Tooth Whitening: What Worked For me
I am actually in the middle of bleaching my teeth as I type! I went to my dentist yesterday for my regular hygiene appointment and also to pick up my new upper Invisalign tray and decided to purchase some teeth whitening bleach while I was there. I am a sucker for beautiful, white teeth. My good friend, Stace, has the best smile I have ever seen. And they’re all her natural teeh, ugh! I have been working on my smile with the use of Invisalign and tooth whitening kits. I am going to need a little bonding on one tooth, but I think I should get some good results when all is said and done.
Since I don’t like wearing bleach overnight because my teeth feel like clay in the morning, I chose Day White ACP Gel 9.5% instead of the NiteWhite. It cost me $40. for 3 syringes which equals about 9 applications. Although I have seen it online for about $33.00, the convenience of buying it right then and there was worth it to me.
Whitening Products I Have Used- Crest Whitestrips
- Colgate Simply White Clear Whitening Gel
- Mentadent Tooth Whitening System
- Finally White® by IGIA
- Finally White® PRO by IGIA
- NiteWhite®
- DayWhite®
- Opalescence® (which I like a lot)
Laser Tooth Whitening Systems
These systems generally require an application of gel which is activated by either light, a single or even two different types of lasers. Such systems are:
- LaserSmile™ Laser Whitening System (Biolase): A purple gel is applied to one to several teeth at a time, then the dental damn gel which will protect your gums is applied. After these applications are complete, laser light is then applied to the teeth for as little as 2 minutes collectively for the average whitening cases. Most visits require 2 hours of treatment time.
- PEARLINBRITE™ Laser Whitening System: This system utilizes Energy Transfer Crystals , or ETC’s. ETC’s actually absorb the laser’s energy and transfers the energy to the hydrogen peroxide molecules of the gel. This whitens the stains in your teeth with oxygen on a much higher level that typical carbamide peroxide gels. Usually several applications, lasting up to 30 seconds, per each tooth is needed per session. However, only one session is usually sufficient in most whitening cases. Most visits require 30 minutes of treatment time.
- BriteSmile™ Laser Whitening System: This system uses a 15% hydrogen peroxide gel application in conjunction with gel plasma light technology. Application may take up to 20 minutes on average; the gel is then exposed to the light which speeds the whitening process by exciting the hydrogen peroxide molecules. After the light exposure, the gel is left on the teeth for a little over an hour.
- There are more Laser Whitening Systems, please check with your dentist for other options including professional teeth whitening done in the office..
Marianne
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Reader Comments (5)
I'd like to know how long the whitening effect lasts when you have laser whitening in the dentist's office. If it's only a short period of time, then you'll have to shell out $X00 for another whitening session. I had trays made and use a 16% carbamide peroxide. It obviously takes longer to get my teeth whiter, but it's much more affordable over the long term.
I would assume it would depend upon your own teeth and your habits: the porosity of your teeth, the beverages and foods you consume, if you smoke, etc. I am not entirely sure that the results last longer for one method than another. I assume that it is what you do afterwards that affects the longevity of the whiteness.
If you hsd the money and time veneers or even thinner ones like Lumineers would most certainly keep your teeth whiter longest. Pretty much for the life of the veneer. Obviously if you have nice teeth, why would you destroy them to put on a veneer. Just try the lesser methods and bleach them when they need it. Just be sure to stay away from the red wine, blueberries, coffee, tea and smoking if it means that much to you not to bleach them regularly.
It is all about what you are willing to do for upkeep.
Hi M~
I like the NiteWhite 22% but I only wear the trays 1 hour per day because it is so strong...The name "Nite White" is misleading...even the directions say NOT to sleep in your trays...
It can tear up your gum tissue if used several days in a row, that is why I give myself breaks from it...but I think it works great.
If I develop any tooth sensitivity, I use a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste or gel..
My TT & new boobs are great, btw!
Smooches, Lisa
I had that problem the other day. I left it in for 1 hour and I have overapplied the gel because I forgot to put the tip on.
The edges of my gums were super white and they hurt!! It seems to be fine now, which is odd. I am on application #3 and it hurts far less on all accounts.
Floopy/Floppy: I wrote a dentist friend of mine about your question. He should be getting back to me soon.
Lisa, which is the bleach you like? You said it was better than the ones I have tried. Congrats on the new boobs and TT! I am canceling my surgery because I may be going with another doc as well as I am trying to buy a house and the time is just not right for surgery.
mwah!
M
Floopy,
Dr. Rich from the cosmetic dentistry forum advises even after in-office treatments it is suggested that the patient keep up the maintenance with at-home bleaching. But NOT to use the boil and bite trays because they can indirectly cause gum receeding due to the bleach irritating the gums.