Are You Interested in Teeth Whitening?

If you want a brilliant smile, Brite Smiles of Philadelphia is here for you. Our teeth whitening services are a perfect fit for many people. However, you may not know exactly what you're getting into. Our team is here to help you understand every aspect of teeth whitening before you proceed with your service. With our help, you can have a smile that you're proud to show off, and you'll be fully informed on teeth whitening.

You can find out more in our FAQ section below. Don't see your question? Feel free to reach out to our team.

Q. Who should NOT undergo teeth whitening?
A. Any of the following:

•  Pregnant or lactating woman
•  People with poor enamel or decalcification caused by excessive use of flouorides
•  People with periodontal disease including gingivitis or gums in poor condition
•  People who wear braces or who had their braces removed less than 1 month ago
•  People who recently has oral surgery
•  People with decaying teeth or exposed roots
•  People with a history of allergic reactions to peroxide products
•  People with silver fillings in, near, or behind the front teeth
•  People under the age of 14     

People with such conditions are rare so it can be assumed that over 90% of people cna undergo and benefit from teeth whitening.     

Q. Can all teeth be whitened?
A. When the inner structure of the tooth becomes darker or yellowed, the stain is more difficult to remove or, depending on its cause, may not be able to be removed at all. For example, tetracycline (an antibiotic) causes intrinsic (meaning that it affects the inner structure of the tooth) staining, when used by children under age 8 or women in the last half of their pregnancy. These stains cannot be removed by bleaching.

Fluorosis, a cosmetic dental condition that results from overexposure to fluoride during tooth development, also is not always successfully removed by bleaching. Mild to moderate fluorosis, characterized by lines, streaks or spots, can be made less obvious by using whitening products or methods. However, in more severe cases of fluorosis, bleaching will not work.

A third type of stain is called "age-related." It's a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. As we age, the dentin (the inner portion of the tooth) gets slightly yellow. This can become visible through the outer enamel as it gradually becomes thinner over time. Yellow stains are the easiest to remove with bleaching. Gray or black stains tend to be more difficult. Generally, stains that have just formed are easier to remove than stains that have been on your teeth a while.

Artificial dental work such as crowns, bonding, caps, veneers, bridges or composite fillings will also NOT respond to bleaching. Teeth Whitening gel will only whiten natural teeth. Artificial teeth will not be whitened yet they will not be damaged by the peroxide. Customers with artificial teeth wishing to whiten their natural teeth can use our products.

In general, results will vary from customer to customer depending on the types of stains present, the peroxide dose and also the amount and length of the teeth whitening sessions. Remember that double and triple sessions will always give better results than a single session. 

Q. How often can a person whiten his/her teeth?
A. We recommend that you offer your customers a double or triple treatment the first time they get their teeth whitened. After that, we recommend that they get a touch-up treatment every 4-6 months. 

Q. How long do results last?
A. In theory results can last up to 2 years, but in practice they last less. Depending on a person’s consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, colas and other darkening agents such as tobacco, most people could probably use another whitening session 6 months later. It also depends on the quality of enamel. If someone has non-porous enamel, results will last longer. Those who have porous enamel will be more vulnerable to staining beverages and food. These 2 factors will determine how long results will last. Generally one can say between 6 months (if the customer has porous enamel, drinks staining beverages and/or smokes) and 2 years (if the customer has non-porous enamel and habits that do not include staining beverages and/or smoking). 

Q. How much does teeth whitening cost?
To get really good results with teeth whitening, you’ll need either a home whitening kit that really works or you’ll have to get your teeth professionally whitened, so we’re only going to give you the retail cost for high quality products and services. A good home whitening kit will usually have an MSRP of over $100. LED teeth whitening by a non-dental professional will typically cost from $100-$300 and to have your teeth whitened at the dentist usually costs from $250 to $600 or more, depending on how much is included in the package. If you are a smart shopper, you can find special offers and deals to help lower the cost.

Q. Does teeth whitening work?

Yes, teeth whitening does work on natural teeth that have experienced some surface and/or subsurface stains from eating, drinking or smoking things that leave stains on or in the tooth enamel. Most of our customers have been very pleased with their results from our home whitening products as well as our products for professional use.
 
Q. How long does teeth whitening last?

Average results for peroxide-based whitening gels last 6 months to 1 year and this also depends entirely upon your own tooth enamel and on your habits.

 
Q. Does it hurt?
Most people experience absolutely no sensitivity with Beaming White products. Less than 5% reported tooth sensitivity or gum irritation from our Advanced Kit – which is for professional use only and contains 16% hydrogen peroxide gel.
Less than 1% of our customers reported experiencing an allergic type of reaction to our peroxide-based whitening gel. An allergic reaction can be painful and even cause blisters. This risk is included in the warnings on all of our products with peroxide-based gels. If this happens to you, discontinue use immediately and, if desired, see your dentist or physician about methods to help the skin heal faster. We recommend applying pure vitamin e oil to the irritated parts of the mouth.
People with gum disease might experience irritation because their gum tissues are not healthy. Only use whitening products if your gums don’t bleed when you floss.
People with tiny cracks in their tooth enamel, any stage of dental carries, or very thin or porous enamel might experience tooth sensitivity from peroxide-based whitening gels. If this happens to you, discontinue use and see your dentist if desired. Minerals Enamel Booster, as well as the demineralizing and desensitizing gel that comes in some of our kits, does help with tooth sensitivity.
Q. How many shades whiter?

This depends entirely on the person. It is a natural whitening that will get you to your natural tooth color. Average results are 2-12 shades.

Q. How long does it take?

This is a one hour office visit. No gels, and no take home trays.

Q. Does LED teeth whitening work?
Our business customers that use Beaming White products to perform laser teeth whitening services keep buying our products because they DO work. They tell us that their customers are very pleased with the results. So, yes, laser teeth whitening DOES work – especially if you ask for Beaming White products!