The Truth About Whitening

I get many inquiries from patients regarding in office whitening techniques such as so called laser whitening and Zoom. Studies show that the light or laser has absolutely no beneficial effect upon the results of teeth whitening. In other words the chemical applied to the teeth does the work, not the light.

The active ingredient in virtually all teeth whitening products is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which releases hydrogen peroxide in the mouth. There is no science behind the light.

I have tried several in office whitening systems, and the results have been inferior to the take home systems.

Dentists who offer in office whitening often charge hundreds of dollars more than we charge for the take home whitening because the patient is taking up valuable chair and staff time. The teeth look whiter when the patient leaves the office because the treatment dehydrates the teeth, but they revert back to the original shade after a few hours. Many offices still give the patient a take home bleaching tray to "touch up" or finish the job.

So, if you are willing to pay more in the pursuit of instant gratification for a result that at best is equivalent to or at worst is inferior to take home whitening, then go for it.