The BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system.

The BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system is manufactured by Discus Dental, Inc. who bought the majority of BriteSmile, Inc.'s assets in 2006. Discus Dental, Inc. also manufactures the Zoom ® teeth whitening system.

You can arrange for BriteSmile ® whitening treatments either through the BriteSmile ® "Associated Center" network (meaning participating dentists' offices) or else at one of the BriteSmile ® "whitening spas" (ownership of BriteSmile ® whitening spas has been retained by BriteSmile, Inc.) You may already be familiar with this brand name. It is advertised fairly aggressively.

BriteSmile ® Whitening Spas are located in the following cities:

What type of tooth whitener does the BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system use?

The BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system uses BriteSmile ® Procedural Gel as its whitener. This is a hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching compound that comes prepackaged and ready for use. It has a 15% hydrogen peroxide concentration and a pH of 6.5. Current protocol for the use of this whitener includes the addition of an "accelerator" before the gel is applied for the second and third times. BriteSmile ® states that this step enhances the whitener's effectiveness.
(More about the characteristics of professional teeth whiteners...)

Is a laser or bleaching light used with the BriteSmile ® teeth whitening process?

The BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system protocol includes the use of either a gas plasma or light-emitting diode (LED) bleaching light. These lights are manufactured by BriteSmile, Inc. specifically for use with their in-office bleaching system.

What these two types of light units have in common is that they emit light having a wavelength between 400 and 500nm (light that is blue-green in color). BriteSmile ® states that light in this wavelength range activates a "photo-initiator" incorporated into the BriteSmile ® tooth whitener, thus enhancing its whitening effect. When the light is placed into position, it is capable of simultaneously illuminating all of the patient's teeth (both upper and lower) being bleached.
(More about bleaching lights and lasers used with profession teeth whitening systems and why they may not be needed...)

Does the BriteSmile ® whitening system produce a heating effect on the teeth being bleached?

No, the light units used with the BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system have not been shown to produce a significant heating effect on the teeth being bleached.
(More about why it is important that a bleaching light does not produce a significant heating effect...)

How much did your dentist pay for the bleaching light that they use with the BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system?

Unlike the arrangement found with other professional teeth whitening systems, in the case of the BriteSmile ® system BriteSmile, Inc. owns the bleaching light not the dentist. The cost of using the light is passed on to the dentist on a per patient basis.
(More about lasers and lights used with profession teeth whitening systems and why a bleaching light may not be needed...)

How long does it take your dentist to perform a BriteSmile ® teeth whitening treatment?

BriteSmile ® teeth whitening treatments take about 60 minutes from start to finish. Each bleaching session is broken down into two individual applications of the BriteSmile ® teeth whitener, with the duration of each application being 20 minutes. This means that the cumulative exposure of the patient's teeth to the BriteSmile ® teeth whitening gel is 40 minutes. Pre and post treatment preparations and activities round the total treatment time for the patient to about an hour.

Does the BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system include the use of at-home teeth whitening treatments?

Britesmile, Inc. does manufacture teeth whitening products for use at home but using these items is an option and not a formal part of the professional Britesmile ® teeth whitening system protocol.
(More about the use and purpose of at-home teeth whiteners after professional teeth whitening treatments...)

What are the individual steps of the BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system?

The procedure your dentist follows when performing BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system treatments does not vary greatly from those general steps we illustrate and describe for the typical professional teeth whitening process. Specifically however, as you read through our pages please note that the BriteSmile ® whitening system does include the use of a paint on dental dam and also the "activation" of the whitening gel with a bleaching light.

Should you choose the BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system?

This is a decision that needs to be made with the help of the dentist who will perform the whitening treatments. In general terms however, yes the BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system is a good product and is made by a company that has a keen interest in the area of teeth whitening. The results a patient will experience with the BriteSmile ® teeth whitening system should be as good as with any other quality professional teeth whitening products.
(More about how to choose a professional teeth whitening system...)