Laser whitening is a teeth whitening technique in which gums are covered with a rubber dam and a bleaching chemical is applied to the teeth. A beam of argon laser, which is intended to accelerate the process of bleaching, is then projected upon the teeth. This laser activates the bleaching chemical and lightens the teeth colour. Laser whitening is said to be six times more effective in teeth whitening compared to other procedures.

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Strips and gels

The plastic whitening strips contain a thin layer of peroxide gel and are shaped to fit the buccal/labial surfaces of teeth. Many different types of whitening strips are available on the market, after being introduced in the late 1980s. Specific whitening strip products have their own set of instructions however the strips are typically applied twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. In several days, tooth colour can lighten by 1 or 2 shades.The tooth whitening endpoint does depend on the frequency of use and ingredients of the product.

Whitening gels are applied onto the tooth surface with a small brush. The gels contain peroxide and are recommended to be applied twice a day for 14 days. The tooth whitening endpoint is like that of the whitening strips.

Rinses

Whitening rinses work by reaction of the oxygen sources such as hydrogen peroxide within the rinse and the chromogens on or within the tooth It is recommended to use twice a day, rinsing for one minute. To see an improvement in shade colour, it can take up to three months.

Toothpastes

Whitening toothpaste differs from regular toothpaste in that they contain higher amounts of abrasives and detergents to be more effective at removing tougher stains Some whitening toothpaste contain low concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide which help lighten tooth colour however they do not contain bleach With continuity of use over time, tooth colour can lighten by one or two shades.

Tray-base

Tray-based tooth whitening is achieved by wearing a fitted tray containing carbamide peroxide bleaching gel overnight or for two to four hours a day. If the manufacturer’s instructions are followed, tooth whitening can occur within three days and lighten teeth by one or two shades.This type of tooth whitening is available over-the-counter and professionally from an oral health professional.

Baking sod

Baking soda is a safe, low abrasive, and effective stain removal and tooth whitening toothpaste. Tooth whitening toothpaste that has excessive abrasivity is harmful to dental tissue, therefore baking soda is a desirable alternative. To date, clinical studies on baking soda report that there have been no reported adverse effects. It also contains acid-buffering components that make baking soda biologically antibacterial at high concentrations and capable of preventing the growth of Streptococcus mutants. Baking soda might be useful for caries-prone patients as well as those who wish to have whiter teeth

Indications

Tooth whitening may be undertaken for a variety of reasons, but whitening may also be recommended to some individuals by dental professionals.

• Intrinsic tooth staining
• Aesthetics
• Dental fluorosis
• Endodontic treatment (internal bleaching)
• Tetracycline staining

Pierre Fauchard of France is often referred to as the “father of modern dentistry” for being the first to publish a scientific textbook (1728) on the techniques and practices of dentistry. Over time, trained dentists immigrated from Europe to the Americas to practice dentistry, and by 1760, America had its own native-born practicing dentists. Newspapers were used at the time to advertise and promote dental services. In America from 1768 to 1770 the first application of dentistry to verify forensic cases was being pioneered; this was called forensic dentistry. With the rise of dentists there was also the rise of new methods to improve the quality of dentistry. These new methods included the spinning wheel to rotate a drill and chairs made specifically for dental patients.

In the 1840s the world’s first dental school and national dental organization were established. Along with the first dental school came the establishment of the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, often referred to as a DDS degree. In response to the rise in new dentists as well as dentistry techniques, the first dental practice act was established to regulate dentistry. In the United States, the First Dental Practice Act required dentists to pass each specific state medical board exam in order to practice dentistry in that particular state. However, because the dental act was rarely enforced, some dentists did not obey the act. From 1846 to 1855 new dental techniques were being invented such as the use of ester anesthesia for surgery, and the cohesive gold foil method which enabled gold to be applied to a cavity. The American Dental Association was established in 1859 after a meeting with 26 dentists. Around 1867, the first university-associated dental school was established, Harvard Dental School. Lucy Hobbs Taylor was the first woman to earn a dental degree.

In the 1880s, tube toothpaste was created which replaced the original forms of powder or liquid toothpaste. New dental boards, such as the National Association of Dental Examiners, were created to establish standards and uniformity among dentists. In 1887 the first dental laboratory was established; dental laboratories are used to create dentures and crowns that are specific to each patient. In 1895 the dental X-ray was discovered by a German physicist, Wilhelm Röntgen. was one of the first Black women to graduate from Tufts University Dental School and the first to practice dentistry in the Boston area.

In the 20th century, new dental techniques and technology were invented such as the porcelain crowns (1903), Novocain (a local anesthetic) 1905, precision cast fillings (1907), nylon toothbrushes (1938), (1945), 1950), air-driven dental tools (1957), lasers (1960), electric toothbrushes (1960), and home tooth bleaching kits (1989) were invented. Inventions such as the air driven dental tools ushered in a new high-speed dentistry

Regulations

Depending on the country, all dentists are required to register with their national or local health board, regulators, and a professional indemnity insurance, in order to practice dentistry. In the UK, dentists are required to register with the General Dental Council. In Australia, it is the Dental Board of Australia, while in the United States, dentists are registered according to the individual state board. The main role of a dental regulator is to protect the public by ensuring only qualified dental practitioners are registered, handle any complaints or misconduct and develop national guidelines and standard for dental practitioners to follow

The Upside of Real-Time Payment Adjudication

Real-time payment adjudication with web-based payment portals is enabling dental procedures to be planned for and paid for with greater speed and accuracy than ever before. But far more importantly, there is also increased patient satisfaction.

Patients gain a greater ability to plan and pay for dental procedures because they understand the cost of care up front, which ultimately leads to better retention and an overall more satisfying experience of dental care.

In addition, providers can charge patients for those services that are the patient’s  responsibility on the spot, and they don’t need to chase a patient later for the payment that is due, eliminating losses from unpaid claims.

However, I have learned a surprising thing in my conversations with dental providers. Dentists actually place a higher rank, in terms of value to their business, on the ability to get a real-time, pre-treatment cost estimate over having the capability to get paid right away.

A common scenario that happens regularly is that after diagnosis, a dental patient doesn’t know how much of the cost their insurance is going to pay. So, they delay a decision on treatment until they can find out. Then, the patient leaves the dental office and never comes back for treatment.

One of the biggest challenges that dental providers face is that it is relatively easy for patients to postpone necessary care. Patients regularly make decisions about foregoing dental care based on what it is going to cost them out-of-pocket, unlike in other areas of medicine. In life-saving interventions for ailments like heart disease or cancer, patients don’t wait to begin immediate treatment. Dental patients don’t feel that urgency and generally accept waiting.

This is where the ability to provide a real-time cost estimate while the patient is still in the office is so valuable for dental providers. It cuts down on the number of visits, and the amount of patient outreach required, before a patient decides on treatment—and that has a massive impact on a provider’s business.

If a dental provider has the capability to provide real-time cost estimation, patients will know the cost their payer will provide up front, as well their out-of-pocket cost for the treatment prescribed, and can make a more informed and quicker decision while the medical diagnosis is top of mind.

Greater Connectivity Is Long Overdue

We envision a future of greater connectivity and interoperability of data in the dental industry, where payers receive instant and regular feedback from members about the overall experience of dental care and gain valuable information for their business about providers. Members can benefit from tools like mobile apps that deliver convenient access to plan information and provide a communication channel between member and payer.

To further connectivity between providers, payers, state agencies, suppliers, and third-party administrators, we are investing in a platform built to bring these dental stakeholders together to solve problems and change how business gets done in the dental industry.

Technology that allows for a comprehensive view of all of the data about a member and a patient’s history is critical. When dental providers consult patients, they can readily leverage a complete, accurate, and up-to-date record of an individual’s medical history, including past treatments, x-rays, and even prescriptions.

Getting all of that data out of a particular dental provider’s office and into a single medical record that is easily shared between providers, payers, and patients would be another significant step toward digital transformation within the dental industry.

Tooth extraction is something every one will experience.

When baby teeth need removal for children under 6 years old: it is most important that your child is treated by child friendly clinician with plenty of experience with younger kids. Therefore a more experienced Dental Therapist and Oral Health Therapist are one of the best to do this procedure, to keep that a nicer experience for you and your child.

When a tooth need extraction, a General Dentist will remove that tooth, the mission is removal of that tooth. The preservation of the “alveolar bone” is not a priority.

A tooth extraction often damage alveolar bone. This bone is there to support future dental implant should patient like to have tooth there again.
For an adult after teeth removed, “alveolar bone” will dissolve as their main function is to support teeth for normal function, which is eating.

When tooth extraction performed by an Implant Dentist, he will more likely to preserve the “alveolar bone”. Implant Dentist will have special technique and equipment to remove teeth with less trauma, and preserve the jaw bone. Do tell the Implant Dentist if you are thinking of getting Dental Implant in the near future, as he could also do “Socket Preservation” which involve putting bone graft materials and a collagen membrane/plug to the socket, allows way better healing of the jaw bone.

10 Ways to Improve Your Smile

Keep your natural sheen

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. A healthy smile isn’t always achieved overnight but takes a variety of methods to help create and maintain. Here are 10 easy things you can do to help improve the appearance and health of your teeth.

Floss daily

Flossing removes plaque between teeth and out from under the gumlines, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Daily flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. When left alone, plaque and tartar build-up under the surface of the gumlines. This can cause periodontal disease, which leads to bone destruction and tooth loss.

To floss properly, wrap the floss tightly around your finger and insert it in the space between your teeth. Gently slide it up and down under the gumlines two to three times. If bleeding occurs, this is most likely due to gingivitis or gum disease. When flossing daily, the bleeding associated with mild to moderate gingivitis usually stops after about two weeks.

If you just can’t stand flossing, try an oral irrigator. This device sprays water or mouthwash to remove plaque and food between your teeth and below your gumline.

See your hygienist twice a year

Having routine cleanings every six months helps to promote good oral health and a beautiful smile. When your cleanings are irregular, you can develop periodontal disease. This can cause unsightly swollen, receding, and bleeding gums. It’s also linked to health conditions like heart attack, stroke, diabetes, obesity, premature births, and sleep apnea.

In addition to removing stains and tartar from your teeth, your dental hygienist will also screen for health conditions like high blood pressure and oral cancer. Because many health conditions manifest themselves in the mouth, your dentist and hygienist can make you aware of issues that you should follow up on with your doctor.

Give up smoking

Smoking causes staining to your teeth. The stain from smoke is sometimes a superficial stain that can be polished off, but it can also soak deep into the enamel.

Smoking also damages healthy gums, causing them to recede and develop large pockets around the teeth. This makes teeth appear longer and creates dark spaces between them. Smoking also makes it very difficult to reverse gum disease.

Limit your coffee, tea, and red wine

Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine are known for staining teeth. Similar to smoking, these drinks can build up a superficial stain that your dentist or hygienist can polish off. But they can also cause internal staining of your tooth enamel.

Drinking through a straw can help reduce the strain on your teeth and may help reduce the risk of tooth decay. It can also help to rinse your mouth frequently with water so the dark liquid does not sit on your teeth for a long period between meals.

Choose your whitening products carefully

Depending on your needs, there are a variety of whitening products available: gel pens, rinses, toothpastes, strips, over-the-counter trays, custom trays, and laser whitening. While the choices can be overwhelming, each type can have specific benefits that help you target problem areas. Whitening toothpastes and rinses are good for coffee and tea drinkers. Gel pens are good for touching up small areas, like a tooth that has shifted back and collects more stain. Custom trays and laser whitening provide professional-strength whitening and offer the most dramatic

Drink plenty of water

Water is the healthiest drink for your smile and your body. It helps flush teeth clean and discourages tooth decay. Tap water is the best choice as it has the recommended dosage of fluoride. Many times bottled water comes from a source where the fluoride levels are not monitored or contain no fluoride at all. A healthy level of fluoride promotes tooth health and discourages decay.

Frequent consumption of acidic or sugary drinks can increase decay rates dramatically. Athletes are quickly becoming an at-risk group as the effects of sports drinks take a toll on their teeth.

Improve your other health conditions

Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and bruxism (also known as teeth grinding) can all affect the health and appearance of your smile. When the body is strained by one health condition, it’s more difficult to treat another.

Rather than covering up symptoms, you can help improve your health through preventive methods. Eating right and getting enough exercise can dramatically improve the appearance of your body, teeth, and gums.