Process Begins
To begin the BriteSmile treatment, which is designed to whiten your teeth, a technician places a paper bib around your neck and places light-protectant glasses on your eyes. A whitening gel consisting of 15 percent hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. In addition to hydrogen peroxide, active ingredients include glycerin and purified water to prevent tooth dehydration. These active ingredients are aimed at removing stains on the tooth's surface, while preventing tooth dehydration.
Whitening Light
The BriteSmile light is applied to the teeth. Because the light is not a laser, no heat is felt during the process. Instead, the light gives off a wavelength between 400 and 500nm, giving the light a blue glow in a half-moon shape, to best conform to the teeth. The person goes through three 20-minute sessions, which may be scheduled at the provider's discretion. Some slight saliva may drip during this time, which can be caught using the dental bib or tissue given to the patient.
Process Ends
After the light has been on for an hour, a technician will turn the light off, and the person will rinse the gel off his teeth. There may be a dull ache or slight tooth sensitivity following the procedure, so extremely hot or cold drinks should be avoided. The degree to which the color of the teeth has lightened is measured via a Vita-Pan shade guide. The patient can experience as much as a 9-shade difference in color.
Depending on the person's lifestyle (such as how often he consumes red wine, coffee or other teeth-staining foods), a BriteSmile procedure may last as much as three years.
Tags: active ingredients, applied teeth, hydrogen peroxide, tooth dehydration