"Bleachorexia."

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, tooth-whitening has also become the most requested type of cosmetic dental service. However, excessive teeth whitening can carry lots of risk and cause painful damage to your teeth. Dentists say a growing number of Americans obsessed with whitening their teeth are using bright smiles to cover up a dark secret: bleachorexia.

Bleachorexics experience a kind of dental dysmorphia, or obsession with their appearance, abusing over-the-counter whitening products to the point that their teeth begin to erode, causing lasting damage.

Why has there been such an increase in bleachorexia? The low price of whitening products - about $40 for a box of brand-name whitening strips - has made it easy for bleach enthusiasts to double up on treatments.What they don't realized immediately, is that there are more health costs involved.

Carbamide peroxide, the whitening agent in bleach, can irritate gums, causing them to bleed and recede.
Over-whitening can also cause teeth to become thin and brittle and can lead to high sensitivity and discoloration as tooth enamel becomes translucent.

In some cases, teeth have to be capped or replaced because of thinning enamel.

That hasn't stopped the tooth-whitening business from become a booming industry. From in-office treatments to at-home kits, Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on bleaching products.
Still dying to flash those pearly whites? Safe bleaching is possible, experts say.

People looking to brighten up their smile should consult with a dentist first and wait six months between whitening treatments. They should also stick to name brands if using over-the-counter products and stop treatment if they experience any discoloration or sensitivity.

"Bleaching is very effective in moderation and it's safe in moderation," Dr. Jennifer Jablow told ABC News. "It's when you're bleaching all the time, beyond what is recommended - that's when you run into problems."

Post credits.

Here comes the bride....and her teeth are BRIGHT and WHITE!

Planning a wedding? There will be plenty of details that demand your attention. Besides the dress, the flowers, the food and the fun, there is one thing that everyone will notice on your special day: your smile! Your dentist can help you make sure it's as radiant as possible!

ACHIEVING A BRIDAL-WHITE SMILE

• Professional cleaning: a professional cleaning at your dental office before your wedding can help remove stains that might otherwise make your smile less than bright. If food, beverages or tobacco have caused the discoloration, your smile will benefit best from a professional whitening treatment at your dentist's office.

• Whitening: also called bleaching, is a procedure that brightens teeth that are discolored or stained or have darkened in color because of injury. Whitening can be performed on living teeth or teeth that have had root canal treatment. It may be done entirely in the office (chairside bleaching) or the dentist may dispense a system for you to use at home.
• Chairside bleaching takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. A chemical solution is applied to the teeth to lift out stains. A special light may be used at intervals to help activate the bleaching agent. To complete the process, 2-10 sessions, one week apart, may be required. It is not uncommon for teeth to become slightly sensitive temporarily after bleaching treatments.
• With home-use bleaching, your dentist creates a custom-fitted mouth guard that holds the bleaching gel. The mouth guard is worn up to 2 hours daily or at night for a length of time specified by the dentist.

OTHER COSMETIC OPTIONS 

• Bonding: if your teeth are chipped, broken or badly stained, or have bad gaps, ask your dentist about bonding. Bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses tooth-colored materials that are attached or bonded to your tooth surface. Bonding can usually be complete in one visit.

• Veneers: thin custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front of the teeth. Made of tooth-colored materials, veneers are used to treat gaps, and teeth that are permanently stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked. 

• Enamel Shaping: if your front teeth are uneven along the edges, or your canine teeth are too "pointy," your dentist may recommend enamel shaping to improve your natural appearance. This involves contouring tooth enamel to create a smooth line. The process, which is usually combined with bonding, is usually quick and comfortable. The results can be seen immediately. 

TIPS FOR TRAVELING BRIDES

• If you are planning a honeymoon outside of the United States, it's a good idea for you and your fiance to have a dental check-up a month or so before you leave. This will lessen the likelihood of having a dental problem while you're enjoying your trip!  

If your smile could use a little boost before your big day, talk to your dentist!

Post credits: http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_38.pdf