Toothpaste:  At the lowest level of whitening products are toothpastes, floss and mouthwashes that have been specially formulated to brighten your teeth. Generally speaking, if used consistently, they can whiten healthy teeth about one shade over time. These products can be purchased over the counter, and may cost about the same as “regular” counterparts, or slightly more. Therefore, they are a cost-effective means of whitening your teeth, if you only wish to take off surface stains, and you are motivated to prevent stains from reoccurring in the future.

Whitening Strips: Whitening strips have become very popular in the past 5 or 6 years. They are easy to use and much less messy than bleaching kits. The cost is still significantly more than whitening toothpastes and products discussed above, but you will see more dramatic results more quickly. Besides cost, there are two additional drawbacks to mention with respect to strips.

First, they only work on healthy teeth that have yellowed due to age and stains. Second, they may cause significant tooth sensitivity. Consult with your dentist before paying the $20-40 for one of these kits. There are several major brands and formulations for whitening strips, including Crest, Listerine, Oral B and Rembrandt. Listerine’s strips dissolve in your mouth, which they claim to be a benefit because you don’t have to take them off 1/2 hour after you put them on. Crest Strips come in a variety of styles, including Daily Multi-care, which you use for only 5 minutes a day (brightening more slowly over time), and Crest Whitestrips Premium, which you only need to use for 7 days (1/2 hour morning and night). Most brands require use for 14 days, 1/2 hour morning and night. These products contain hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent, and will only work on natural teeth; they will not whiten veneers or other dental work.

Second is the, amounts of the bleaching agent differ, from 6% to 10%, depending on formulations. You also may want to speak with your dentist should any side effects become bothersome. For example, teeth can become sensitive during the period when you are using the bleaching solution. In many cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft tissue irritation—either from a tray that doesn’t fit properly or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues. If you have concerns about such side effects, you should discuss them with your dentist

This is a bit off topic but my kid needs glassess. Does anybody know if http://www.bestvisionplans.com is a good site?

What kinds of discount savings would I be looking at if I got a dental discount plan for implants?  I have not been able to find dental insurance that does not see implants as cosmetic service even though for me I do not feel that it is cosmetic.  I need teeth and I do not like partials.  I think it bad that insurance companies only want to give you the cheapest choices.

Two months ago I got porcelain veneers on my front teeth and I am wondering if it is normal for the edges of the veneer to get rough?  Towards the bottom they seem a little rough.  I do not recall them being like that when I first got them on.  Also they are not as shinny as when I first had them put on two months ago.    Should I go back to the dentist and complain?  Did I get bad Veneers?

When I was fourteen I had chipped my top front tooth.  My dentist at the time bonded the chipped tooth and made it look like new.  I never had any troubles with it.

Now at 30 I just manage to chip that same front tooth.   I do not have dental insurance but never really thought I needed it until now.   My dentist told me that I should get a veneer put on but it will cost me almost $1000.00.  Any advise on a low monthly cost dental insurance plan that can help me out here.   Thanks.

Dental Insurance – Cosmetics

Cosmetic dentistry may help you to get your best smile at any age.  One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures to a perfect smile is bonding.  Cosmetic dental bonding is a fairly painless procedure usually performed in one dental visit by applying an enamel like material to your teeth which is then shaped, hardened with a special light and polished.

For a more dramatic smile, porcelain veneers can make a drastic difference. With veneers, you can control the color, position, shape, and size of your new teeth which can correct crooked, worn, or chipped teeth. This procedure can cost between $1,200 – $3,500 per tooth.

Cosmetic dentistry insurance coverage is not afforded by most dental insurance companies. If you are with a group dental insurance company through your employer, you may want to inquire if cosmetic dentistry insurance coverage is provided under your dental plan.

Cosmetic dental coverage is normally provided by discount dental plans. Discount dental plans usually cover 15 to 20 percent of the cosmetic dental care cost.  To reveiw the dental discount plans that are in your area just enter your zip code on the home page of  Dental4Less.com

Hello,  I am a full  time collage student living in California.  I am looking to have some dental work done soon.   Right now just looking to have some basic dental work but in the future would like to have some cosmetic dental work as well.

That is why I am on the hunt for affordable dental insurance that will let me choose any dentist I want.  I current have a dentist and was told that if I get insurance I would need a plan that will let me pick my own dentist since they are not in any dental network.  So what type of dental insurance is like that.   I am assuming there has to be a plan like that since that is what my dental office is telling me to get.

I was told by my dentist that I should get implants for my missing teeth since my partials are always given me fitting problems.  My partials which were covered under my dental insurance never fits right.  The inside of my mouth and gums get rubbed raw and starts to hurt.  My dentist told me implants may be much better for me.

My insurance will not pay for implants stating that implants are consider cosmetic services therefore not covered under my plan.  My dentist told me this happens a lot with the insurance companies even though implants are not cosmetic but are just more expensive.  He said that is the real reason why some insurance company will not pay for implants.

I do not know what to do.  I would like Implants because I know they are way better then partials but I can not afford them on my own.  Are their any dental insurance plans that  you know of that will cover for cosmetic services?

Is there any insurance plans that cover dental implants?  I want to have dental implants but would like to get some help reducing the very high cost of having them.  I have called three insurance companies only to be told that they would cover for partials or bridges but not implants.   Where would I need to go to get some dental help for implants?

I was wondering if there are any dental insurance plans that cover for cosmetic services?  My current dental plan will not cover for me to have any dental cosmetic services such as teeth whitening, veneers or dental implants.   I would really like to make my teeth look perfect.  I have always had to deal with having bad looking teeth which makes me not want to smile.   I think the only way I will have great looking teeth is by going to a cosmetic dentist.   That said I would still like to have some help with the dental cost.  I have yet to find a dental insurance that says they cover for cosmetic services.  Anyone know of any plan that does?  Would love to have some information on who does.