The dental industry has made it to the list of the 25 fast growing industries for 2011. This is due to the increasing body of evidence that links poor dental hygiene to serious medical illnesses such as heart diseases, stroke, and diabetes. On the other hand, the increasing concern over personal appearance has also motivated a number of individuals to visit the dental clinic more regularly.  With the recent advancements in dental technology, high-end dentistry gadgets have been developed to make dental procedures efficient and more comfortable. As more and more discoveries are made to improve a variety of dental treatments, dental services become more in demand.

Let’s take at look at the most recent scientific breakthroughs that fuel the public’s desire to visit their dentist soon.

The ability of cancer-causing viruses to affect human saliva glands
The problem with cancer in saliva glands is that there is no symptom unless it’s already in the latter stages. During this time, surgery would be detrimental to the patient’s health and would affect the face. But with the discovery made by the Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, they found out that the CMV virus is what’s causing the cancer of saliva glands.

The implication of this is that today, there is an efficient method to determine your chances of acquiring this type of cancer. Thus, it is advised that you visit a dental clinic and have yourself checked for the presence of CMV, especially if you have a weak immune system. Take note that if left undetected, this virus can trigger the proliferation of cancer cells and/or the exploitation of mutant cells in your body, which may hasten the formation of tumor.

This recent discovery is widely applauded because it paved the way for the creation of better treatment methods and medication.

Proof established between professional tooth scaling and cardiovascular risks
You may have heard that gum diseases can cause cardiovascular problems if left untreated. Before, this information may be difficult to digest because of the lack of scientific proof. However, recently researchers in Taiwan have established a link between these two.

Using statistics, Taiwanese researchers concluded that patients who have their teeth scaled occasionally have a 13% lower risk of stroke and a 24% lower risk of heart diseases compared to those who do not go to a dental clinic for professional dental cleaning. Why? This is because studies show that tooth scaling helps eliminate the bacteria that cause cardiovascular problems and stroke later on.

Proper dental hygiene contributes to weight loss
Here’s another reason why you need to complement your weight loss effort with regular trips to your chosen dental clinic:  good oral hygiene can help contribute to weight loss. When you lose weight, your body sheds off the fat cells that cause the inflammation of your gums. Further researches suggest that how your body responds to non-surgical periodontal treatment relies heavily on your weight loss efforts. So if you are suffering from gum disease and are obese you might be advised to shed off those pounds if you don’t want to go through any surgical solutions.

These discoveries stress the importance of regularly visiting your dental clinic. And because new information is still being added to this list of reasons for seeing a dentist, the dental industry will truly be doing well this year.

If you want to be under the care of the best team of dentists, make an appointment today at Creative Smiles Dental. You may call phone number 504-885-0467 or send an email to creativesmiles1@bellsouth.net.

In case you’re wondering what periodontal disease is, it is another term for gum disease. Periodontal disease is not the same as tooth decay; it is the main culprit of tooth loss in adults. It is brought about by bacterial infection in the gums but can be cured by periodontal therapy. There are several periodontal procedures that your dentist can perform on you, depending on what treatment you need.

There are several types of gum diseases but the most common is gingivitis, there are no symptoms to gingivitis but if left untreated it could become chronic as the bacteria spreads to the bone structure and the other areas around the mouth. It usually starts with just a tooth but without the proper oral hygiene, neighboring teeth could become infected during which time that few symptoms manifest like bleeding gums and inflammation. At this point, the simple gingivitis has become a more serious dental issue called periodontitis.

Dentists have identified the main causes of gingivitis, including:

• Improper and/insufficient brushing
• Failure to do proper flossing
• Too much smoking
• Food you eat
• Genetics

If you are noticing the following signs, you should consult your dentist the soonest time possible:

•     There is bleeding each time you brush your teeth
•     Visibly swollen gums
•     You notice thick plaque forming along the gum line
•     Bad breath

There are several dental procedures that can be done to treat periodontal diseases. There are non-surgical procedures that include thorough cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria. Brushing alone will not remove deeply-seated plaque and calculus, the procedure ensures that the bacterial toxins causing the inflammation are eliminated.

Normally, there are three forms of cleaning treatments that will be performed:

•     Scaling – to eliminate stain, calculus, and plaque.
•     Root Planing – to remove dentin embedded in the calculus.
•     Antimicrobials – antibiotics are administered, usually in pill form to prevent infection.

When periodontal diseases are detected in their early stages, conventional treatments can still work. However, if the condition is in the advanced stage, the patient might have to undergo other procedures like periodontal surgery.

With the advancement in technology, laser is now being widely used in surgical procedures. It is now being used in most cosmetic surgery procedures and cataract operation. It is now also being used in periodontal treatments. Incorporating lasers to scaling and root planing makes the procedures more efficient. Laser treatments will result to less pain and bleeding, as well as less discomfort.

If you wouldn’t want to go through the tedious process of these treatments, it is imperative that you practice proper oral hygiene. Make it a habit to brush and floss three times a day. You better quit smoking if you don’t want to get gingivitis and eat healthy. It is also important that you visit your dentist at least twice year.

As a parting shot, keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure so make sure that you visit your dentist regularly. If you or any of your family would need dental assistance in New Orleans, call Creative Smiles Dental at 504-885-0466 or visit www.CreativeSmilesDentalCare.com for appointment.

The health of your oral cavity relies on you and your dental practitioner. To avoid dental treatments that go way beyond your budget, there are certain things that you can do. Below is a list of tasks that may sound too simple and obvious but are oftentimes overlooked. Note that there may be other treatments that your dentist may recommend on top of these tips to better dental health.

1. Better eating habits reduce the possibility of getting cavities
Cavities are formed because of the bacteria that coat your teeth. If you eat too much sugary food, the bacteria would digest the sugar and in the process, produce a form of acid that weakens the tooth enamel. If damage to the enamel is already extensive, cavities occur.

So to promote better dental health is to watch out for the amount of sugar in your diet. You can do this by reading the labels for added sugars. Some of the most common sources of added sugar include cookies, candies, softdrinks and pastries.

2. Oral piercings are not fun – at all
There is a craze for body piercings, particularly in the oral cavity. Such trend worries dentists all over the world because it causes several dental problems such as chipped and/or fractured teeth, periodontal diseases, and infection. Although it is difficult to put a halt to such practice, researchers in Australia found a better solution.

If you are concerned about the state of your dental health, do not use steel and titanium studs. This is because according to studies, steel and titanium promotes the growth of harmful bacteria that stick to the stud. Overtime, this could lead to staph infections, damage to fillings and even to the extent of nerve damage.

3. Eat your candies in one sitting
As parents, we fear dental problems to affect our children early in life; that’s why we end up giving them rations for their sweet treats. But dentists say that the frequency of eating food loaded with added sugar influences the formation of cavities. And since the process of cavity formation begins with pH imbalance, rationing out candies can lead to the pH balance in your child’s mouth taking longer to go back to normal; thus, making him more prone for cavities.

4.  Correcting cross bites
A crossbite is a condition characterized by the uneven width of the upper and lower jaws. If left untreated, it could lead to pain in the facial muscles and jaw. But instead of spending hundreds of dollars on removable appliances like the expansion plate, dentists believe that the easiest and most cost-efficient solution is to use a fixed appliance like the Quad Helix.

Fixed appliance requires that treatment be done 24 hours a day and under the supervision of adults. Since this is a more direct and efficient way of treating crossbites, it is recommended that it be done early in life to promote better dental health as the child grows.

5.  An electric toothbrush cleans better than a manual brush
This may be a bit obvious but really, it’s significant to oral health should be emphasized. When an electric brush is used, the bristle movement removes more plaque from your teeth and is more effective in improving your gum’s overall health. If given with a range of choices, choose the brush that comes with a rotating-oscillating head.

It is worth noting that if you take your dental health for granted, you are exposing yourself to more risks of chronic disease and possibly, a reduced quality of life. So visit a family dentist today by calling 504-885-0467 for an appointment. You may also email Creative Smiles Dental at creativesmiles1@bellsouth.net.

Toddlers who are at high risk to tooth decay may now enjoy candy without compromising their oral health. Sugar-free lollipops with licorice root extract reduced tooth decay-causing bacteria in preschool children, according to a study published by he European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

66 preschool children from age 2 to 5 and enrolled in the Greater Lansing Area Head Start Program participated in the researched financed by the Research and Data Institute of companies from Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Kentucky.

Each child was given a lollipop to consume in 10 minutes twice a day for three weeks.   According to Jed. J. Jacobson, chief science officer of one of the dental companies funding the study, tooth decay is the rampant among children, half of which around ages 5 to 7 have had cavity and filling. Preventive dentistry administered early to a child help reduce future problems in oral health, as specialists work to find effective systems that will prevent and and lessen dental disease. Jacobson agrees that more research should be conducted to confirm early findings.

The study shows a significant decrease in Streptococcus mutants (S. mutans), the main bacteria causing tooth decay, during three weeks when the children had their lollipops. The bacteria is able to only bounce back after 22 days of not having the lollipops.

The human mouth is known to contain around 700 types of bacteria. Many of which are harmless but S. mutans is considered the main cause of tooth decay.

The amount of S. mutans in the mouth, determined through a saliva test, was measured before and within the three-week research period. The patient’s saliva was measured for S. mutants several weeks afterward as well. They reside in plaque that bonds with the teeth, aborting sugar and releasing acid that weakens the enamel. Preventive dentistry and regular flossing and brushing help eliminate the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

The lollipops, which contained licorice root, stop the implantation of the bacteria causing tooth decay coming from the mothers of infants, said martin Curzon who is editor-in-chief of the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Curzon also stressed the high effectivity rate and affordability of the measure.

Not only significant in the study of preventing dental caries, the research also show a unique approach to educating children about oral health as well as helping them prevent tooth decay – all this done feasibly within a classroom environment.

The study was a joint project of the Greater Lansing Area Head Start Program, the University of Michigan and the University of California Los Angeles.

Capital Community Head Start Inc.’s Head Start and Early Childhood programs was also a collaborator on the investigation. According to Teresa Spitzer, Health Programs Manager, many of the parents and school staff were initially intrigued by the clever concept of a lollipop that kills tooth decay-causing bacteria. The result after the period of research was embraced by parents.

The lollipops are orange flavored and sugarless. They contain licorice root extract which is known to eliminate S. mutans. Dr. John’s Candies of Grand Rapids, Mich. manafactured the candy and was produced by Dr. Wenyuan Shi, a microbiologist from UCLA, using FDA-approved components.   If you are in need of preventive dentistry or interested in measure on how to prevent tooth decay, please visit www.creativesmilesdentalcare.com.

Researchers at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine discovered that visits to the dentist increase the rate of detection of diabetes and pre-diabetes in individuals unaware of their condition. The study called “Identification of unrecognized diabetes and pre-diabeties in a dental setting was published in the July 2011 issue of the Journal of Dental Research.

About 70 percent of adults in the U.S. see a dentist at least once a year. Periodontal disease is also known to be an early manifestation of diabetes, says Dr. Ira Lamster, College of Dental Medicine dean, and senior author of the article. Previous studies have focused on identification strategies in the medical environment. Dental facilities have not been studied before with this aim. Oral tests have also not been tested in view of detecting diabetes and pre-diabetes.

The researchers enlisted around 600 respondents going to dental clinics in Northern Manhattan who were 40 years old and older (for non-Hispanic white) and 30 years old and older (for Hispanic or non-white). The patients have never been diagnosed of diabetes or pre-diabetes.

About 530 individuals with at least one self-indicated risk factor (high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity and weigh problems, family history, and hypertension) received both a dental care exam and a hemoglobin A1c fingerstick test. Researchers would be able to evaluate and compare the detection protocols after patients come back to the dentist for a fasting plasma glucose test, the exam that shows whether a person has pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Investigators discovered an algorithm with two dental parameters derived from the at-risk dental respondents. They assessed the number of missing teeth and the percentage of periodontal pockets, after which they were able to effectively identify those with undetected pre-diabetes or diabetes. Including the point-of-care, fingerstick A1c test was a huge factor, enhancing the effectivity of the algorithm.

Dr. Evanthia Lalla, an associate professor at College of Dental Medicine, also an author of the study, stressed the importance of early recognition of diabetes which has been the focus of many in the field of public health and medicine. Early treatment of diagnosed patients can reduced the development of other serious complications. Dr. Lalla also said that simple changes in lifestyle in pre-diabetic patients can stop the development of full blown diabetes. Identifying these individuals is crucial in the fight against diabetes. The research offer a simple measure that can be utilized by all dental care facilities.

According to a study in 2008, 4.6 million U.S. children did have dental checkups because they parents could not afford it. In 2006 only 38 percent of seniors are with dental insurance, according to a report by the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council. Low-income, poor access to dental facilities, and an inability to have dental coverage in insurance hinder many people from oral health services, risking them to larger health concerns.

To learn more about oral health services and where you can see highly skilled dentists and dental facilities, please visit www.creativesmilesdentalcare.com.

Patients diagnosed with throat or oral cancer used to be heavy drinkers and smokers in their middle years. A sexually transmitted virus known as the human pappillomarivus is also now tagged as one of the lead causes of oral cancer, which can be detected early through preventive dentistry.

Young, healthy, and non smoking patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer is on the rise, a trend that has puzzled doctors and scientists. While most cases of human pappillomarivus, or HPV, can be treated quickly, recent cases of oral cancers linked to the virus are alarmingly high.

A study at John Hopkins University published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in February indicate that from 1973 and 2004 cases of HPV-related oral cancers have doubled among patients below 40 years old. The American Cancer Society reveals that of the 34,000 people diagnosed with oral cancer, 39 percent is HPV-related.

Incidents of oral, neck, and head cancer are usually diagnosed during a later stage, making doubly hard to treat. Preventive dentistry, which includes tests and scanning technologies, help detect pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions before the advanced and potentially lethal stage.

A new technology called VELscrope can detect unusual activity in the mucosal areas that may not be detected by traditional head and neck exams. An oral screen, which can be completed in two minutes, can also help in discovering fungal and bacterial infections, inflammation and salivary gland tumors, and signs of cancer-causing HPV.

Virulent strains of HPV cause cancer by damaging healthy cells with special proteins. Healthy cells lose an ability to repair itself and control replication.

HPV is transmitted by direct contact, prenatally, and sharing contaminated objects. The virus clings on skin and objects from which it can be transmitted. HPV does not pass through the bloodstream. More evidence need to be found but the virus can also be contracted mouth to mouth or in saliva. Once the virus is on the mouth, it can only be treated with strong medication.

According to the Journal of Clinical Oncology, men are more at risk by 35 percent compared with women diagnosed with cancer linked to HPV. Scientists have not yet fully understood how sexual orientation figures into the equation, but they are certain that having more sexual partners puts one at the highest risk. Still it only takes one infected partner to contract HPV.

HPV infection is often transmitted during adolescence. The belief that oral sex is free of risks is more common among a few teenagers today. In 2005, a study in the Journal Pediatrics reported that teenagers presume that oral sex exposes them less to risks than vaginal intercourse.

The Journal of Prosthodontics has reported in 2010 on the epidemiology of oral cancer and the types of diagnostic tools available to allow patients to detect the disease early on. Several companies have offered simple tests that help dentists to detect early signs of oral lesions before they develop into cancer.

A bump or lump that is growing or doesn’t heal should be examined early. Preventive dentistry through the use of scanning technology is considered the fastest and most efficient way to early diagnose oral cancer.    Go to www.CreativeSmilesDentalCare.com learn more about ways on how to detect oral cancer at the earliest period.

The idea of a gum surgery is chilling, to say the least, for most patients. That is why of the 75% of people who have some form of periodontal disease, only a few actually go to a dentist for treatment. thankfully, a non surgical gum treatment is now possible.  However, there are a few conditions where a non-invasive procedure is done to preserve your dental health.

When is Non Surgery Gum Treatment Recommended?

The progression of any gum disease greatly affects the treatment that a periodontist would recommend. Periodontal disease begins by damaging your gums and the other tissues surrounding the affected tooth. It begins to form a crevice that makes regular brushing and flossing ineffective. Moderate periodontal disease is characterized by a crevice that is 3/16 of an inch while the advanced stage happens when the crevice reaches ¼ to 3/8 of an inch.

During the moderate stage, your general dentist would recommend a dental service called scaling and root planing.  This is a non surgical gum treatment that involves the removal of tartar and plaque from the deep pockets cause by the disease as well as smoothing the tooth to remove bacterial toxins.

Aside scaling and root planing, your periodontist may also perform other dental services like local delivery antimicrobials, host modulation, laser treatment and maintenance therapy to ensure that your tooth remains in excellent health. The success rate of professional treatment is set at 85% and with such rate, surgery is oftentimes no longer required.

However, if the damage to the gum is already severe and there is already fear of tooth loss, dentists would have to recommend surgery. It’s not a choice that you can make because it’s a decision based on the progression of your gum disease.

Benefits of Non Surgical Gum Treatment

If you visit your family dentist upon the first signs of a gum disease, there is a huge possibility that you won’t go through a gum surgery. If this is the case, you reap several health and financial benefits:

1. You won’t have to pay for expensive dental services. The non surgical gum treatment is an inexpensive alternative to surgery. In addition, because it will only take two to three visits to complete such procedures, you won’t have to spend on doctor’s fees for repeat visits.
2. You preserve the shape of your gums. Surgical treatments like the open flat curettage involve the repositioning and reshaping of your gums, bones, and tissues so using your teeth won’t feel as natural as before.
3. You don’t feel any pain or discomfort when a non invasive method is used to treat your gum disease.
4. Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes and went through any form of non invasive periodontal treatment end up with better blood sugar levels.

When it comes to periodontal disease, prevention is always the best cure. You should know that this condition can be prevented by regular brushing and flossing. But if you have had periodontal disease and went through any non surgical gum treatment, then you should practice a certain level of consistency when it comes to caring for your teeth and gums.

Early detection is the key to health gums. But if you think you have periodontal disease, call Creative Smiles Dental at 504-885-0467 or email creativesmiles1@bellsouth.net for an appointment.

Children from low-income families in New Orleans face a danger of underachieving in any field because of speaking, eating, and concentration disorders as a result of tooth decay, health experts say.

Even though many pediatric dentists advise that children should get their teeth examined when they reach their first year, many children in the New Orleans area don’t visit the dentist until a few years when problems start to occur.

According to 2010 report in the Times Picayune, health professionals believe that most children in Louisiana have various forms of tooth decay and oral health issues. This happens in view of a statewide campaign to apply fluoride in water and a provide second- and six-graders with dental sealants. 42 percent of children in the state, according to a recent survey, have untreated cavities.

The level of poverty in Louisiana is said to be the main cause of its poor record of dental health. Almost of half of the child population is uninsured or on Medicaid, and many of the children below 18 are living below the poverty scale. Poor oral hygiene, a diet high on sugar, and lack of preventive dentistry care are all factors contributing to the epidemic.

A tooth abscess that is not treated attract infections in the head and neck, and may even lead to oral cancer.

Research in the lat two decades show that oral health has been set aside in the health care priorities of many residents in Louisiana.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, 104,000 children in New Orleans are on Medicaid, but less than a third actually receive preventive dentistry services.

Medicaid has often failed to reimburse providers for the cost of oral heath services, and because of this only a very small number of pediatric dentists can afford to have Medicaid patients.

Many patients end up waiting up to two months for appointments at the few available facilities which are often too crowded. Pediatric dentists believe that many of the Medicaid patients who can’t afford preventive oral care service are the ones who need them most.

There have been some small but crucial breakthroughs in the past ten years. The Louisiana Dental Association and other groups have pushed to increase reimbursement rates every year, resulting in more dental providers accepting Medicaid patients.

Louisiana health officials have promised to improve the state’s preventive and education dental health programs. However, the state’s oral health program is still managed by four-person team.

In 2008, the state made a five-five agreement with the Disease Control and Prevention, which provides around $250,000 every year to help Louisiana acquire sealant coordinators and fluoridation engineers.  The state is now said to be developing an official oral health plan.

A program that would rely on food banks and other organizations to provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss to those who need them.

Susan Jeansonne, the program manager at the Office of Public Health, more improvements coming. She believes that distributing oral hygiene products in the hands of those in need of them may be a simple but huge step.

Dentists are also trying to debunk certain notions regarding the significance of oral health hygiene in children. The sooner a child sees a dentist the greater the chances of preventing severe tooth decay and other oral health problems

For a trustworthy group who can provide affordable and comprehensive oral heath care treatment, visit www.creativesmilesdentalcare.com. Dentists and dental specialists at Creative Smiles provide a range of services including preventive oral health care, cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, and other oral health care needs.

A family dentist is faced with a variety of concerns everyday because he or she has to deal with all the members of the family – regardless of age and gender. As such, flexibility should be one of the traits family dentists should possess. The ability to remain flexible in order to cater to all the needs of the patients while at the same time keeping a close watch on the recent updates in dentistry is a trait that only a few dental practitioners posses. So to help you choose your dental clinic, choose a dentist who is aware of the latest discoveries in dental care

Major Cause of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental concerns of all time. It affects people of all age and gender. It begins with bacteria accumulating on the teeth surface due to a poor dental habit. So before a simple case of cavities turn into a major case of tooth decay leading to tooth loss, it helps to know that there is something your family dentist can do.

But because the most common treatment today involves drilling and filling, some patients have developed dental phobia. This ends up with the patient intentionally skipping treatment and opting to suffer the physical effects of missing tooth. Perhaps, if more patients will be educated on the normal progression of tooth decay as well as be presented with other options for treatment, then they will be encouraged to seek the help of a family dentist.

Speaking of tooth decay progression, a recent study published in the November issue of Infection and Immunity determined that the bacterium that causes gum disease has developed immunity from a person’s immune response. This is because the capsule of the said bacterium is coated with sugar; and sugar hides the proteins that could otherwise trigger an immune response.

This makes treatments more tricky and the progression of the decay faster than expected. The problem is, this mutant bacterium can thrive within the human oral cavity undetected so the patient will only feel its presence once the symptoms are already worse and the tooth can no longer be saved. It is then even more important now to visit a family dentist regularly in order to detect the presence of such bacterium earlier  so that the dentist can prescribe drugs that can interfere with the action of the bacterium enzymes.

How to Reverse It

One possible solution to the new found problem on mutant bacterium is a mouthwash created by a scientist at the UCLA School of Dentistry. This mouthwash targets the bacterium that causes tooth decay and a host of other dental concerns. Tests are still being conducted to ensure the efficiency of the said mouthwash to all patient types.
These are only two examples of the recent breakthroughs in dentistry. Both are essential in keeping your oral health at prime level. A family dentist who is aware of these two is a dentist who spends time to look for ways to make his or her services more pleasurable experiences to his or her patients. And a flexible and knowledgeable dentist is the kind of practitioner that your family needs.

If you are looking for a family dentist who is flexible, knowledgeable and responsive to your needs, call Creative Smiles Dental Clinic at 504-885-0467 or email creativesmiles1@bellsouth.net.

Your lifestyle, age and some habits can lead to teeth discoloration. While discolored teeth are not really considered to be health risks, they hinder the aesthetic beauty of a smile. Fortunately, there are several teeth whitening laser and similar technologies that have been specifically developed to bring back your pearly white teeth. Among the new sets of teeth whitening breakthroughs are the Polus whitening accelerator and Zoom! Advanced power whitening.

Polus Whitening Accelerator
The latest addition to laser dentistry is the Polus Whitening Accelerator. With this technology, a cosmetic dentist can easily adjust the laser beam depending on your level of sensitivity and the amount of staining that your teeth have. The secret behind this whitening accelerator is the utilization of a combination of a halogen light source, an advanced light filtration system and a distinct whitening gel formula. The use of the Polus whitening accelerator gives instant results in just one visit to the dental clinic. Teeth color is improved by up to 14 shades better with just an hour of use.

Further, the teeth whitening gel used in conjunction with the Polus whitening accelerator helps reduce the risk of sensitivity by working with a broader spectrum of active light. When it is applied to the tooth’s surface, oxygen bubbles are released and absorbed by the tooth. Then, the accelerator opens up the enamel to allow these oxygen bubbles to whiten from the inside out.

Zoom! Advanced Power Whitening
The Zoom! Advanced Power Whitening works by lightening your teeth’s color using a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel under ultraviolet light. Basically the same principle applies in Zoom! as in Polus. Once the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, the ultraviolet light works to allow the compound to seep through the tooth’s enamel and dentin.

But unlike the Polus, Zoom is a teeth whitening system that is completed in an hour. The entire process is simply broken down into four cycles and each cycle lasts for around 15 minutes. Average shade improvement using this technology is set at eight.

Ardox-X Technology
Developed by the Vitint Company in London, the Ardox-X technology uses hydrocarbon-oxobarate complex to safely and effectively whiten teeth without harming the gums in any way. This cosmetic dental treatment deviates from the other whitening solutions currently out in the market in the sense that it does not use peroxides. This is because studies show that most whitening solutions only use about 0.1% of peroxide, a level which is considered to be safe, but 0.1% is not enough to whiten teeth.

Teeth Whitening Pens
Another cosmetic dental solution to teeth discoloration involves the use of take-home teeth whitening pens. These teeth bleaching pens are best used for removing stains in areas where brushing and flossing are extremely difficult. These whitening pens are great for traveling personalities who do not have the luxury of time to find a dentist wherever they are.

The business of teeth whitening is definitely flourishing as more and more people seek teeth whitening services. With the evolution of dental equipment, it is now possible to have pearly white teeth without the mess and time associated with the traditional means.

For dentist-initiated pearly whites in Louisiana, call Creative Smiles Dental at 504-885-0467 or email us at creativesmiles1@bellsouth.net.