Dentist’s Teeth Whitening Options
Several teeth whitening systems are in use at dental offices today. Here is a list of those most readily available:
BriteSmile
Known for its gentleness and ease of access, the BriteSmile bleaching system is available at participating dental practices and self-standing BriteSmile whitening locations throughout the country.
The BriteSmile whitening procedure features proprietary hydrogen peroxide whitening gels (concentrations of 15 percent and 25 percent), which are pH balanced to maximize whitening efficacy, and which contain glycerin and water to help minimize tooth dehydration. Dental practices offer both gels, while BriteSmile facilities feature only the 15 percent gel. Generally, the gels are applied to the teeth for three 20-minute intervals.
During each application, the teeth are illuminated with a blue lighting system that is shaped to reach all esthetic zone teeth at the same time.
Total chair time: Approximately one hour.
Britesmile whitening cost: At dental offices, prices vary around the country. At BriteSmile centers, $600; $399, if payment is made in advance.
Opalescence Boost
Praised for the viscosity of its bleaching gel — a sticky quality that is considered a major plus in tooth-bleaching — Opalescence Boost relies on chemistry for achieving its effects, and does not include the use of a special light activator. Its 38 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide gel contains a unique patented component called PF, a mix of potassium nitrate (reducing the risk of sensitivity associated with tooth whitening) and fluoride (the enamel-strengthener which reduces the risk of cavities).
Total chair time: One to two hours.
Opalescence whitening cost: $500.
Sapphire Professional Whitening
Reputed for being gentle on sensitive teeth and gums, the Den-Mat Sapphire Chairside Whitening system combines a 25 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide gel with a desensitizing enhancer. After these two ingredients are painted onto the teeth, a light known as a Whitening Crystal is positioned directly in front of the teeth for 30 minutes, after which both gel and desensitizer are removed. The teeth are then checked for whitening progress and, if necessary, bleached for an additional 30 minutes.
Total chair time: Approximately one hour.
Sapphire whitening cost: $500.
Zoom Chairside Whitening
Widely used throughout the country and the world, the Zoom system features a 25 percent hydrogen peroxide gel and the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp, said to accelerate the bleaching process. Generally, the hydrogen peroxide gel is applied three times, each interval lasting 15 minutes. Immediately afterwards, a sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste-gel is applied to the teeth.
To help maintain your whitened teeth, you are given a Zoom! home-use touch-up kit, including custom-fitted whitening trays.
Total chair time: Approximately one hour.
Zoom teeth whitening cost (including take-home trays): $500.
