Animated-Teeth.com: Illustrated consumer information about teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, dental procedures and treatments, oral conditions, and dental products and insurance.

Tooth Bleaching

At-home Tray-based Whitening

tray-based teeth bleaching: Is having whiter teeth important to you? If so, read our discussion about using an at-home tray-based teeth whitening system as a way to whiten your teeth and create a brighter smile. This technique involves the use of a plastic "bleaching tray" that is first filled with a whitening gel and then placed over your teeth. The tray is worn each day, for some weeks, while the effects of the lightening process take place. Our discussion covers topics such as what causes teeth to become stained or darkened, the steps involved when an at-home tray bleaching system is used, and information about safety concerns and side effects associated with this whitening technique.

Topic: Professional Teeth Whitening

In-office / Laser Teeth Whitening

dentist whitening: Professional tooth whitneing (bleaching treatments performed by a dentist in their office) may be the best choice for those people who feel they need whiter teeth immediately. In just a matter of an hour or two, a dentist can apply a professional strength bleaching gel, "activate" it with their bleaching light or a laser, and that's it, you're finished. Your smile shows results the very same day of your very first bleaching treatment.
Our professional whitening systems review includes information about the The Zoom! ®, Opalescence ®, BriteSmile ®, LaserSmile ™, Rembrandt ®, LumaCool ™, NUPRO ® White Gold / Illumine ™, Sapphire ™, Beyond ™ and Niveous ™ systems.

Directory of dentists who offer professional whitening servies.

professional teeth bleaching services directory (organized by metropolitan area): We've started compiling a directory of dentists who provide professional whitening services in their offices. If you are interested in Zoom! ®, Opalescence ®, BriteSmile ®, LaserSmile ™, Rembrandt ®, LumaArch ™, or Niveous ™ whitening (or are a dentist who uses one of these systems and you want to be included in our listings) check out our directory. If you don't see your city listed, check back later to see how our directory has grown.

Whitening Strips

(including: Crest Whitestrips ®, Rembrandt ® Whitening Strips, and Listering Whitening ® Quick Dissolving Strips)

strip-based bleaching systems: Teeth whitening strips offer an innovative way for a person to lighten teeth. And strip-based systems can often offer results on par with tray-based products, without the hassles associated with wearing bleaching trays. While our review of this topic places most of its focus on the use of Crest Whitestrips ®, it does also provide a comparison of Crest Whitestrips ®, Rembrandt ® Whitening Strips, and Listering Whitening ® Quick Dissolving Strips.

Paint-on Tooth Whiteners

(including: Colgate Simply White ®, Colgate Simply White Night ®, and Crest Night Effects ®)

paint-on teeth whitening products: Paint-on whiteners offer a way to lighten teeth without the need for wearing trays or strips. In our review we discuss the use of Colgate Simply White ®, Colgate Simply White Night ®, and Crest Night Effects ®.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Traditional Porcelain Veneers

dental veneers: Are you interested in cosmetic dentistry? Porcelain veneers can be an excellent way to change the appearance of discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Let our pages explain to you when placing porcelain tooth veneers can be an appropriate choice, what types of changes they can be expected to make, the advantages of this type of dental veneer, and the steps involved when they are placed.

Lumineers ® Porcelain Veneers

Lumineers ® (Cerinate ® dental veneers): Lumineers ® are a type of porcelain veneer that is crafted from the patented porcelain Cerinate ®. Because Cerinate ® has great strength properties, Lumineers ® veneers can be made so they are ultra-thin. And this minimal thickness allows a dentist the option of placing them using protocol where no tooth drilling and no dental anesthetic ("shot") are needed. Our pages discuss the pros and cons of Lumineers ® and give examples describing when it might be (or might not be) a good idea to place them using a "no drilling, no shots" technique.

A cosmetic dentistry smile makeover.

Smile Makeovers

can we create a dental makeover simulation for you?: Does your smile need a makeover? Would you like to see what kinds of changes modern cosmetic dentistry techniques might be able to make for you? Email us a picture of your smile and we'll edit it illustrating the types of changes that pretty much any dentist should be able to make. Or, if you prefer, just browse through the before-and-after makeover simulations we have created for others.

Dental Bonding / Dental Composite

Tooth bonding: Dental bonding encompasses a number of separate procedures, each of which is related because it makes use of a type of tooth-colored restorative dentists call dental composite. Our pages explain different types of bonded restorations ranging from composite veneers and white fillings for front teeth to composite fillings for back teeth. Our discussion also includes information about advantages and disadvantages of bonding as compared to other types of dental restorations and treatments.

Invisalign ® Clear Braces

Invisalign ® invisible braces: Invisalign ® is an orthodontic system that utilizes a series of removable, clear plastic aligners to realign a patient's teeth. The clear nature of the aligners, as well as the fact that they are removable, makes the Invisalign ® system very attractive to those who refuse to wear traditional braces. Invisalign ® clear braces, however, are not intended to treat all types of orthodontic cases. Let our pages describe the Invisalign ® system to you and give you an idea of some of the types of situations where treatment with invisible braces might be a good choice.

Lingual Braces (iBraces ®)

Lingual dental braces: Lingual braces (like the iBraces® system) are braces that are attached to the backside of the patient's teeth. This positioning makes lingual braces non-visible to others and therefore a treatment alternative to other types of invisible braces such as Invisalign ®.

Bad Breath

halitosis: Do you have bad breath or maybe suspect that you do? Our pages about halitosis describe how you can test your own breath, yourself. They also explain the relationship between bad breath and bacteria. Read further and you'll discover where these bacteria live, how to effectively remove them, and learn about specialty products marketed to help cure halitosis such as tongue scrapers and mouthwashes.

Canker Sores

aphthous ulcers: Canker sore outbreaks can range from being mildly annoying to being so painful that they interfere with normal oral functions. Read about what triggers aphthous ulcer outbreaks and how to identify a mouth sore as being a canker sore. Additionally, learn about cures and remedies for canker sores, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. Locations where cold sores form.

Cold Sores

fever blisters: Cold sore outbreaks can be painful as well as unsightly. Read about how the herpes simplex virus causes cold sores and what triggers it to do so. Learn how to identify cold sore lesions and what home remedies, over-the-counter products, and prescription medications can be used to treat fever blisters.

Tooth Decay

dental cavities: Tooth decay ("cavities") can be a serious problem for both children and adults alike. If this is true for you or your child, don't give up hope. Let us explain to you how tooth decay can, to a very large degree, be prevented if you just understand and practice a very few basic concepts.

Dry Sockets

dry sockets (alveolar osteitis): Dry sockets are a fairly commonplace complication of having a tooth extracted. Our pages discuss what dry sockets are, describe some of the factors that seem to place a dental patient at greater risk for experiencing a dry socket, and explain how dentists treat and manage dry socket pain.

Dental Treatments and Procedures

Tooth Implants

dental implants: Endosseous dental implants (tooth implants) are cylindrical or screw shaped devices fabricated out of titanium. Dental implants are surgically embedded in the patient's jawbone and after a suitable healing period has transpired these "artificial tooth roots" can be used to support a dental prosthesis such as a dental crown, dental bridge or denture.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

wisdom tooth extraction: Ever wonder what a wisdom tooth is and what the term "impacted wisdom tooth" means. Let our pages provide these definitions for you and also guide you through some of the reasons why dentists and oral surgeons recommend the removal of wisdom teeth, as well as reasons why they may not. Additionally, our pages review some of the concerns and costs associated with wisdom teeth oral surgery and suggest some steps you might take during your postoperative recovery period so to minimize the potential for experiencing complications during the healing process.

Root canal treatment.

Root Canals

endodontic therapy: Do you need a root canal? Would you like to know more about what the process of having root canal treatment involves? Our pages describe the rational behind root canal treatment, its individual steps, and what additional dental work might be required after it has been completed.

Tooth Extractions

dental surgery - pulling teeth: Have you had a toothache or tooth abscess and now find that you need to have your tooth extracted? Let our pages outline for you some of the principles of oral surgery, the steps involved with the tooth extraction process, and some postoperative tips that can help the healing process you experience after your dental surgery to go more smoothly.

Dental Crowns

dental caps: Has your dentist advised you that one of your teeth needs the protection that only a dental crown can provide? Our dental crowns topic can explain the when's, why's, and how's of this procedure as well as its cost and possible alternatives.

Dental Sealant

tooth sealant: Dental sealants are a preventive measure aimed at preventing tooth decay ("cavities"). This technique involves bonding plastic into the grooves of teeth (pits and fissures) so it is more difficult for tooth decay to start. Learn about the indications for utilizing tooth sealants and the steps involved when placing them.

Flossing Teeth

interdental flossing technique: If you're brushing your teeth but not using dental flossing you're really just getting half of the job of cleaning your teeth done. Let us provide you with some tips and suggestions in regards to proper dental flossing technique.