Over -The-Counter Teeth Whitening vs Professional Treatments

Many of the companies that produce the professional teeth whitening systems also have over-the-counter (OTC) options available to those who want whiter teeth without visiting a cosmetic dentist.

OTC products will often claim that you get the same results from their method as you could obtain from a professional tooth whitening treatment. This statement, although true in one sense, is very misleading. The idea is that OTC smile whitening products provide the same effect over a longer period of time by using a lower concentration of bleach (5% - 10%). Claims state that professional tooth whitening provides faster results by using a higher concentration of bleach (15% - 30%). This is the difference between repeating the treatment every night for days or weeks, and leaving the dentist office with a noticeably brighter smile after only a single visit.

This may be the truth – but it's not the whole truth. Cosmetic dentists whiten your teeth using a higher concentration of bleach, in conjunction with a laser tooth whitening system, such as Britesmile® or Rembrandt® or ZOOM®. These systems apply a certain light frequency that activates their proprietary bleaching compound to enhance the whitening effect.

The professional laser teeth whitening procedure is one of the most cost and time-effective aesthetic dental procedures available. “For a minimal fee, a patient can enter Dr. Steppler's dental office and walk out less than two hours later with a significantly brighter and whiter smile.”

There are more reasons to choose professional tooth whitening over store-bought tooth bleaching products:

· Those that do not incorporate a tray can have uneven, “blotchy,” results. Saliva can dilute the mixture, or your tongue could wipe away some areas, leaving them untreated.

· Many OTC teeth whitening products contain glycerin, which could dry out your tooth enamel.

· Over-the-Counter systems to whiten teeth often use “whitening strips.” These are good for brightening the front surface of your teeth, but cannot do an adequate job of bleaching the cracks and crevices between teeth. The contrast between a bright, white tooth and the dark grooves between teeth can look like terrible cavities, or wide gaps.

If you are just hoping to lighten the fronts of your teeth a shade or two, over-the-counter tooth whitening products may work as an option. However, if you would like a winning, movie star-bright smile, professional tooth whitening is the only way to go!

Cold and Flu Season Is Here!

Cold and flu season is here yet again. The folks at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Steppler and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Steppler Dental, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Also remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Healthy Smiles Make the New Year Happy!

 
At Steppler Dental, we wish you a happy new year! We all know that an important part of enjoying your life is being healthy and pain-free. And there is great freedom in being able to smile uninhibitedly, proud of the appearance of your teeth and the image you portray to others.

You can count on Dr. Steppler and his team to keep up with the latest and greatest dental technology and provide you with dental care in a kind and caring environment so that you can reach your dental health goals.

In the upcoming year we will be adding informative and interesting blogging to our list of new year resolutions in our practice!  So check back for news worthy dental news and research about a range of dental issues, from the benefits of porcelain veneers for smile makeovers and cosmetic dentistry, replacing missing teeth with bridges or implants, to the benefits of clear braces with Invisalign.

Achieving the smile of your dreams starts one day at a time and we can help you reach those goals. If you have any questions about smile changes, cosmetic dentistry or Invisalign, don't hesitate to call us at 314-965-3500.

Make 2012 the first year in a lifetime of healthy smiles.