HIGH-TECH TOOLS FOR YOUR TEETH
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Oral care is non-negotiable, and comprehensive mouth maintenance has been linked to overall health. “So many people are concerned about diet and exercise, yet they fail to take proper care of their teeth and gums,†explains cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Kantor of Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor in New York City. “There’s a definitive connection between gum disease and higher rates of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and more. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body, and it’s never too late to start,†he says.
In addition to brushing twice a day, you should be flossing and using an antiseptic rinse once a day, and Dr. Kantor also offers these tips for maxi
PRO VS FAUX: TEETH WHITENING
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A mega-watt smile seems to be high on everyone’s list. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), teeth whitening procedures are the most requested service at cosmetic dentists offices today.
“A bright smile is often the first impression of someone and symbolizes beauty, health, youth, and success,†says Indiana-based dentist Jeffrey Stolarz, DDS.  As we age, teeth start to discolor and turn shades of yellow and gray from food and beverages that cause staining such as coffee, tea, cola, red wine, berries, and tobacco. “Teeth naturally wear over time as well. The brighter, more translucent enamel may thin, revealing the darker, more opaque d
MAKE YOUR SMILE IONIC
(Post Sponsored by Syneron Beauty)
Cabernet, Diet Coke, and skinny lattes are the enemies of white teeth. So what’s a girl to do? The Ionic Pearl is a whole new kind of teeth whitening system that you can use at home – without the sensitivity of other methods.
The Pearl is the first and only teeth whitening system to use revolutionary patented ionic technology. This breakthrough system uses gentle micro-current to activate the enamel-safe Ionic Whitening Gel, erasing years of stains embedded in your teeth. See your smile get to its whitest white in just 5 days with no sensitivity. The Ionic Pearl Teeth Whitening System is FDA-cleared. In a clinical study, participants saw whiten teeth
20 DAYS TO A BRIGHTER SMILE
Crest has certainly made teeth whitening easy with its line of 3D Whitestrips. Consumers and dentists alike praise the virtues of these little plastic strips as a reasonable-priced alternative to expensive professional whitening. The newest addition to the Whitestrips lineup is called Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips ($49.99) and promises to remove over 10 years of set-in stains in just 20 days.
With seven different options to choose from, picking the right Whitestrips treatment can be a bit confusing. A 1-5 rating system in terms of intensity and whitening power helps. Those with sensitive teeth will do better with choosing an option on the low end of the scale. 3D White Gentle Routine Whitestrips are formulated for people who are sensitive to whitening and offers a concentration that gradually whitens teeth. On the other end of the scale is the 3D White Intensive Professional Effects Whitestrips, which carries a 5 rating, and is said to create professional-level whitening in just 7 days.
The new 3D White Professional Effects is rated a 4 and is formulated to be worn for 30 minutes for 20 days. I’ve been using these strips for the past week and haven’t felt any sensitivity at all. Better yet, I’m already seeing my teeth get whiter. Another BITB writer tried the Intensive Professional Effects and found that this more potent alternative made her teeth tingle and her gums feel sensitive.
Whitestrips have come a long way since the days of flimsy strips that didn’t stay in place. The new Professional Effects features a wider, thicker strip that stays in place easily—you can even drink water while wearing it. Most if not all of the other Whitestips options have these new improved strips as well.
I’ve tried professional whitening at a dentist’s office and found the experience expensive and disappointing. The cost of the treatment ranges from $350 to $550 and requires maintenance with an at-home bleaching kit, which is a lot messier than the simple Whitestrips.
“Many times I will ask patients if they whiten their teeth and they will tell me they use Whitestrips and I am pleasantly surprised because their results look as if they had their teeth professionally whitened,†stated NYC dentist Nancy Rosen.
Most smiles can be brightened, but the strips won’t whiten veneers or crowns. In addition, “people with a grayish hue don’t bleach as well as other hues like yellow or brown,†said Dr. Rosen.
Unfortunately, my own teeth are not naturally pearly white. I see a lot of Whitestrips in my future.
FINAL VERDICT: RDW (Run Don’t Walk)
BY WAY OF: GIFTED
Would you buy it again? YES
Would you recommend it to a friend? YES
