable dental plan?

Dental insurance is often the forgotten coverage. While many employers provide some form of medical insurance, as many as 7 out of 10 Americans do not have a dental plan. Even among those who do have dental insurance, many dental plans prove to be very inadequate. In my work as an AmeriPlan® Independent Business Owner, I speak to many individuals each day who lack affordable dental benefits. Even if they have the good fortune to have dental insurance provided by their employer, often these plans have serious limits on coverage, have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, and frequently do not provide orthodontic treatment for their children. With the high cost of dentistry, a $1,500 per year limit on dental services will not take a family very far.

Discount dental plans provide the consumer with an excellent choice for saving money on dental care. These affordable dental plans are reasonably priced alternatives to expensive dental insurance plans. Savings typically range from 25% for specialist treatment (periodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists) to 80% for exams. Most major dental procedures, such as fillings, root canals, crowns and bridges, dentures, and orthodontic treatment (braces), offer savings from 50% to 60%--literally cutting a family’s dental bill by more than half.

Some added features that a good discount dental plan provides are:

• No limit on visits or services

• Ongoing dental problems are accepted

• Instant savings

• No paperwork

• No waiting period

• Orthodontia and cosmetic dentistry are included

When looking for an affordable dental plan, look for a plan that is a member of the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP), has a good choice of dental providers in your local area, and has an 800 customer service number. In addition, many discount dental plans offer value added services such as discounts on vision care, prescriptions, and chiropractic treatment.

Helene Zemel, M.A., M.B.A. is a Regional Sales Director for AmeriPlan USA. For more information visit: Health Plans Plus. For a discussion on healthcare issues and alternative medicine choices visit her blog at: Health Plans Plus Blog. Ms. Zemel is also the owner of The Family Gamer.

Straighten Your Smile-Accelerated Orthodontics

Accelerated Orthodontics

If you are searching for a way to straighten your smile, but you’d rather not wait a year or more, meet accelerated orthodontics, the newest concept in orthodontic treatment. Accelerated orthodontics is pretty much just what it sounds like — a way to achieve straightened teeth in a short amount of time. The great thing is, you don’t have to compromise your smile results. With the right cosmetic dentist, you can get the look you want in a shortened time frame, at a reasonable cost.

The Benefits of Straightening

The purpose of seeking out ways to straighten your teeth should go far beyond simply having a beautiful smile. Straightening your teeth helps create a balanced and healthy bite by encouraging proper jaw alignment. Not only that, but straight teeth are easier to clean, making it harder for bacteria to hide. Teeth that are crooked or crowded tend to have more problems with decay and damage. Crooked teeth on the top may not be lining up with their counterparts on the bottom, and vice-versa. This can cause a number of problems from accelerated tooth wear to chewing or speaking problems to TMJ and neuromuscular problems. In many cases, those with crooked teeth may actually end up spending far more to treat dental problems related to their crooked teeth than they would have spent to straighten them!

What are some signs that braces may be necessary?

You may be a good candidate for accelerated orthodontics if:

• You have several crooked teeth
• You experience overcrowding
• You have a prominent overbite or underbite
• Your upper and lower teeth that do not meet
• Your front upper and lower teeth are not in alignment
• You have difficulty chewing or speech problems
• You have uneven or rapid enamel wear
• Have gaps in teeth

The Fast Track

Accelerated orthodontics can offer the benefits of a comprehensive, traditional braces treatment without the wait. This means fewer office visits and quicker visible results. Traditional braces, the wait can be anywhere from one to three years. By going the accelerated route, you can see results in three to eight months. This method can be used to address all of the problems listed above using modern, safe orthodontic techniques. Patients with minor straightening needs may benefit from porcelain veneers, dental bonding, tooth contouring, or porcelain crowns as alternatives to orthodontic treatment.

Talk to your dentist to learn more about accelerated orthodontics.

Please contact Colonial Dental Group in Chicago, Illinois today to schedule an appointment for a full evaluation of your smile and to determine if orthodontics may be a solution for your dental needs.

personal health insurance plan

Health Care Quotes by Rod Powers

If you are investing in a personal health insurance plan then it is always better to shop for health care quotes. The process of shopping has become very easy with the use of Internet these days.

There are several resources available online where you just need to fill forms with some basic information about yourself, and you can easily get a quote free of cost.

Affordable Dental Care from DentalPlans.com

There are hundreds of companies that offer health insurance plans and there are hundred of plans available to suit practically any budget. If you do not know what kind of plan you need and how to go about it, then the whole process can be a daunting task.

Before shopping for health insurance, first itemize your needs and what kind of coverage you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for complete coverage that will pay for dental, optical, out patient and hospitalization, then you need to shop accordingly for the health care quotes.

It is always better to request a quote from 2 or 3 companies at the least so that you can compare the prices and the benefits that you are getting for the amount that you will be paying. Also, give importance to the coverage plan and the doctors' network the insurance company offers.

There are several websites that can make our shopping easy by giving you health care quotes from different companies. You can easily shop, compare and decide the plan you need. You do not have to depend on guesswork or phony companies that keep irking you about various insurance plans, which do not give the benefits that you are actually looking for.

For Your Personal Health Care Quote please Visit http://4health-insurance.blogspot.com

About the Author

Roderick Powers reviews and writes many business and health related articles.

There are many Health Insurance and Health Plans to choose from. Get your FREE Quote on Your Best Plan Today at: http://4health-insurance.blogspot.com

Visiting The Orthodontist

Visiting The Orthodontist -- How To Make Braces Affordable And Shorten Treatment Time by Christine O'Kelly

Most of the time, a trip to the orthodontist automatically brings dollar signs to mind. It forces many to look for cheap dental treatments and the most inexpensive experts they can find. This translates into long treatments that turn out being far more expensive than they should be in the first place. Sometimes cutting costs means the treatment produces results that were hardly worth the effort. If you want to find ways to make braces more affordable, you may want to consider some of these points before seeking a provider.

Technology Makes A Difference

SureSmile technology and other new systems used by an orthodontist do add to the cost of braces in the short run, but many experts see it as a valid investment. This technology uses highly detailed 3-D imaging to map out the patient's entire mouth. A robotic machine reads this information, transferring it to a graph and using the information to bend the wires into the precise location.

The resulting treatment doesn't necessarily move the teeth at a faster rate. It calculates the exact position teeth need to sit in as well as the direction the metal needs to exert pressure to reach that point. Each tooth moves as precisely and accurately as possible. Experts have seen this cut five months or more off a treatment. When you consider all of the costs associated with additional visits, care, adjustments, and maintenance, this can be a huge cash savings. The reduced impact on the enamel due to a shorter treatment also helps significantly.

The Experience Level Of The Orthodontist

The experience and expertise of your chosen specialist can have a significant impact on the treatment time and the quality of a treatment. Those who have worked with these treatments longer are more likely to catch a mistake or problem. He or she will likely be more accurate in terms of placement further shortening treatment time. This also reduces the added costs not factored into the original price tag.

The Types Of Braces

The style can have a significant impact on the overall cost of ortho treatments. Invisalign for example, costs far more per patient than traditional styles. Some experts also charge more for selecting custom colored bands and other added features. Any good oral care expert will talk with you about how you can reduce the costs of your treatment and still achieve the desired results.

Don't Overlook Insurance And Payment Plans

In an effort to make orthodontist treatments more affordable, various types of dental insurance and other payment plans will now cover orthodontic treatments. Talk to your existing providers including your medical insurance who may also carry portions of the costs. Flexible spending accounts or investment accounts may also be an option.

When it comes time to choose an orthodontist, Long Island patients and those throughout the country need to keep in mind that a smaller cost initially doesn't always guarantee braces will be more inexpensive in the end. If you need braces, shop wisely and talk with your professional to find the options that will make your mouth and your wallet both smile.

About the Author

Christine O'Kelly is the author for a talented and friendly orthodontist. Long Island's Dr. Gellerman is an expert in Long Island braces as well as other orthodontic treatments to ensure everyone can have a straight and healthy smile.

Discount dental plans are not insurance plans

Affordable Dental Insurance Plan by Bradley L. Parker

When you purchase your dental insurance it is clearly indicated that it won't cover your pre-existing conditions. In essence, you will not be covered by your insurance policy if you are getting any work done on your teeth within one-year of waiting period from the purchase of the policy. Even if you wait for a year it is least likely that the policy will cover for your pre-existing problems.

Let's look closely at this term 'dental insurance'. Insurance means that you are insured, protected against any unforeseen illness or injury. The catch is that your dental insurance coverage starts only from the date of purchase. In addition, any of your previous conditions are not taken into consideration. This is common to any type of insurance plans be it auto, home, medical or whatever.

Discount dental plans are not insurance plans. You can get immediate affordable dental care. You can expect big discount of up to 60% on whatever it is you need to get done. The best part is that it's quite inexpensive.

When you're thinking of a dental procedure of any type invest in a good dental discount plan. 'Think outside the policy'!!!

Get the free special report and CD "The Secret To A Celebrity Smile!" Find out more on having the celebrity smile of your dreams - Go here:

http://cosmeticdentistrysanbruno.com/

About the Author

Bradley L. Parker is a famous Cosmetic Dentist in San Bruno, CA. He is specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Implant Dentistry, and Sedation Dentistry. For more information visit his website: http://cosmeticdentistrysanbruno.com/

Discount Dental Plans

Benefits of Discount Dental Plans; Smile Sweetly! by Brendon Buthello

Discount dental plans are fast catching up the hype which started when they emerged in the arena of the dental world. They are basically designed for individuals, families and groups looking to save money on their dental care needs. The article is about some of the benefits of discount dental plans.

In most of the discount dental plans, the participating dental care providers usually agrees to accept a discounted fee from plan members as payment-in-full for services performed. As a plan member, you simply have to show your membership card when visiting any participating plan provider and save on a lot money immediately.

Joining a discount dental plan will allow you to save money on quality dental care. Protect and preserve your family's smile and overall health with one of our popular family plans. Some of the many benefits of our discount dental plans include:

• Savings ranging from 10% to 60% on most dental procedures

• Choose from thousands of participating dentists in more than many combined regional and national dental networks, especially if it's a large dental network like AETNA.

• Immediate online enrollment and quick plan activation

• Easy-to-use search tools and plan comparison charts

• Qualified Customer Service Representatives to assist you which are mostly provided 24/7 service.

• No unnecessary paperwork hassles - everything is taken care about by them. You have to take note of the emergency number.

• Discounts on dental specialties available with most plans

• No health restrictions

Once you've joined the discount dental plans that right for you, you can start saving on quality dental care right away. Most plans activate within two business days after enrollment. Most sites which promote dental discount plans also have dentist searches to find a participating dental care provider in your area and make an appointment. It is essential to ensure and mention the dental plan listed on your membership card when contacting the participating provider. Simply present your membership card when you arrive to your appointment to ensure that you are charged discounted fees according to your dental plan. Payment for services performed is due at the time of service, and there are no paperwork hassles or tedious claim forms to worry about. Saving money on your smile has never been so easy!

Unlike dental insurance, dental plans provide plan holders with low-cost dental care for all dental work, including cosmetic procedures. There are now many dental plans available and, as with dental insurance, the benefits will vary according to the price you are willing to pay.

The advantages of discount dental plans over dental insurance are:

• There are no deductibles, for each and every dental task, your receive a discount.

• The monthly premiums for discount dental plans are mostly less than dental insurance premiums, which is again a major saving.

• There is no limit to the amount you can use your dental plan in any given period of time, unlike dental insurance. No matter how many dental visits you make, you are liable for discounts.

• Dental plans are not dental insurance and there is no waiting period. Hence you can make use of a dental care plan as soon as you receive your card.

Choose the right discount dental plan for yourself quickly. For queries, call us on 866-367-3459 and we will guide you to the best discount dental plans.

About the Author

Here the author Brendon Buthello writes about the benefits of discount dental plans for all to save money on your visit to http://www.americandiscountdental.com

Professional teeth whitening procedures

Tooth-whitening services are among the most frequently requested cosmetic dentistry procedures, according to a 2004 survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Danielle Gardner/ Staff photographer From a business standpoint, there is little doubt the paradigm has shifted.

Eric Nelson, spokesman for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, based in Madison, Wis., said tooth-whitening services are the most requested and performed procedure in cosmetic dentistry.

In a 2004 survey of 768 dentists, the association found that 29 percent said tooth whitening was the most popular service.

Even dentists whose practice doesn't focus strictly on cosmetic procedures are seeing a shift.

Naperville dentist Tom Brown said the number of cosmetic dentistry procedures he performs has increased from about 10 percent of his patients just six years ago to more than double that today.

"It's all about cosmetic today," Brown said. "Every one of my patients that leaves here wants to be 'white' - from the fillings they get to the brightness of their teeth. Gold is really the best material for fillings, but no one wants it anymore. There are no 'dark tooth' people today."

Brown said the majority of his work continues to be what people think of as more typical dentistry but that the majority of professional journals are filled with stories about cosmetic cases.

"Everyone is looking for that big client, but the fact is, there are not that many cosmetic cases that someone makes $25,000 for veneers or something," he said. "The whole age spectrum is affected - 10-year-olds come in here looking for whitening, which is why dentists across the country are seeing an increase in that type of business."

The cosmetic dentistry association's 2004 survey indicated that patients spend about $455 a year on cosmetic dentistry.

Professional teeth whitening procedures, whether in the office or with take-home trays, can cost anywhere from $300 to $800, Caputo said, which is why many folks opt for over-the-counter remedies. While most products are available for $30 and less, many don't work or offer limited benefits.

But for the budget-conscious, Dr. Kevin Ryan of Naperville said many of his patients have been successful with the whitening strips, which might be a good way to start.

"I offer my patients various levels of whitening procedures, and we have prescribed the strips for many, who have had good success," Ryan said. "There are professional as well as consumer grades of strips, meaning people can't buy the strongest grade at their pharmacy."

Teeth Whitening Procedures Brighten Your Smile

Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening Procedures by Alice Campbell

You might not be aware of this fact, but your teeth color could be direct indication that you are not indulging in a healthy diet or a healthy lifestyle. Some of the most common factors that lead to discoloration of teeth include cigarette-smoking, irregular brushing of teeth, consumption of colas or red wines, etc. Teeth whitening or lack of it can also be an indication of more serious teeth-related problems such as excessive plaque formation that can even lead to removal of the tooth in extreme conditions.

While the old traditional ways of brushing your teeth at least twice a day is still considered as one of the best ways to keep your teeth color white and bright, the demand for some quick and fast, modern measures to brighten your smile has lead to the development of the teeth whitening procedures.

'Teeth whitening' is a cosmetic procedure where the dentist undertakes some actions to improve the teeth color so that you can have a set of perfect white teeth. The main aim of the teeth whitening procedures is to remove the stains that accumulate on your teeth enamel making it look yellow or brownish in color.

Most cosmetic dentists offer teeth whitening services. There is no dearth of cosmetic dentists around the world.

Teeth Whitening Procedures: Features

'Teeth whitening' is a cosmetic procedure that does not offer a permanent solution. The effects of teeth whitening usually last for a long period of time. Once you undertake the teeth whitening procedure, you will be able to enjoy a bright white teeth color at least for few years.

But with regular eating habits and diet, the stains may resurface again and you might have to go in for the teeth whitening treatment once again.

Bleaching Method

The bleaching method is a common procedure that is preferred by dentists to offer a whiter and cleaner set of teeth for patients. But this is a long procedure and takes more than one sitting with the dentists.

In the bleaching method, the dentist uses a tray like appliance which is molded to the shape of the patient's teeth structure. He or she then pours a special whitening gel into the tray and places it to your teeth. This kind of whitening treatment may take many sittings at regular intervals to show effective results.

Laser Method

The laser method is the modern and more effective teeth whitening procedure that is offered under cosmetic dentistry today. Under laser treatment method also, the dentists uses a similar kind of whitening gel. But the difference is that the dentist will treat the gel with laser light once it has been applied. The laser rays will activate the gel components which will then enter the tooth enamel and will clean the stains thoroughly. This procedure will not harm your teeth or gums in any way. You can walk out of the dentist's office with bright white teeth after just one laser treatment session.

About the Author

Teeth color can be maintained with healthy oral habits such as washing mouth thoroughly after every meal and brushing your teeth at least twice daily. But in case you wish to undertake extra teeth whitening treatments you should consult the experts.

Does insurance cover the cost of whitening procedures

Teeth Whitening Gel : A Teeth Whitening Dream come true

Whitening is not permanent. People who expose their teeth to a lot of foods and beverages that cause staining may see the whiteness start to fade in as little as 1 month. Those who avoid foods and beverages that stain may be able to wait one year or longer before another whitening treatment or touch-up is needed.

Tips for maintaining your newly whitened teeth include:

* Avoiding the consumption of or exposure to products that stain your teeth (see first question in this document on what causes teeth to become stained). If you do choose to consume beverages that stain, consider using a straw so that the liquid bypasses your front teeth.
* Brush or rinse immediately after consuming stain-causing beverages or foods.
* Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily to remove plaque. Use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing. Use a regular toothpaste the rest of the time.
* Consider touch-up treatments. Depending on the whitening method used, you may need a tough-up every 6 months or after a year or two. If you smoke or drink lots of stain-causing beverages, you may need a touch up more often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover the cost of whitening procedures? No. Dental insurance does not typically cost the cost of the tooth whitening procedure.

Do teeth whiteners damage tooth enamel? Studies of whitening products using 10% carbamide peroxide showed little to no effect on the hardness or mineral content of a tooth's enamel surface.

Do teeth whiteners damage existing dental restorations? Over 10 years of clinical use of whitening products containing 10% carbamide peroxide have not shown any damage to existing fillings. The issue is not "damage" to existing restorations; rather, keep in mind that existing restorations such as tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bonding, veneers, and bridges do not lighten. This means that any preexisting dental work may need to be replaced to match the new tooth shade achieved in the natural teeth, should a bleaching process proceed.

Do teeth whiteners damage a tooth's nerve? There's no evidence to date that the tooth whitening process has a harmful effect on the health of a tooth's nerve. One study reported that at both a 4.5 and 7-year follow up, no individual who used a tooth whitening system needed a root canal procedure on any teeth that had been whitened.

defective teeth formation and Cold Sores

Cosmetic Dentistry and Coldsores

Cosmetic Dentistry

While some people are born with a winning smile, some put their foot in them when they open their mouth. Cosmetic Dentistry or more appropriately, Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that takes care of defective teeth formation and allied abnormalities so that the person may not only wear a happy smile but at the same time have a healthier mouth with teeth lasting a lifetime. Cosmetic dentistry is also needed to cure periodontal diseases resulting in early tooth decay or causing extra stress on chewing muscles, leading to chronic gum infection and headache.

A face works like the window display of a person and cosmetic dentistry can be compared with the design work on the window. Cosmetic dentistry through the work carried out on the teeth can improve appearance, remove problems and uplift look.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Cold Sores

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A rather irritating condition inside the mouth as well as the face and lips are cold sores. They are caused by a virus known as Herpes Simplex Type 1 and appear as painful blisters. Find here a great cure for

Cold Sores

The virus may lie dormant for many years until one day deciding to rise again. And this happens due to fatigue, stress, common cold, fever, continued exposure to sun, food allergies, immune system deficiency, pregnancy and such others. Though cold sores do not last for that long, but they tend to come back from time to time thus making them quite an irritant. A huge number of people are now suffering from cold sores. Also, cold sores are contagious and are transmitted through kissing and touching and even secondary contact with objects such as shared utensils, drinking glass, lipstick or washcloth.

Cosmetic dentistry plays a role in cold sores. Many dentists conduct a range of laser surgeries to fight cold sores in the mouth. With cosmetic dentistry it becomes possible to significantly reduce the pain. However in some cases, the pain may not go completely and in such cases, a second laser surgery may become necessary.

Apart from fighting the cold sores problem, cosmetic dentistry is also popular as a way to uplift the face through major exercises such as laser operated dental works or simple procedures like cigarette stain removal. Actually, cosmetic dentistry can be any cosmetic work carried out on the teeth to mainly look better but it may also improve health and functioning of the teeth.

Most popular cosmetic dentistry works…

Whitening – Bleaching is most popular method used for this. Enamel Shaping – In this parts of contouring enamel are removed to improve looks. This operation is also referred to as recontouring, reshaping, enamelplasty, odontoplasty and by other names. Bonding – The solution for cracked teeth. A material looking like enamel is applied the tooth’s surface, hardened and then polished. Veneers – These are very thin custom-made laminates that are attached directly on the teeth through a small operation. This exercise is undertaken to remove gaps between teeth and also for coloring when whitening efforts have failed. In this age when most are fashion and look conscious, cold sores are really a sore and they really look bad. Cosmetic dentistry not only has other utilities, but it can also fight cold sores.

Teeth Whitening Methods for White Teeth

Dream Teeth

Not much time has passed when it was thought that glittering white smiles was monopoly of well-off people and there was a reason to think like this. In addition, the reason was that earlier, teeth's whitening was quite expensive. However, with the passage of time the situation has took a new turn and now the cost of teeth-whitening has leveled down than before. This has given a new dimension to the popularity of teeth-whitening technique and it would also not be wrong to say that teeth-whitening technique is fastest growing technique in the arena of cosmetic dental procedures available.

There are many teeth-whitening techniques available that you can choose from. There are some cheap teeth-whitening systems available that may also bring to you good result, but they often take long procedure and you get result later. However, with expensive teeth-whitening systems you can get good result comparatively faster.

The Cadillac of teeth whitening laser system is the most expensive teeth-whitening system but also known for giving results very fast. Laser teeth-whitening system's main characteristic is its simple procedure of whitening your teeth. Under the procedure of laser teeth whitening system the dentist applies a bleaching gel to your teeth after protecting your gums with the help of rubber dams from the bad effect of the gel. After that, the dentist holds a laser light right in front of your face and then the cleaning process of that gel gets stimulated. That gel is kept on your teeth for about twenty to twenty five minutes and this is normally applied twice of thrice. Only after one hour with your dentist, you possess white dazzling teeth.

There is another kind of teeth-whitening technique, which is tray based known for its economical cost. You can buy this in stores.

Another way of getting white shining teeth is through the help of whitening strips that was first introduced in the year 2001. These whitening strips do contain precise dose of carbamide peroxide that enhance the process of teeth whitening. However, a teeth-whitening strip can whiten only those teeth that come in direct contact with this teeth-whitening strip.

Teeth-whitening strips generally cover the six center teeth, eyetooth. No doubt, they are very cheap; however, you may not get the best results with it. Some people think, by applying teeth-whitening strips they can get their whole teeth white but that is not true. Another method that is generally applied for teeth whitening is use of teeth-whitening toothpaste but this is a very long process and takes a good time of yours to show you the desired results.

For getting white teeth through applying teeth-whitening toothpaste you have to brush your teeth again and again that may even harm your tooth enamel that can not be replaced. That is why it is advised by the dentist to use only that way of teeth-whitening that gives you the best results by causing no or negligible harm to your teeth.

orthodontic dental treatment

Orthodontics by Dr. Joseph Thomas

Orthodontics is probably the earliest recognised and best known speciality in dentistry. It is that branch which deals with the correct alignment of teeth and the jaws. An orthodontist is also an expert in dento-facial orthopaedics which means that along with realigning teeth, an orthodontist also realigns the jaw incase of misalignment leading to a faulty bite, gum and teeth infections etc.

It is thought that nearly 45-70% of people need orthodontic treatment. Most start treatment in childhood around 9-14 yrs of age though some bite problems may be tackled at an earlier too. This specialisation is of great help to those who have misaligned teeth and severe bite problems with the use of braces, brackets, bands and newer tools like invisalign.

But as with any dental treatment, the success depends largely on the dentist. Orthodontists are all dentists, but only about 6 % of dentists are qualified as orthodontists as it takes another 2-3 years of training after the basic degree to become an orthodontist. Though many dentists may perform orthodontic procedures, they may not be qualified to do so.

Get the free special report and CD "The Secret To A Celebrity Smile!" Find out more on having the celebrity smile of your dreams - Go here: http://cosmeticdentistrybillings.com

About the Author

Dr. Joseph Thomas is a famous Cosmetic Dentist in Billings, MT. He is specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Implant Dentistry, and Sedation Dentistry. For more information visit his website: http://cosmeticdentistrybillings.com

tooth whitening procedures and dental insurance

Efficient and Effective Use of Teeth Whitening Trays

S. Geetha

Teeth whitening products and procedures are not new to us. The whitening toothpastes available in the market for years now promise a brighter, whiter, warmer smile to their customers. In the last few years, tooth whitening products have been witnessing a boom as the people have become more conscious of the way they look and smile.

Tray based teeth whitening system:

Tray based tooth whitening procedures are very common among teeth whitening procedures. Tray based teeth whitening system consists of a tray, which is flexible enough to be fitted to the teeth of the person who is undergoing the treatment. The tray is designed to hold a bleaching agent closer to the teeth and for some period of time. There are two kinds of tray-based teeth whitening systems available. One is the dentist-assisted method and the other can be used at home by the person who is trying it.

Teeth whitening procedure is ideal for those who have healthy gums and unrestored teeth with no fillings. Yellowish tinted teeth respond very well to the teeth whitening procedures. There are many kinds of bleaching agents, which are used in the teeth whitening products. The most common whitening product recommended by dental professionals is a 10-20 percent carbamide peroxide solution since it is a viscous gel which clings to the teeth very well. Better results are achieved if the bleaching agent has good contact with the teeth. The duration of the tray to be worn by the patients depends on the desired level of bleaching required and the degree of staining. Even though it is considered to be an uncomfortable procedure, the results got are excellent.

Many over the counter tray whitening systems use hydrogen peroxide in the place of carbamide peroxide. Even though hydrogen peroxide is safer to use, bleaching is not achieved quickly as it takes several sessions a day continuously for several weeks to get the desired results.

Efficient and effective use of teeth whitening trays:

The teeth whitening tray should fit the mouth and teeth size properly to get desired results. Since bleaching of artificial dental works like bonds, caps, bridges, fillings etc does not happen, the dentist will be the person to decide either to replace the artificial piece with the teeth of the same color after the whitening treatment or not.

It is good to be away from generic trays. Not only these trays cause several undesirable effects, but also do not fit the mouth properly. When the tray base whitening system does not fit the teeth properly, it will lead to swallowing of the bleaching gel or can cause injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. Some trays may come with bleaching agents that are ineffective, or acidic or even toxic. Hence care should to be taken while using such products.

Before applying the whitening tray, it is good to clean, floss and brushes the teeth as the bleaching gel works very well and quickly if the teeth are clean. The teeth whitening tray can be used while sleeping to get a maximum effect. If it’s applied during daytime, it hinders the speech.

About the Author:

S. Geetha regularly writes informative articles on dentistry, tooth whitening procedures and dental insurance to web guides http://www.dentalcareonline.info and http://www.healthfriendly.info

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/efficient-and-effective-use-of-teeth-whitening-trays-223827.html

Free Teeth Whitening

Ok I still get emails asking about free teeth whitening. Honestly I think most people can afford $36 dollars for teeth whitening from the best teeth whitening product company. It works fast and it works well.

However for those of you that want free I have two tips.

1. Many dentists offer free teeth whitening to new patients as a way to encourage new business. Take a look online or in the local valpak coupons and you are sure to find one of these offers. If you have dental insurance the cost of your exam, x-rays and cleaning should be covered and bingo ...free teeth whitening.

2. Ok this is not exactly free but almost. I once had a patient with really white teeth. After being a dentist for 20 years I can tell who whitens their teeth easily. I asked this guy what brand of whitener he was using. He grinned and said "Well every morning when I get into the shower I take a sqig of hydrogen peroxide and I swish it back and forth in my mouthduring the 4 or so minutes I am taking a shower. I 've been doing it for about 5 years now!" This guys teeth were really white so I know one person it works for. Disclaimer: Hydrogen peroxide is a potential carcinogen to gum tissues and tastes horrible as well.

Do teeth whiteners damage existing dental restorations?

Teeth Whitening FAQ's

Teeth Whitening is not permanent. People who expose their teeth to a lot of foods and beverages that cause staining may see the whiteness start to fade in as little as 1 month. Those who avoid foods and beverages that stain may be able to wait one year or longer before another whitening treatment or touch-up is needed.

Tips for maintaining your newly whitened teeth include:

* Avoiding the consumption of or exposure to products that stain your teeth (see first question in this document on what causes teeth to become stained). If you do choose to consume beverages that stain, consider using a straw so that the liquid bypasses your front teeth.
* Brush or rinse immediately after consuming stain-causing beverages or foods.
* Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily to remove plaque. Use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing. Use a regular toothpaste the rest of the time.
* Consider touch-up treatments. Depending on the whitening method used, you may need a tough-up every 6 months or after a year or two. If you smoke or drink lots of stain-causing beverages, you may need a touch up more often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover the cost of whitening procedures? No. Dental insurance does not typically cost the cost of the tooth whitening procedure.

Do teeth whiteners damage tooth enamel? Studies of whitening products using 10% carbamide peroxide showed little to no effect on the hardness or mineral content of a tooth's enamel surface.

Do teeth whiteners damage existing dental restorations? Over 10 years of clinical use of whitening products containing 10% carbamide peroxide have not shown any damage to existing fillings. The issue is not "damage" to existing restorations; rather, keep in mind that existing restorations such as tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bonding, veneers, and bridges do not lighten. This means that any preexisting dental work may need to be replaced to match the new tooth shade achieved in the natural teeth, should a bleaching process proceed.

Do teeth whiteners damage a tooth's nerve? There's no evidence to date that the tooth whitening process has a harmful effect on the health of a tooth's nerve. One study reported that at both a 4.5 and 7-year follow up, no individual who used a tooth whitening system needed a root canal procedure on any teeth that had been whitened.

tooth bleaching process

Turn off the Light on Teeth Whitening

Norwegian scientists have demonstrated that light sources often used as part of the tooth bleaching process do not contribute to the effectiveness of the process and may pose possible health risks.

Tooth bleaching is becoming a popular way to remove stains on the teeth caused by smoking, red wine, tea and coffee, in an attempt to achieve a Hollywood smile. The process used by dentists to bleach teeth involves applying an oxidising agent to the teeth and in some cases a light source is then shone onto the teeth.

UV-illuminated teeth Tooth bleaching is becoming a popular way to remove stains on the teeth caused by smoking, red wine, tea and coffee.

Ellen Bruzell from the Nordic Institute of Dental Materials, Haslum, and colleagues, measured the effectiveness of teeth bleaching using seven different commercially available products, with and without using light sources. The claim that light-assisted tooth bleaching is more efficient than ordinary bleaching has not been substantiated in the literature, explains Bruzell. She says that they found a 'lack of additional whitening effect when light is used compared to bleaching without light'.

The team also demonstrated that for the majority of the light sources tested, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to during the bleaching process poses a risk of damage to the skin and eyes if proper protection is not used. Thomas Attin, an expert in preventative and restorative dentistry from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, comments that this study is very interesting and says that 'the aspect that the light sources used for bleaching may cause some risks (not only to the teeth) is new.'

Bruzell also found an increase in exposed perichymata (grooves on the surface of the tooth enamel) on the bleached teeth compared to unbleached control teeth, showing that the tooth bleaching process removes part of the pellicle that covers the enamel's surface, making the teeth more vulnerable to mechanical stress.

Bruzell says she is now carrying out a study on the effectiveness of first time tooth bleaching. Future work may also include investigating the effects of optical radiation on oral tissue and looking into the adverse effects of repetitive tooth bleaching, she adds.

Alexandra Haywood

Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening Procedures

Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening Procedures by Alice Campbell

Most cosmetic dentists offer teeth whitening services. There is no dearth of cosmetic dentists around the world.

Teeth Whitening Procedures: Features

But with regular eating habits and diet, the stains may resurface again and you might have to go in for the teeth whitening treatment once again.

Bleaching Method

Laser Method

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