Invisalign vs Teeth Whitening: Which Cosmetic Dentistry Is Best If You Can Only Afford One?

How much is cosmetic dental work?

Certainly it depends on your dentist, the type of work being done, and whether or not you have dental insurance to cover all, or most of the procedure. Some dental health insurance providers consider teeth whitening and veneers to be optional. So a policy adequately covering your specific needs is imperative.

Dentists are not obligated to take your insurance, and not only perform cosmetic dental work they often specialise in aesthetic-centric dental work insurance often won’t cover.

Cheap cosmetic dental surgery is never a good idea; tooth damage and poor outcomes through incompetence is avoidable when it comes to dental surgery  –  you get what you pay for.

When dental clinics decide to do marketing options may seem expensive and daunting, but confidence in your smile is priceless. Do your own research as well as talking to your dentist.

Clear aligners were first launched in 2000 by Align Technology, which for the first time offered an alternative to traditional braces. Teeth could be straightened without the need for braces and wires, by using clear plastic trays, known as aligners. In the two-plus decades since, there has been huge success with this innovative solution that has treated millions of patients worldwide.

The journey to that white, bright smile can sometimes involve a lot of work. Wearing Invisalign clear aligners means they remain transparent and stain-free with extra care; otherwise they may cast a yellowing to the teeth.

Those contemplating the Invisalign option may sometimes also look into teeth whitening options compatible with their aligners. Brightening while realigning would be the most efficient way of achieving a perfect smile. But is it really possible teeth to be whitened while undergoing Invisalign treatment?

While it is possible to whiten teeth while wearing Invisalign aligners, most orthodontists recommend beginning the process no sooner than six months after realignment. Teeth are more sensitive during adjustment, which can complicate professional whitening treatments. It’s not unusual that dentists who offer both Invisalign and teeth whitening may do a deal for both.

With the tooth movement of readjustment, discolouration is likely to appear in the areas not exposed to whitening agents giving an uneven appearance that may be difficult to quickly remedy.

Giving time for your teeth to adjust without aligners will help in making the whitening process more comfortable. It will also be a much faster process since you will be evenly whitening your teeth in their final alignment.

If you would like to pursue whitening treatment while wearing aligners, milder forms of tooth whitening would work best. Good examples of these are kinds of toothpaste or mouthwashes that are specially formulated with whitening agents. These agents help dissolve surface strains, and tiny particles with abrasive properties can help polish the teeth’s surface. Activated charcoal is very useful in its fine abrasive, and health benefit qualities.

Whitening toothpastes or mouthwash help brighten the overall appearance of your smile and with them being user-friendly mild, it’s easier and more economical to even out any discolouration after Invisalign.

Whitening gels are another viable option and can be prescribed by dentists and applied at home. Whitening gels are more intense than whitening toothpastes and need the instructions and the advice of your dentist.

Ultimately, Invisalign is between about $AU3500 and $7000 (and almost $2000 more expensive than traditional braces) while professional teeth whitening by your dentist will typically cost between $AU650 and $1000.

So if it’s a purely financial decision, teeth whitening is best if you can only afford one treatment, and it’s inevitable that after achieving a stunning Invisalign smile, brightening therapies add to the satisfaction of having the closest to the most perfect teeth you can personally have.

LED Downlight Installation Can Be Finicky And Dangerous

In February 2009 when the then Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett announced the Energy Efficient Homes Package installing ceiling insulation in 2.7 million homes, concerns were raised about the potential dangers relating to insulation around electrical wiring, downlights, proper training for installers and other related issues that were not addressed until March 2012.

The incidence of 174 house fires coupled with the deaths of installers 25-year-old Matthew Fuller, 22-year-old Mitchell Sweeney, 19-year-old Marcus Wilson and 16-year-old Ruben Barnes meant the Government’s initiative was the subject of heavy criticism and a growing public safety concerns. Fear and confusion ignited in regards to incandescent halogen downlights and their suitability for residential installations.

Recessed lighting has been around in some form since the 1940’s when Ivan Kirlin of the Kirlin Company in Michigan, Detroit hid a light source in a hollow opening in the ceiling. It had the advantage of being energy efficient as a light source because of its focussed beam, with a hefty trade-off of being relatively permanent with an essentially unflattering light angle for anything not furniture or featured. As crude as initial versions were, they have since evolved into more sophisticated light sources, with high levels of incandescence. Energy consumption, globe life span and size continue to improve.

Managing heat generation is continuing an issue with high temperatures in the roof cavity in the vicinity of loose, flammable insulation has proven potentially disastrous results. Downlights heat up very quickly, and if insulation is close by, it is easily ignited to spread through the ceiling space completely undetected by smoke alarms. Such is the output of heat from downlights they can ignite the general cavity debris of rodent and nesting bird leaves and detritus, as well as having the capacity to set fire to solid timber beams.

LED downlight installation can be finicky and dangerous and it goes without saying that it can only be done by a qualified electrician. Make it simple by using online and internet marketing services to find appropriate the tradies for the job.  Roof space holds many electrical dangers, and inspection by an electrician needs to ensure a functioning safety switch.

Insulation must have a fire rating in accordance with Australian Standard (AS1530). Glasswool and rockwool have excellent fire ratings, and are commonly used in industrial equipment because of their superior fireproofing properties.

Halogen downlights are safe when correctly installed alongside insulation in accordance with AS3999 Amendment 1 (March 2012).

Always check the fire rating of your choice of insulation prior to purchase to avoid a costly mistake.

Avoiding potentially lethal fire damage can be as simple as placing a heat-resistant fireproof barrier in the roof cavity around the transformer, or using infrared reflective coating (IRC) bulbs, which reflect most of the heat. Qualified electricians will be aware of this, as well as having the knowledge and experience to safely install.