Tooth whitening Last update: 12. July 2011 The BriteSmile® Teeth Whitening System… … safe, effective and lasting tooth whitening.

Amazingly white teeth in just one hour!

Tooth whitening that only takes one visit to your dentist! In just one hour, following professional tooth cleaning, you can achieve a healthy and dazzling white smile at Gelencsér Dental. Compared to conventional home whitening kits and other “do it yourself” methods, the BriteSmile® system provides an easier, quicker and more effective solution that has revolutionised tooth whitening.

Why do teeth become discoloured?

There are many reasons why teeth can become discoloured:

• Age – Everyone is born with a certain tooth shade and with age this gradually gets darker
• Pigmentation – Teeth can become stained as a result of our lifestyles, for example due to the consumption of tea, coffee, red wine and smoking
• Genetically flawed tooth enamel
• The use of certain antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline) during tooth development
• Dental fluorosis – overexposure to fluoride during tooth development.

What types of tooth whitening methods exist?

• External bleaching – external whitening of live teeth
• Internal bleaching – internal whitening of dead teeth.

There are two types of external bleaching:

• Quick whitening, also known as “power bleaching” or “in-office bleaching”, as this type of treatment takes place at a dental clinic under strict supervision of a dentist (e.g. BriteSmile®)
• Home bleaching, where the patient carries out the tooth whitening at home and follows the instructions of a dentist. Patients have to wear a custom fitted whitening tray containing bleaching gel at night for several weeks. With regular use, teeth gradually get whiter. Home bleaching requires regular dental check-ups as the necks of teeth can become over sensitive and the gum can become inflamed.

The BriteSmile® system

Home bleaching can take several weeks and, due to regular irritation of sensitive teeth and gums, many patients find it uncomfortable and inconvenient. In addition, home bleaching may not provide the best results. For these reasons we decided to use the gentle but highly effective BriteSmile® system at Gelencser Dental. In just 60 minutes (90 minutes including preparation time) BriteSmile® offers excellent and lasting results.

The BriteSmile® whitening technology

BriteSmile® is the leading tooth whitening technology in the United States of America. Over 300,000 treatments have been carried out successfully using BriteSmile®. We were encouraged by our own positive experience with the system to use BriteSmile® at our clinic.

How does the BriteSmile® system work?

Best results can be achieved if teeth are professionally cleaned prior to treatment. A protective layer is then applied to the gums so that only teeth remain exposed to the bleaching. A light activated whitening gel is placed on the front side of the teeth. We then illuminate the patient’s teeth for 20 minutes using the BriteSmile® plasma lamp, which activates and safely accelerates the whitening process. Whilst using the lamp, patients are provided with protective eyewear. The lamp is safe, gentle and it emits virtually no heat while operated. This 20-minute process is then repeated twice with fresh gel applied each time, making the overall treatment time 60 minutes (90 minutes including preparation time and after-care). Following the last application, the protective layer is removed from the gums and the remaining gel is washed off.

Whitening gel containing carbamide peroxide as the oxidising agent

The BriteSmile® whitening gel contains 15% carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide has been successfully used in tooth whitening treatments for over 20 years. The active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide which acts to oxidise staining on tooth enamel.

After-care following tooth whitening

During the first 24 hours after tooth whitening, the tooth enamel can be rough and it can discolour easily. Therefore it is important not to consume certain foods and drinks that may discolour the newly whitened teeth (such as beetroot, curry, berries, red wine and black tea) and to refrain from smoking for 24 hours. After this period, with the help of minerals found in saliva, the enamel becomes smooth and resistant again and it is safe to eat or drink the previously listed items.

What advantages does the BriteSmile® system have?

Vitapan tooth shade chart

• The BriteSmile® system is a highly effective tooth whitening process. In just 60 minutes you can achieve lasting results that can be predetermined using the 8-shade Vitapan tooth colour chart
• BriteSmile® has been clinically tested and scientifically proven to cause no damage to teeth
• Activated by a special light, the BriteSmile® whitening gel only contains a concentration of 15% of the active ingredient, as opposed to 35% used by other methods
• This means there are considerably less side effects (e.g. over sensitive teeth, gum irritation) associated with the system.

Does tooth whitening damage teeth?

Scientific studies have proven beyond doubt that professional tooth whitening, carried out under strict supervision of a dentist, is completely safe and does not damage teeth or gums. Following treatment, the necks of teeth may become sensitive temporarily. This normally occurs when the patient’s gum is receded or the root of the tooth is exposed.

In contrast, without strict supervision of a dentist, home whitening kits may cause a number of problems. Long lasting pain and tooth sensitivity often experienced with home whitening kits may lead to the patient abandoning the therapy. The tray supplied with the kit may cause inflammation of the gum. There is also the risk of over bleaching which can result in the teeth becoming transparent and developing blue or black staining, causing permanent damage to the enamel.

How long do results last?

Results of tooth whitening normally last between 3-5 years. The treatment can then be repeated if required.

Internal bleaching of dead teeth

Dead and root canal treated teeth can discolour and turn dark or brown over time. Internal whitening can help improve the appearance of such teeth. During a 10-minute procedure, the affected tooth is opened up and a special whitening agent is applied internally. The tooth is then closed with a temporary dressing and the process is repeated every 3-5 days, until the desired shade is achieved. The tooth is then sealed with a permanent, tooth coloured filling. Results last for years and the tooth does not need to be covered with a crown.

Are all teeth suitable for whitening?

Only natural teeth are suitable for whitening, ceramic and plastic tooth restorations cannot be bleached. Smaller, tooth coloured fillings blend in with newly whitened teeth. Larger tooth coloured fillings and crowns may need changing, as after bleaching they may seem too dark compared to the whitened teeth.

Dear Patient

You can request a free quote for your bespoke tooth whitening treatment.

Our experts will be happy to provide you with more information and a personal consultation at Gelencsér Dental Clinic.