November 10, 2008//Lincoln, Neb.//Ameritas Group, a division of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., a UNIFI company, answers the growing demand for benefits toward professional tooth bleaching and tooth-color composite fillings on molars. Composite fillings consist of a core plastic or resin material mixed with fillers to achieve various levels of strength and natural tooth color. These dental services complement the posterior composite filling benefit we offer on bicuspids (the teeth in front of the molars) and can work beautifully in concert with our comprehensive dental implant coverage.

Karen Gustin, LLIF, vice president - Ameritas group marketing and managed care, explains, "We want patients to feel better than ever about themselves after visiting the dental office. With professional tooth bleaching, patients will see immediate results. Although it may take more than one visit to achieve the desired brightness, the results can last up to five to seven years with proper care. Our bleaching benefit offers upper and lower arch bleaching every two years, in addition to coverage for two types of single-tooth bleaching. By offering composites on molars, along with the composite coverage we already offer on bicuspids and the smile line, patients can enjoy dental fillings that appear all natural. And both offerings are optional, so employers can build the dental plan they need to recruit, retain and reward employees."

The American Dental Association recommends visiting with a licensed dental professional to learn about the various whitening techniques and their effectiveness. Professional bleaching can last for several years, because it is formulated with the strength to change tooth color by helping remove both intrinsic (deep) and extrinsic (surface) stains. Over-the-counter bleaching products are much less powerful, can take weeks to whiten and don't last nearly as long as professional bleaching. Whitening toothpastes only minimize surface stains over time. Regarding composite fillings, the ADA reports they are most durable in small- to mid-sized restorations where tooth compression is moderate, so patients will want to consult with their dentists to determine what types of fillings work best for their situation.

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About Ameritas Group
Ameritas Group, a division of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., is one of the nation's leading providers of dental, eye care and hearing care products and services. Ameritas Group is committed to providing the benefits that employers and their employees value most. When employers choose Ameritas Group as their group benefits carrier, they can be sure they are partnering with a caring, ethical, financially responsible company. With more than 30 years of experience in group dental insurance and over 20 years of experience in group eye care, Ameritas Group serves more than 53,000 employer groups covering 4.2 million insured members nationwide. In New York, products are offered through First Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York, a UNIFI company. Learn more at ameritasgroup.com.

For more information, contact:
Karen Gustin, vice president - group marketing & managed care
800-543-7784, ext. 82507
E-mail: kgustin@ameritas.com
http://www.ameritasgroup.com/