What brand of whitening strips work the best? I live in Georgia and I have yellowish teeth that I like to have whiten but can not afford to have a dentist whiten my teeth. I have never tried using whiten strips that you can get in the store and would like to know which brand of whiting strips work the best and any other information you think will be helpful. Thank you

Wanting whiter teeth in New York:  I have yellowish teeth and I really want to have them whiten up.  However the dental insurance plan I have now does not offer teeth whitening treatments and my dentist wants $250.00 to whiten my teeth which is a little to pricey for me.

I would like to know if you offer a dental plan that can help me reduce the cost of whiten treatment.  If not can any one suggest a good teeth whiten product that I can get and do myself?  I just want something affordable and that really works.  No point in spending $50 on a teeth whitening product to save money if  it does not work.

Multiflexdental.com announced today that their dental insurance indemnity plans were now available in 45 states. Indemnity dental insurance is true insurance and not a discount dental plan that is offered by most of the dental web sites on the internet. The Multiflex dental plans offer the insured good dental benefits while not having to close a network dentist. One can choose any dentist they want said Dr. David Blunt, while offering low monthly premium payments.

For more information see: MultiflexDental.com

Some families are considering alternative teeth whitening options instead of buying expensive commercial products. Some studies have suggested one can whiten their teeth buy combining 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1/2 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in a small glass of water while brushing the teeth for 5 minutes with the mixture. Make sure you thoroughly rinse and do not do this more than two times a month.

Why are my teeth sensitive after using a teeth whitener?

You need to use extreme caution when using teeth whiteners. Over exposure to sensitive gums and teeth by the acids in the whitening agents eat into the gums and teeth. Sometimes this process may damage the teeth. The sensitivity is usually temporary, lasting only for a couple of days.

Can teeth whitening be harmful to the teeth and gums?

Teeth whitening can cause damage to the gums and teeth. Many over the counter whitening products and dentists use a hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide base solution to whiten teeth. These acidic chemicals can destroy the gums and enamel of the teeth. A tooth with a crack or cavity is more susceptible to damage and may even require a root canal.

My teeth are translucent blue in color after whitening. Why?

Over bleaching can lead to a permanent translucent blue appearance on the teeth. A cosmetic dentist can help correct this discoloration by applying veneers or a bonding agent to the teeth which can be an expensive dental procedure. Finally, the teeth can become more vulnerable to stains since the chemicals remove a protective layer on the teeth call the pellicle.

I hope this information on teeth whitening has helped you and your family…
Dr. David Blunt

Dental insurance plan help and information – InsuranceCompany.com is a specialist in dental insurance, dental discount plans, vision and prescription coverage programs for individuals, families and groups. We have been serving the dental community since 1983, you will find our licensed dental insurance agents are well informed and ready to assist you.

Compare dental insurance plans and decide which one is right for you and your family. Many of our dental plans have next day benefits including vision and prescription. InsuranceCompany.com offers quotes for individual and family dental insurance plans including an option to compare dental national coverage plans. Remember, buying dental insurance does not have to be a painful process. We offer dental benefit coverage in all 50 states.

Will sealants replace fluoride for cavity protection?

No. Fluorides, such as those used in toothpaste, mouth rinse, and community water supplies also help to prevent decay, but in a different way. Sealants keep germs and food particles out of the grooves by covering them with a safe plastic coating. Sealants and fluorides work together to prevent tooth decay.

Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. The process is short and easy. After the tooth is cleaned, a special gel is placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. The tooth is then washed off and dried. Then, the sealant is painted on the tooth. The dentist or dental hygienist also may shine a light on the tooth to help harden the sealant. It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield.

Permanent molars are the most likely to benefit from sealants. The first molars usually come into the mouth when a child is about 6 years old. Second molars appear at about age 12. It is best if the sealant is applied soon after the teeth have erupted, before they have a chance to decay.

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from tooth decay by keeping germs and food particles out of these grooves.

I need braces  but my dentist says not now

My dentist says that I have to lose all my baby teeth before I can have braces.  They baby teeth I have left are not even lose.  What can I do about this?  I want braces now not when I am in my thirties.  I know you are not supposed to just take out your own baby teeth but the dentist is not leaving me much choice.

So if anyone has any advice please go ahead and answer.  However if you are just going to tell me not to do it and to wait then do not bother cause you are waisting my time.

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This will be a review of Encore dental insurance plan, which is underwritten by Stonebridge Life Insurance Company. Encore dental is a Preferred provider organization (PPO) insurance. First let me address what a PPO is.

Encore Dental Insurance Plan Summary

A PPO plan allows a particular group of patients to receive dental care from a specific panel of dentists. The participating dentist agrees to charge less than usual fees providing savings to you the patient. If the patient chooses to see a dentist who is not designated as a “preferred provider”, that patient may be required to pay a greater share of the fee-for-service.

How the PPO Works

A group of dentists agrees to provide services at a deeply discounted rate, giving you substantial savings — as long as you stay in their network. Unlike the more restrictive Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO), you can go outside of network and still receive reduced dental benefits. Some typical features of these plans would be an annual dollar cap, deductibles, waiting periods, and claim forms.

About Stonebridge Life Insurance Company

Stonebridge Life insurance company, an AEGON company, is part of one of the world’s largest insurance organizations. Stonebridge offers a tradition of quality and value by striving to provide a high level of customer claims services. For over 40 years Stonebridge has been serving millions of satisfied customers.

Stonebridge Life is currently A+ rated company as of 6/18/2008 (Superior 2nd of 16) for financial strength by A.M. Best Company, which is one of the most respected independent analysts of the insurance industry.

About the Encore Plans

Stonebridge has three Encore plan choices. All three of which let you choose your own dentist or pick one of their dental plan providers. Depending on which plan you select an annual maximum benefit or waiting period may apply.

I will post an additional review of this plan shortly. In the meantime find the dental plan that is right for you at InsuranceCompany.com

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The Best Ways to Whiten Your Smile

Teeth whitening has become all the rage nowadays, have a nice smile is important and having a whiter smile because you took some extra steps is always a plus to those you’re trying to impress. Brushing your teeth with a whitening toothpaste is the most basic step to achieving a dazzling smile, if you want to try a more elaborate method there are a few that will cater to your request.

First you’ll need to look at your daily intake of dark liquids, coffee, tea; soft drinks and smoking can discolor your teeth. If you want to whiten your teeth back to their original brightness then you’ll have to limit your vices.

One way to make sure that your teeth are not exposed to any of the afore mentioned stain bandits is to drink your favorite coffee, tea or soft drink through a straw, this allows the liquid to bypass your teeth. This might be something you’ll want to do after you begin whitening your teeth so you can keep the brightness at a maximum.

If you want to spend a little more money on teeth whitening procedures that are faster then there are a few options available. There are home kits that contain whitening strips; it seems each company that toothpaste on the market has an addendum to their product.

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Some boast that they can whiten your teeth at least three to four shades brighter, the main ingredient is baking soda and peroxide; if those are listed on the box then you’ll probably get what you pay for. Some whitening strips do cause teeth sensitivity, I used some and it was too much for me, I’ve opted to stay with the whitening toothpaste.

If you have children, you may prefer a plan that allows a pediatric dentist to be your child’s primary care dentist. Since specialized treatment is generally more costly than routine care, some plans discourage the use of specialists. While many general practitioners are qualified to perform some specialized services, complex procedures often require the skills of a dentist with special training. Discuss the options with your dentist before deciding who is best qualified to deliver treatment.

See BabyDental.com as they seem to specialize in finding pediatric dental care.

Preferred Provider Organizations

Another true insurance plan, a Preferred provider organizations ( PPO) falls somewhere between an indemnity plan and a dental HMO. This plan allows a particular group of patients to receive dental care from a defined panel of dentists. The participating dentist agrees to charge less than usual fees to this specific patient base, providing savings for the plan purchaser.

If the patient chooses to see a dentist who is not designated as a “preferred provider,” that patient may be required to pay a greater share of the fee-for-service.  A group of dentists agrees to provide services at a deeply discounted rate, giving you substantial savings — as long as you stay in their network. Unlike the more restrictive DHMO, though, you can go out of network and still receive some benefits. Some typical features of these plans:

• Monthly premiums

• Annual dollar cap

• You must stay within the approved network of dentists or pay higher deductibles and co-payments

• Your average monthly cost: $25+

• Companies selling these plans are regulated by state insurance departments.

Here is the problem with buying products on line. People tend to only read part of what the offer is. I went to their web site. All you have to do is click on the terms and conditions link to review how you need to cancel the product with in 10 days of ordering your free trail. If you do not you will be charged for the product. This is not a scam what is it is a lack of reading. If you are going to buy products on line you have to have some responsibility to know what it is that you are buying. I truly hope that this will show people that you need to read all the information that is provided to you regardless  of what it is you are buying.

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[starrating template_id=4 hide_empty=0]I like Listerine. However,  make sure you are not using to much fluoride. Whit fluoride in tooth paste and many other products,  you want to be careful of not having to much fluoride.  Fluoride is toxic and can harm you if you take in to much of  it.  If you are unsure of this speak to your dentist they can advise you of what they feel would be good products to use with out having to much fluoride.

Well it does seem that we may care about whiten our teeth to the point of over kill. Just brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste use the kind that has whiting in it if you like.

Unless you are going to make a life stile change it is not worth spending money getting them white by buying expensive products or beaching at the dentist. Whiting you teeth does not keep them white you need to stop doing all the things that stain them in the first place.

Stop drinking any thing that can stain your teeth coffee, tea, soda etc. Also you would need to brush right after eating and no smoking. If you don’t change what you are doing to stain them in the first place, it would be like dieing you hair every time your roots grow in.

And whiting your teeth that much will in the long term do more damage.

It will normally take about a day or two to get better. Your mouth heals faster then a cut on your body does. Just use mouth wash to kill germs. This may sting a little but it will help it heal faster.

Try using floss.  Floss is designed to remove food particles that are caught between our teeth that a toothbrush was unable to remove.  This should also work with your problem. You may want to try quiting the fingernail biting  to avoid this from happening again.

Look at it this way you have a nine day free trail period. If you see that it is working well for you why not buy another box to complete the full treatment. I would think that you should be able to see some results with in the nine day time period you have.