Zoom can cause some sensitivity due to the fact that it dehydrates your tooth enamel to a certain extent. The glycerine component of the whitening gel causes some dehydration as well. BriteSmile doesn't cause as much sensitivity; however, it is much, much less effective than Zoom. The UV Ultraviolet component in both of these systems, and in all Halogen-light-based systems, requires judicious use of liquid-dam barriers and cotton face-mask barriers to the patient. Off-brand systems are a waste of your time and money. For sensitive teeth, I recommend Sapphire. Sapphire is the only one-hour whitening system that I know of that contains no UV component (it is plasma-based), so it tends to "burn" less and causes less pain. We use many different kinds of Laser Whitening in my office, and these are the results that I have seen with my patients. Be very careful that you have dentist supervision if you get Instant Whitening. In most states, including Arizona and Washington (where I have dental licenses), it is a felony for anyone other than licensed dentists to perform Instant Whitening. Pain and sensitivity issues are one of the key reasons. Your safety is at stake. The actual laws can be viewed at www.azdentalboard.org/pdfdocuments/azbodexlaws.pdfIf sensitivity does occur, then your Cosmetic Dentist should be able to cure the pain or provide some soothing gel that will desensitize any problem areas until your teeth re-hydrate. Sensitivity is a very real concern, and you should definitely discuss this issue with your Cosmetic Dentist ahead of time, when you are considering this type of a procedure, and especially if you have pre-existing sensitivity. Your Cosmetic Dentist should have a protocol in place for this eventuality, and should be well-versed in several methods of avoiding sensitivity, as well as reducing sensitivity when it does occaisonally occur. Your Dentist's goal should be the same as your own: to acheive esthetic objectives in a comfortable, efficient way.
If you have sensitive teeth, it would probably be most prudent to avoid the Instant-White type of smile whitening altogether. Get a whitening gel, either from your dentist or from the drugstore, that contains as little glycerine as possible (Poladay and Polanight are the only two that I am aware of that contain no glycerine at all) and wear the trays for only half of the recommended amount of minutes, per application. You may need to get two kits, but they are only about $30 at the drugstore, which is way cheaper than going to the dentist. Look for a product with about 7 to 10% peroxide. Again, don't go too strong, or you increase the risk of sensitivity. It should take about 2 or 3 weeks until you see good results. Slow and steady, and be patient. Eventually, you will see a very pleasant, pain-free improvement in your smile!Note: Dr Bayne is an independent Cosmetic Dentist, and is not associated with or compensated by and Dental Supplies or Materials Company. |
