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bleaching methods

Laser bleaching (Power-, Plasma bleaching) by the dentist

Method: The dentist protects lips and gum and the inside of the mouth with a plastic material which is painted on the gum. A bleaching agent with higher concentration is applied on the teeth. Finally a strong light source is used to activate the bleaching process. The treatment is repeated 1-3 times. The result is immediately and provides 7 shades whiter teeth.

Time: 1-2 hours

Advantages: Best result. Is a quick and is a comfortable method for the patient.

Disadvantages: Expensive method

Price: 250£ - 350£

Example of suppliers: Brite Smile, BrillianSmile

Treatment: Similar to Power bleaching with the exception that a laser is used as a light source to activate the bleaching process. This method is known by television - Total Makeover and The Swan. Provides in average 8 shades whiter teeth.

Time: 1-2 hours

Advantages: No researches show that laser bleaching is more effective than Power bleaching. However, it's a quick and comfortable method for the patient.

Disadvantages: Expensive method

Price: 250£ - 350£

Example of suppliers: Zoom

Home bleaching provided by the dentist

Treatment: The dentist makes a tray that is adjusted to your teeth. The patient applies a bleaching agent into it. The treatment is performed during the day- or night depending on bleaching agent. The result is depending on what conditions you have and for how long time you use the bleaching gel.

Time: 2-3 weeks

Advantages: Provides good result. The dentist makes following ups that everything is well and you do not have any side effects.

Disadvantages: Sticky gel that you use with individual tray in 2-3 weeks.

Price: 200£

Example of suppliers: Opalescence

Bleaching products you can buy in store or post order

Method: The patient use a prefabricated tray. The bleaching agent often has a weaker concentration.

Advantages:-

Disadvantages: Is not recommended - Provides a bad and uncertain result. The prefabricated tray does not fit the mouth properly and makes the bleaching gel comes in contact with the gum and causes irritations. No dentist is following up the result. You must use a sticky gel in 2-3 weeks.

Price: 10£ - 70£

White strips are a kind of tape with hydro gel peroxide which you glue on your teeth twice a day in two weeks. This method cannot be recommended because they give an uneven result and does not bleach between the teeth.

Whitening Tooth paste or chewing-gum has no bleaching effect at all.