Interesting. That's the first time I've heard anyone say the lights do nothing. You mentioned that the in-office treatments are short duration and may no be long lasting. Can stains penetrate all the way through the enamel?
I guess the short answer is yes. Staining can be extrinsic (from the outside) and instrinsic (from the inside). Extrinsic staining can penetrate to varying depths. Not many dentists will admit or agree the lights do nothing... especially if they spent a lot of money on the equipment and they believe the hype. But, objectively and scientifically, the notion cannot be supported. They'll tell you it works. And, it does... in SPITE of having the light. But, the "light-activated" systems have gotten a lot of good press on TV. Consequently, I suspect, many dentists get so many requests, they almost HAVE to offer it. It's certainly easier than explaining to patients that it's hype. And, it's more palatable than losing the prospect to another dentist who DOES offer it. Mike
I really must agree. I have always felt that trays were the best bang for the buck, period. (especially the way I make the trays) but I cannot hardly give them away anymore. People want to sit under that light. I used Rembrant for about two years with mixed results. I would give it a C+ at best. I am with you about the "light activation" (see CRA's tests on this a few years back) but now that I use Zoom 2 I really hate to not shine it on them. I suppose half the battle is patient perception. Even if I am not totally satisfied, they seem to be. What really does work is combining them. A week in the trays, then the in- office treatment. This will make a big difference and shave off about 2 weeks of tray bleaching. I have had nothing but good results this way. Basically trays ARE the way to go.
Does this stuff do anything? According to the bottle, it contains: Water, Alcohol (8%), Hydrogen Peroxide (The bleaching agent I assume), Sodium Phosphate, Poloxamer 407, Sodium Laureyl Sulfate (foaming agent - I heard can cause ulcers), Sodium Citrate, Flavours, Sodium Saccharin, Sucralose. Directions: "Before brushing, swish 15mL undiluted Listerine Whitening around mouth and between teeth for 60 seconds, once in the morning and once at night. Expel liquid (I doubt anyone dumb enough to drink it would read the bottle anyway...) Do not use more than 2 times a day." Image Unavailable, Please Login
Interesting article. http://www.usnews.com/usnews/culture/articles/050523/23diversions.htm I should have saved my AUD $10. Makes sense when you think about it, too.
Rinses will do nothing to whiten teeth. There is no regulation on making such claims, so they can say what they want. But, it doesn't work. The best results, by a wide margin, will be with custom trays and professional materials available through your dentist. Mike
When my dentist recommended the same thing, I asked him if gargling with missle fuel was to help me shoot off my mouth. I've since read that with too much peroxide gargling, the extra oxygen promotes bacteria growth in the mouth -- and fuzzy tongue.
I'm due for a dentist appointment anyway. Time to bite the bullet and invest the $$$. A few hundred ain't so bad for something that may last years. On the advice of the resident Fchat dentists I'm leaning towards the tray. Crest whitestrips might come in handy for touchups.
