Q: Is tooth whitening process safe?

A:  Yes. Fifteen years of published research by international dental experts concludes there are no side effects when whitening teeth using carbamide peroxide gel in custom fit trays. It is being used by dentists worldwide. It has been endorsed by the American Dental Association and licensed by the FDA (American Food & Drug Administration, one of the toughest licensing bodies in the world), and has a full licence throughout the rest of Europe. If problems such as teeth sensitivity or gum irritations are experienced, the frequency of use should be reduced from every day to every other day. Some people experience mild to moderate teeth sensitivity however, it normally subsides quickly following completion of treatment.

Q: Is there any contraindications to tooth whitening?

A: Generally you should have healthy gums and teeth. If your gums are bleeding or there are some cavities in your teeth it is advisable to treat these conditions first.  Tooth whitening is not recommended for under 18 and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding Also, if you have crowns, bridgework, dentures or extensive restorative dentistry, where the restorations are tooth-colored such as porcelains or composites. Whitening will lighten the natural tooth, but if replacing existing restorations to match the bleached teeth is a financial burden for you, this can be a contraindication to bleaching.

Q: Why is your product the best value in Ireland?

A: Bright Smile will provide you with tooth whitening identical to those used in dental practices who would charge you 400-500 euro for exactly the same process.

Q: How can you do it at such a low price?

A: You will take impressions of your own teeth thus eliminating expensive surgery time. Not many people realize that dentists send impressions of your teeth to dental laboratory (to us!).They have to pay for their premises, nurses, receptionists etc.We don’t have such costs!

Q: How long does tooth whitening last?

A: Studies confirm that once whitened, your teeth will stay that colour permanently. If staining substances such as caffeine or tobacco products caused your discoloration, re-whitening may be necessary every few years.  This is easily achieved by "touching- up" with more bleaching gel, readily available from Bright Smile.

Q: How soon will I see results? 

A:In the majority of cases almost immediately. The gel substance works very quickly, but your progress will depend on the nature and depth of your stains. Tooth whitening process should take from 2-3 weeks for deep yellow stains.

Q: Will I need to see a Dentist?

A: Bright Smile tooth whitening process is designed to eliminate the need for a dentist, however you should see one regularly for check-ups, and visit the hygienist to maintain healthy teeth and gums. We would recommend you to ask your dentist if you are not sure whether your teeth are suitable for whitening.  

Q: Why is your product more successful than shop-bought systems?

A: Predictable tooth whitening can only be achieved using custom-fit trays created from an impression of your teeth, and should not be confused with cheaper over the counter "boil and bite" products which just don't work as well!! , the precision lab-created bleaching trays are more precise and more comfortable to wear. These are the exact mouthpieces that a dentist provides. They help you save bleaching gel and are better for people who may have sensitivities to bleaching gels on their gums. Also, professional mouthpieces are much easier for you to create since there is no boiling water involved in the formation process.

Q: What occurs during tooth whitening?

A:During the tooth whitening process, the active ingredient in the Voco bleaching gel, Carbamide Peroxide, is broken down and oxygen enters the tooth enamel bleaching embedded discolored substances (stains). The structure of the tooth is not changed; only the tooth enamel becomes a lighter and whiter shade. Fillings, crowns, bridges and bondings, etc. are not affected.

Q: What is Carbamide Peroxide?

A:Carbamide Peroxide is the primary active ingredient or bleaching agent in the professional tooth whitening gel. It is essentially a variation of Hydrogen Peroxide and combined with the unique adherence properties of the specially formulated gel, it provides the chemical reaction required to safely whiten your teeth.We use 17% Voco Perfect Bleach gel, a branded German product- number one choice of Dentists around the world. It meets all requirements of a tooth-friendly treatment. The gel has a pleasant mint flavour. The Clinical Pharmacology Classification of Carbamide Peroxide states that there are "No significant interactions", although some tooth sensitivity or minor gum irritation may be experienced, which normally subsides  after completion of whitening.

Q: Can I whiten my teeth while I'm pregnant? 

A:There has not been sufficient testing done on the effects of tooth whitening while pregnant. Therefore, we recommend that you not use any bleaching system.Tooth whitening at home is also not recommended for anyone under 18.

Q: Can I use the kits if I have crowns or false teeth? 

A:Yes you can use tooth whitening system without any effect on your porcelain/plastic caps/crowns/bridges, but it will only work on natural teeth and does not whiten any dental work.

Q: Do you ship outside the Republic of Ireland?

A:Yes, we ship anywhere in the EU.The shipping costs may vary from country to country. Please email us first for shipping costs before placing an international order.

Q: Are there any side effects?

A:Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during whitening which is always relieved upon the discontinuation or completion of treatment. There are no other significant side effects.

Q: What is a bleaching tray and how does it work?

A:It is an inconspicuous appliance that is designed to hold the whitening gel in place and fits comfortably over the teeth. Custom-fitted trays optimize tooth whitening process by keeping the gel in contact with the teeth. Our custom fitted trays are very thin and very clear, made to fit your teeth exactly.

Q: What about gum recession?

A:Some persons have gum recession on one or more teeth. Usually the root surface which becomes visible as gums recedes has an appearance which is somewhat darker than the rest of the tooth. This is because root surfaces are not covered by enamel but are instead composed of another naturally darker material called "dentin". The Professional Tooth Whitening method won't effectively lighten dentin. This means that the colour of the root portion of the tooth (which shows where the gum recession has occurred) will not change noticeably as a result of your bleaching efforts.

Q: Once I have completed the treatments, how often should I touch-up? 

A:Once you have completed your tooth whitening, you should be at your optimum whiteness. Depending on your age and diet, your teeth will stay a bright white for many years.Again, if you consider a touch- up a production of bleaching tray won’t be necessary as you already have one. This will bring the price of a touch-up even further down.