There are two types of tooth stains: "extrinsic," which are stains that are on the surface of the tooth, and "intrinsic," which are stains that are on the inside of the tooth. Both types of staining show through the enamel as discoloration. While whitening toothpaste and chewing gums may be effective for removing extrinsic stains, they are not designed to work inside the tooth to remove the darker, more challenging intrinsic stains. The special gentle whitening gel contains active ingredients that remove not only surface stains, but also the stains found deep inside the teeth. So your teeth get whiter faster, and stay whiter longer with little to no tooth sensitivity. The use of the cold blue light accelerates the teeth whitening process to deliver results of 2 to 10 shades whiter. The results are impressive.

Pregnant and nursing mothers, children under the age of 16 and diabetics should consult their doctor prior to undergoing any whitening procedure.

The answer is simply the concentration (strength) of the peroxide solution. Whitening kits can contain anywhere from less than 10% strength all the way up to 22%. Some kits contain a combination of other ingredients, which act as buffers to reduce sensitivity. But no matter what kit you choose, it all bubbles down to peroxide. In-office, some dentists initially treat patients with a 12% hydrogen peroxide or 35% carbamide peroxide solution, then send them home with custom trays and syringes of solution ranging anywhere from ¼ to ½ strength of what they were initially treated with.

• Chromogenic foods: The term "chromogenic foods" simply refers to foods that when consumed over time have the ability to produce a staining effect on teeth. Coffee, tea, cola, and red wine are all well-known chromogenic agents.
• Tobacco products: The cumulative effect of the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and even smokeless tobacco can cause tooth staining.
• Medications: The use of some medicines can cause tooth discoloration.

As an example, the antibiotic tetracycline (as well as its derivative compounds minocycline and doxycycline) is well documented as producing blue-gray tooth staining if it is ingested during those periods when tooth formation is occurring. It has been documented that the use of minocycline can cause tooth discoloration even in adults. Minocycline is sometimes used to treat facial skin conditions.

The teeth whitening procedure typically takes 20-40 minutes with immediate results.

Temporary sensitivity of either the gums or the teeth is the most common characteristic of the whitening process. Carbamide peroxide actually causes dissolution of isolated groups of enamel rod prisms which causes the dentin to become exposed microscopically. This, in turn, causes sensitivity and typically will continue until the temperature of the tooth warms back to body temperature as the dentin becomes concealed. This usually occurs within an hour or two after the procedure.

When the light is placed into position, it is emits a cold blue light in the wavelength between 400 and 500nm (light that is blue-green in color). No heat emanates from the LED light and can not burn the patient. The light is not ultra-violet but a cold blue light. Patients wear protective goggles to protect their eyes. Our specialized formulas contains a photo-initiator which is activates by the light and enhances the whitening effect. When the light is placed into position properly, it is capable of simultaneously illuminating all of the patient's teeth (both upper and lower).

Individual results will vary depending on the consumer's habits and their unique dental makeup. It is safe to say that the initial results will last the average consumer up to one year. Over time for the very same reasons that caused the teeth to discolor in the first place, fade will happen to consumers who smoke, or drink large quantities of dark acidic liquids, such as coffee, tea, red wine, colas, etc. will have to touch up their teeth more often than people who do not.