No doubt you have heard of the Brite Smile teeth whitening system that is offered by cosmetic dentists and in stand-alone medical spas. If you haven’t heard of this system then we will take a moment to learn more about the procedure.
How does it work?
This system works by applying a gel to the outside of the teeth. A gum shield is used so that the gums don’t touch the teeth or the gel. Once the gel is applied a patented device is then placed over the exposed teeth and emits a blue light, for the patient’s safety they may be asked to wear shades. The light is left on for 20 minutes before being removed. Then the teeth get another coat of gel and another 20 minutes under the blue light. This process is done 3 times for a total of 60 minutes. This blue light activates the gel and in turn bleaches the teeth. The process is said to whiten teeth up to 8 shades whiter.
This sounds great and their website even states that there is usually no pain involved in the process and only a very small percentage of customers have experience a dull pain. This is not the evidence that I have found in searching the forums or review sites. Many people have had issues with pain associated with the Brite Smile Teeth Whitening system.
Whats the problem?
I realize that everyone is different and the results will vary but there are a lot of negative reviews out there for this specific procedure. The most common element in the reviews is the pain associated with the treatment. Many people all over the world have experienced aches and pains in their teeth a few hours after getting the treatment. Reports of stabbing and throbbing pains that becomes so unbearable that the customers call their doctors for prescription pain relievers.
The Brite Smile website does say to avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for 24 hours after the treatment because of the sensitivity. But when one reviewer says that she has had migraines all her life and that the pain was worse than that then you have to stop and wonder how safe this really is. Dentists have been reported of informing their clients that they will feel a slight “zing” in the teeth during and after the procedure but it sounds like they downplay the actual pain felt by their patients.
How much will you risk to have whiter teeth?
The website makes the treatment sound great, only one hour of work for up to 5 years of white teeth. Now not all my research turned up negative reviews. There were some people that had great results that lasted for a while but even they say that this is not a treatment for those that are sensitive to pain. Before you spend $600 for the treatments make sure that you are prepared to treat any pain that you may experience for up to a week afterwards. It also may be helpful to ask your doctor if Brite Smile is for right you.
