Everyone wants whiter teeth these days, what with plastic surgery, gyms, tanning salons, and so forth making it possible for an average person to look like a movie star. It's possible, of course, to achieve such whiteness in a natural way, that is, by brushing and caring for your teeth; but even then your teeth may be a shade or two off; and probably you want your teeth to become white sooner rather than later.
    This trend has meant that teeth whitening systems have sprung up by the dozens overnight. Go to your pharmacy, go to your local grocery store, and you'll see them lining the walls beside the toothbrushes and toothpaste. Which to choose? What is this chemical, and why doesn't that particular tooth whitening system use it when that one does? Why all the different ingredients? These questions, and more, swirl round and round the brain of the shopper for off the shelf tooth whitening systems.
    This leads us to the advantages of dentist teeth whitening systems. What are the advantages of dentist teeth whitening systems? Don't they cost more? Aren't they more complicated?
    It's true that it's going to be more expensive to get a tooth whitening system from your dentist than it is to get one from your local grocery store. You're paying for the visit, sometimes a cleaning, and so forth, on top of the system itself. Some dentists offer package deals, where the checkup is included in the price of the tooth whitening system; but still, it's more expensive.
    On the other hand, think of what you're paying for. The advantages of dentist teeth whitening systems are similar to those of going to a doctor when you need stitches, as opposed to doing it yourself with store-bought thread and needles. OK, that example may be a little extreme, but you get the point. You're talking about your teeth here, after all. Your teeth aren't quite the same thing as your hair-their main purpose of teeth isn't your beautification. The main purpose of your teeth is to crunch, grind, and chew food, and believe me when I say that if your teeth are miserable your life is as well.
    Therefore, the first advantage of choosing a dentist teeth whitening system is the safety, happiness, and health of your teeth. When you choose a dentist teeth whitening system you can rest assured that you're in good hands. When you choose a dentist teeth whitening system, you're choosing a dentist as well. When you choose a dentist teeth whitening system over a store-bought teeth whitening system you're really making the best possible choice.   
Another advantage of choosing a dentist teeth whitening system is quality. The quality of dentist teeth whitening systems is much higher than thought of store-bought teeth whitening systems. In some cases the process may be a little slower, but slowness, when it comes to tooth whitening, means evenness. You want your teeth to be white all over, not splotchy; you want them to be white and not some yellowish off-white color.
Again, a dentist teeth whitening system is gentler on your teeth because the chemicals are applied under professional supervision. Remember, all tooth whitening systems are basically using chemicals that wear away at your teeth. The yellowish layers are eaten away, revealing the whiter ones beneath. YOU MAY WANT TO THINK SERIOUSLY BEFORE PUTTING ACID, HOWEVER MILD, INTO YOUR MOUTH WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE. Ah, professional guidance-one of the many advantages of choosing dentist teeth whitening systems over something you pick up while shopping for groceries.

The rage these days (or, rather, one of the many rages these days) seems to be the procurement and maintenance of whiter and whiter teeth. Everyone wants that Hollywood smile, everyone wants too look like a movie star and have a smile like an unexpected gleam of starlight. It's a perfectly understandable desire, considering how attractive a white smile is. We've all seen those people who are attractive in every single way but one-their teeth. Like those old British film actors who were so gorgeous and suave and then they laughed and everyone left the theatre. The guy they thought was a silver-tongued ladies' man turned out, on closer inspection, to be a werewolf. Etc.!
    OK, we've established the fact that white teeth are attractive. They're like the last, small, crucial element in your ideal image of yourself. To use one more analogy, have you ever been to the opera (or something) and seen one of those guys who's dressed to the nines, I mean he's in this stunning suit, he ripples when he walks, it's like he was born in the suit, it's as natural and smooth and fitted as his tanned skin, and then you look down and see a pair of old scuffy wingtips that curl up at the toes like something an elf would wear? And the whole image collapses, the mirror shatters, the illusion vanishes in a puff of smoke? Suddenly he's this sort of hapless, pathetic guy who got lucky when he decided to overspend on a suit, never realizing that an ensemble, to be effective, has to also be complete?
    These days, people are thinking of their teeth as snazzy dressers think of their shoes.
    Alright, that said, let's consider the question of off the shelf tooth whitening systems. How should you choose an off the shelf tooth whitening system? Which off the shelf tooth whitening systems are safe? Which off the shelf tooth whitening systems will actually damage my teeth? Are expensive off the shelf tooth whitening systems expensive for a reason? Are generic off the shelf teeth whitening systems generic for a reason? Can I use an off the shelf tooth whitening system as often as I'd use one prescribed by my dentist? And so on. The questions whirl around one.
    BECAUSE, of course, your teeth are for more than just beauty. You have to be able to eat. You don't want to whiten your teeth in the name of beauty only to discover later than they're now hypersensitive, brittle, and in danger of falling out altogether. That would be an irony indeed.
    The first thing to know when considering off the shelf tooth whitening systems is that you'll want to get the best and soundest advice possible. And who's the most likely to give you sound advice regarding off the shelf tooth whitening systems? That's right, your dentist, or a dentist. Before buying and using an off the shelf tooth whitening system, try to see a dentist. Get his or her opinion first. Off the shelf tooth whitening systems can be used effectively, but more often than not people misuse them to the detriment of their teeth. They're too eager for a white smile, they use the off the shelf tooth whitening systems too often or too intensely. Or, they use the wrong ones. Some off the shelf tooth whitening systems are about as subtle as acid. So, go see a dentist before spreading that stuff on your teeth. Don't give yourself a homemade facelift, in other words, before conferring with a plastic surgeon.
    The second general tip about choosing off the shelf tooth whitening systems has to do with research. When choosing amongst off the shelf tooth whitening systems, you need to do your homework. Thank heaven, then, for the Internet! The Internet teems with reviews of off the shelf tooth whitening systems. Learn about the experiences of other consumers with Product X before you try to use Product X yourself. Find out which off the shelf tooth whitening systems are most popular, and find out the reasons why.
    This combination, professional advice mixed with the testimonials of fellow consumers, should give you a great foundation on which to start exploring the question of off the shelf tooth whitening systems.

Whitening your teeth, do the off the shelf teeth whitening systems really work? That mostly depends on the reason your teeth are less than pearly white, and how dark they are. The reason that there is a limit to the amount the off the shelf whitening systems work, is because it depends on the amount of peroxide that is used in the product. The maximum allowed is 6%.

Depending on the darkness and reason your teeth are no longer white, will make the difference in whether you should decide to go with a home teeth whitening kit from the store, or if it would be more effective to go through the dentist.

The products that you purchase off the shelf do tend to have a good result on slightly darker teeth, up to about three shades, and it does last for a few months in most cases. However the process usually has to be reapplied more often than the whitening system at the dentist.

Here are a list of s few of the home teeth whitening kits from off the shelf and what they result is they are getting.

Crest White Strips: Cost $25, convenience and use are easy, simply put the strips on your teeth twice a day for thirty minutes. Then you are on your way to whiter teeth. These seem to have the best result as far as whitening. The biggest downfall to these is that they make you drool, so this is a product that is best used at home and not out and about or at work.

Colgate Simply White Night: Cost $15, whitening happens while you sleep. Simply brush on the whitening product and leave on your teeth through the night. This product does not need to be rinsed off. The brush works well with uneven teeth or hard to reach places.

Aqua Fresh White Trays: Cost $35, with the flexible tray it is easy to apply, there is a clean fresh taste and is safe for enamel. Apply for 30-40 minutes from 5-7 days.

The teeth whitening products that you purchase off the shelves in your drug store, dentist office, or grocery store, will work to some extent. The lightening affect is usually three shades for the home off the shelf lightening systems.

However, it is important to know why your teeth are darker in color then you can know what it is going to take to get them white again.

Teeth become darker in color, for several reasons. Here are a few of those reasons.
To much fluoride in the water
Smoking
Coffee and tea
Age
Tannic acid
Roots in the teeth dying due to impact
Decay and cavities

It is always a good idea to have your checkup done to make sure there is no decay or cavities causing the less white teeth.

The most common methods that are used for whitening teeth are with peroxide. Peroxide based tooth whitening is usually less harmful to your enamel on your teeth. Though, there may be some side effects. Sensitive gums, tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, in extreme cases burns, or sores.

The whitening systems that are used through your dentist are faster, more effective, and last longer. They are also more effective on teeth that are very dark or more that three shades darker. Also, if there is decay or cavities, it is important to make sure you have a dentist fix these problems, because whitening you teeth will not create a healthier smile that will last you for many years.

However, for a beautiful smile that you can make from home, there are many off the shelf products that for a lower price can assist your dentist to create a beautiful smile. Whiter teeth are a boost to your self-esteem, try some tooth whitening and see how it makes you feel.

Although the history of dental hygiene can be dated back for centuries, the process of whitening teeth has really advanced over the past few years.  Many people want to lighten the color of their teeth to look younger, healthier and more attractive.  There are many causes of teeth discoloration, the biggest factors being age and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, berries, etc.  Also, during tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may contribute to tooth discoloration

Teeth whitening has become more and more popular over the years as methods have become more affordable for the average American.  There are several different methods used to whiten teeth.  There are dentist dispensed at-home products, laser tooth whitening methods, loaded tray teeth whitening methods and in-office whitening methods.

Zoom tooth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of your teeth by combining a tooth whitener and a bleaching light.  The Zoom system uses a hydrogen peroxide-based tooth whitener which is the active ingredient.  It comes prepackaged as two individual components, a hydrogen peroxide gel and a proprietary "activator."  These two components are mixed together at the time of application to form a working gel that the dentist applies to your teeth. 

The Zoom system then uses a mercury metal halide light. The light of somehow activates some aspect of the Zoom tooth whitener to enhance its whitening effect.  As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin and bleaches the discolored substances.  The Zoom light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.

The Zoom light has a filter that helps to minimize the amount of heat generated at the surface of the teeth during the whitening treatment.  When the light is in position, it is able to illuminate all of the teeth being treated, both upper and lower simultaneously.  Evaluations have shown that the Zoom bleaching light does not create a significant temperature change in the patient's teeth during the bleaching treatment.  This is a huge bonus for patients because heat is usually what causes the most sensitivity during treatments.

The whole process of Zoom teeth whitening takes less than an hour.  That is, unless you get a cleaning first, which is usually recommended.  The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by 45 minutes of bleaching.  Each whitening session is broken down into three 15 minute applications of whitener, for a cumulative exposure time of 45 minutes. Pre and post treatment preparations and activities round the total treatment time up to a little over an hour.   Post treatment consists of an application of fluoride.  You will then by given teeth whitening treatments with a whitener to take home and continue the process at home.

Side effects may include sensitivity during the treatment due to the minimal heat produced by the light.  However, you can expect to experience sensitivity with any teeth whitening product.  This is because when you whiten your teeth, you open up little "pores" on your tooth's surface which can create sensitivity with intensity that varies from person to person.  On some occasions, tingling sensations or sharp pains are experienced immediately after the procedure, but usually go away within a few hours to a few days.  You can ask your dentist to supply you with anti-sensitivity toothpaste for use prior to and after the treatment to alleviate sensitivity.

The effects that Zoom has on your teeth are that it makes your teeth significantly lighter.  Although you may experience discoloration again after having the procedure done, your teeth should never experience the same level of discoloration that they previously had.

Dental hygiene has been around for centuries.  Evidence of dental procedures found on mummies all over the world indicate that people have been concerned about taking care of their teeth for a long time.  However, as technology advances have increased, so have dental procedures.  The average person can now experience white teeth easier and cheaper than ever before. 

Tooth whitening, also called bleaching, is a process of lightening and removing stains from a tooth. This process bleaches the enamel and dentin, the principal mass of a tooth, and brightens the discolored teeth. There are pros and cons to bleaching your teeth though.  Here we will cover some of them for you.  The pros are that:
1.    There are so many methods out there that a teeth whitening method can be found to fit every budget and schedule.  No matter what, there is an option out there for you to help you achieve the brighter, whiter smile you want.  Methods range from inexpensive and convenient over the counter whitening strips to pricey dental whitening treatments.  Some of the other methods are dentist dispensed at-home products, laser tooth whitening methods, loaded tray teeth whitening methods and in-office whitening methods.  Spend a little time researching the different options and consult your dentist to find a method that fits your budget and lifestyle.
2.    Having white teeth can build your confidence in your smile which can reflect in other aspects of your life.  You will come across as more confident and self-assured.  In addition, whiter teeth can make you look younger, minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles and improve your overall appearance.  Teeth bleaching can move you out of the realm of average smile to spectacular smile.
3.    Bleaching teeth is considered the safest of all existing cosmetic procedures.  The common methods of peroxide-based teeth whitening cannot damage your teeth because they don't compromise the structure of the tooth itself. 
4.    Dental quality results can be experienced from your own home and are much cheaper than having a professional whitening done by a dentist.  Although surprising to some, whether using an at-home teeth whitening kit or having a whitening procedure done at the dentist office, you will generally end up with the same results.  The reason most people that choose to have their bleaching done at the dentist's office is simply because results are immediate.  At-home kits usually take a couple of weeks to get the results of one or two dental visits.
5.    Any side effects are temporary and treatable.  Although some people may experience side effects such as teeth sensitivity or gum irritation, these problems will remedy themselves within hours or days and treatment can be administered in the form of sensitive toothpaste in most cases.

Some of the cons that you may experience with teeth whitening include:
1.    Side effects can be experienced such as sensitivity and gum irritation as mentioned above.  When bleaching teeth, the chemicals pierce the enamel in order to bleach it.  This can lead to sensitive teeth but this experience should be only temporary and can be alleviated with sensitive toothpaste.  In most cases, gum irritation is caused by an ill-fitting mouth tray rather than the whitening formula itself, so adjusting the tray may remedy that problem.
2.    Bleaching your teeth is a temporary fix.  Generally, a teeth whitening will last for 6 months to a year.  Heavily pigmented foods such as soy sauce, most varieties of berries, and cherries will stain teeth.  Also, drinks such as coffee, colas and other dark soft drinks, teas and cranberry juice can also cause staining.  An expensive, professional whitening will last longer than a cheaper method such as whitening strips. Many people feel that whitening kits with a custom mouth tray are the most cost effective way to keep teeth white because once you have the tray made you can simply purchase more gel at any time.