FAQ

What does the whole teeth whitening procedure look like?
1. Your gums and mouth are protected with isolation materials and a "Before" picture is taken.
2. The WIT® teethwhitening gel is professionally applied and activated by the light source.
3. After three 20-minute applications over a one-hour period, your whitening is completed and your "After" picture is taken.
4. You rinse. You smile. Wow!
This is simply a great way to a whiter, healthier looking smile.

Comparing options
Sure there are a few options like a teethwhitening toothpaste or tray system, but most options are not as fast, easy, convenient and effective as WIT®. The method of WIT® gives you a faster, more convenient experience and a better result than other options. WIT®  is clearly better than these other options! Top researchers and clinical professors from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New York University and the prestigious Forsyth Institute confirmed the safety and efficacy of the method.

How white will my teeth get?
In clinical studies, BriteSmile has been able to whiten up your teeth untill 14 shades. Your results of course will vary as your starting point maybe different and everyone's teeth respond a little differently, but in virtually all cases, the results are dramatic. Ultimately, the goal will be to achieve your optimum, natural whiteness. During the consultation, the dentist will go over what you personally can expect for your individual situation. Severe discoloration can be treated and yield good results in many instances. However, the more difficult cases can sometimes require a more lengthy treatment than the standard one-hour treatment.

How long does it last?
The long-term results depend primarily on the individual. Certain habits, such as the use of tobacco products, drinking a lot of coffee, tea, dark soft drinks, and infrequent visits to the dentist for regular cleanings, etc., can work against the results. Regular professional care and use of the BriteSmile Professional Whitening After Care products can help maintain your natural whiteness for up to 2 years or more. Some people may prefer to do the BriteSmile whitening treatment more frequently.

How does it work?
The BriteSmile dentist will first examine your teeth and gums for good oral health. Next as you relax in the chair, our proprietary whitening gel is applied to your teeth and the revolutionary, patented BriteSmile light will be positioned over your teeth to activate the gel. As you watch TV, listen to music or nap, your teeth will lighten and your natural whiteness will be restored in about an hour through a completely safe process of oxidation. Because of our unique chemistry and revolutionary blue wavelength light, a process that used to take many hours can now be accomplished in just one hour.

Will it hurt?
The majority of our clients experience no pain or sensitivity after the BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening treatment. A very small percentage of customers may experience a minor dull "ache" following the procedure. Taking some sort of analgesic almost always resolves the feeling. It is best to avoid very hot or very cold drinks for the first 24 hours if there is any tooth sensitivity.

How does BriteSmile compare to other whitening options?
BriteSmile offers state-of-the-art technology. Clinical studies have proven BriteSmile whitens an average of 9+ shades in one hour. Compare this to a leading tray system which achieved only 6 shades and took weeks. In fact, many tray users never achieve even a few shades, as it is difficult to complete the regimen - night after night sleeping with trays full of bleaching gel, often accompanied by sensitivity and gum irritation. As you can see, BriteSmile is a tremendous value by comparison. Incidentally, the same study showed that a leading whitening toothpaste was only able to achieve 1.5 shades of improvement after an entire month of use.

Will my dental insurance cover this procedure?
No. As with most cosmetic dental procedures, insurance will not cover the treatment cost.

Is this procedure for everyone?
Virtually everyone wanting to whiten his or her teeth can benefit from using BriteSmile - including people with severe food, coffee, tobacco or tetracycline stains. The dental examination by the BriteSmile dentist will determine if you are a good candidate for whitening at the time of your appointment. If the BriteSmile dentist uncovers a condition that would delay whitening, you will be referred back to your primary dentist for possible treatment.

How old do you have to be?
Currently, the minimum age is 14 years old, with clinical proof of safety and effectiveness. Young adults 14+ are good candidates for the procedure, particularly if they have heavy staining after orthodontic treatment is complete and their braces are removed.

Will the procedure whiten my existing crowns/veneers/bonds, etc.?
The BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening treatment has been successful at removing stains from caps, veneers or bonded teeth. However, a whitening treatment in general cannot change the original color of the caps, veneers or bonds. We recommend that you discuss your situation with a BriteSmile dentist to determine what you can expect.

Does this work on Tetracycline stains/is it safe to use on Tetracycline stained teeth?
The BriteSmile treatment has achieved excellent results with Tetracycline stained teeth, however, results definitely vary depending on the severity of the stains. You will receive a brief consultation prior to your treatment, so the dentist should be able to give you a better indication as to what type of results you should expect to achieve after your treatment has been performed. In addition, the BriteSmile treatment is completely safe and will not harm or effect your gingival or tooth enamel.

Can I have this done if I am pregnant?
BriteSmile recommends that you not do this process while nursing or pregnant. While we have no data that suggests BriteSmile would be problematic for pregnant women, we simply choose not to do so. Rather, we recommend that patients wait until after childbirth and/or nursing, to have our whitening process performed.

Are other types of dental work - cleanings, fillings, crowns, cosmetic, etc. - performed at the BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening Centers?
The BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening Centers focus exclusively on teeth whitening. If you have other dental needs, you should see your regular dentist before going to a BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening Center.

How can I maintain my new white teeth?
We recommend the following to maintain your new BriteSmile:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily or after each meal; floss daily
• Use the BriteSmile Whitening Toothpaste and the BriteSmile Sonicare toothbrush
• Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups (recommendation: every 6 months)