The philosophy for teeth whitening is based on the review and study of literature available today.
As part of my studies on teeth whitening, I have completed a literature review and research paper for an Australian company that produces teeth whitening gels.
According to this and other research, I have produced a protocol that I believe leads the way in the field of teeth whitening.
It has been discovered over a number of years that the main problem with teeth whitening is not whether the teeth will change colour or whether the materials are safe, but patient compliance.
This protocol was developed to remove the onus on patients to wear "at home" trays for up to two hours a day over 2-3 weeks.
Removing this burden improved patient satisfaction levels enormously.
It has also been ascertained from the literature that the sensitivity of teeth is cumulative, meaning that the more you whiten, the more sensitive the teeth become.
This inevitably reduces the contact time of the teeth with the whitening agents.
For example, the "in chair" BriteSmile teeth whitening system reduces the overall contact time, as compared to the "at home" system, which is carried out every day for 2-3 weeks.
It is interesting to note that, on average, 30 per cent of trial groups in "at home" teeth whitening studies, using a placebo gel only, also had tooth and gum sensitivity.
This indicates that the "at home" trays alone could play a significant part in creating these side effects.
The added problem with teeth whitening is the maintenance of the colour.
This is where the combination of both the "in chair" and "at home" systems is essential.
It is a priority that patients are able to maintain the colour of their new smile, both easily and reasonably cheaply.
The "at home" solutions can be worn for 2-3 days every 12 months to help maintain the colour.
Once the patient has the trays made and knows the routine and instructions, it costs only a limited amount of money to buy the whitening gels from your local dental professional.
Once again, ongoing patient satisfaction is guaranteed.
Some dentists will promote ongoing touch ups in the dental chair, but this is costly and unnecessary.
The practice protocol for teeth whitening is based on both "in chair" (BriteSmile) and "at home" whitening systems (Pola Day and Pola Night).
On their own, both systems work adequately.
However, if you combine the two systems, it is my belief that you will be much more satisfied with the degree and the stability of the colour change.
BriteSmile is one of the few "in chair" systems that uses a cool light.
It is therefore one of the few "in chair" systems that should be recommended by dentists.
Most of the other "in chair" systems use a heat light and, therefore, can have a higher degree of side effects.
These side effects may be long term and could require future treatment.
There are side effects when whitening teeth.
However, they have been proven over the last 20-30 years (although the materials have been used for 50+ years) to be transient and fully reversible, depending on the teeth whitening system being used.
These side effects could be mild tooth sensitivity to cold and perhaps some gum soreness.
Approximately 60-70 per cent of patients have very mild side effects that are easily managed and will pass.