How much whitening can I expect?
The picture on the main Rembrandt page is an accurate representation of typical results. The amount of lightening is unpredictable , but we can show you on a shade guide of where you would approximately end up. What we have noticed is that the change is proportional to your starting shade. The improvements are quite dramatic, yet natural.
One quick note about tooth shading and marketing claims. The amount "ten shades (or six, eight, etc.) lighter" is often used by various promotions for chairside, home, or OTC whitening products. This measurement is a bit arbitrary as there are many shade guides in dentistry with varying numbers of shades. If I use a guide with lots of shades vs. a guide with less it will seem like you advanced more "shades".
Does the whitening last?
The whitening is very thorough and long lasting. The use of standard dental bleaching trays and whitening touch up solution can maintain this whiteness. The touch up process is simple and only takes an hour or two every few months. Rembrandt's whitening toothpastes have been shown to help maintain your new smile's whiteness effectively as well.
Are there any side effects?
Most patients are reporting no side effects at all. However, some patients have reported transient sensitivity in the teeth for a day or two, and even achy teeth later on the day of the bleaching. This is similar to side effects seen with home bleaching, but occurs much less often. In any event OTC pain medication can control this transient problem.
In addition, the hydrogen peroxide used is mildly caustic to soft tissues in the mouth. Great care is taken to avoid the soft tissues, but if some peroxide inadvertently gets on the gum or lip it results in a mild chemical irritation. These areas heal quickly and can be soothed with salt water rinses and OTC analgesics. Once again this complication is rare and transient.
Will the whitening agent or Sapphire light harm my enamel or my dental work?
The use of peroxides for whitening has been well studied for many years. There is no evidence that peroxide harms enamel, fillings, or crowns when properly applied. The beauty of chairside bleaching is that the whitening agents are on the teeth for only 45 minutes, versus hours and hours of home systems which helps minimize even the transient problems of gum irritation and sensitivity.
The Sapphire light is simply a very high intensity light which accelerates the whitening process. It is not a laser nor does it produce significant heat as some other systems do. The light will not harm your teeth in any way.
I have dental work on my front teeth, will it whiten also?
Unfortunately not. Fillings, crowns, or veneers will not change color with whitening. If a filling or crown matches your teeth's current shade it will look darker after whitening and may need replacement to match your new, whiter smile.
OK doc sounds great, but what's it going to cost me?
Our fee for chairside bleaching is $450.
If you are in the Baltimore area, call our office at 410-789-4999 for a free consultation to see if the Rembrandt One Hour treatment is right for you.
