Specialists in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Tollgate Orthodontics

First Visit
Alan C Smith, DDS, MSD

Tollgate Orthodontics provides teeth whitening and teeth bleaching products to patients in Providence, Coventry, Cranston, East Greenwich, Johnston, North Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick, & Kent County, RI.

Teeth Whitening Rhode Island

How white will my teeth get?
How long does it last?
How does it work?
Is it safe?
Will it hurt?
How much does it cost?
How does BriteSmile compare to other whitening options?
Will my dental insurance cover it?
Is it for everyone?
How old do you have to be?
Will it whiten my existing crowns/veneers/etc.?
Can I have this done if I am pregnant?
How can I maintain my new white teeth?
How do I get started?

How white will my teeth get?
In clinical studies, BriteSmile has been able to achieve over 8+ shades whiter on average. Your results of course will vary as your starting point may be different and everyone's teeth respond a little differently, but in virtually all cases, the results are dramatic. Ultimately, the goal will be to achieve your optimum, natural whiteness. During the consultation, we will discuss what you personally can expect for your individual situation.

Teeth Whitening Providence

Severe discoloration can be treated and yield good results in many instances. However, the more difficult cases can sometimes require a more lengthy treatment than the standard one-hour treatment.
[Return to Top]

How long does it last?
Regular professional (dental) care and use of the BriteSmile Professional Whitening After Care products can help maintain your natural whiteness for up to 2 years or more. The long-term results depend primarily on the individual. Certain habits, such as the use of tobacco products, drinking a lot of coffee, tea, dark soft drinks, and infrequent visits to the dentist for regular cleanings, etc., can work against the results. For this reason, some people may prefer to do the BriteSmile whitening treatment more frequently.
[Return to Top]

How does it work?
Teeth Whitening RI We will first examine your teeth and gums for good oral health. Next as you relax in the chair, the BriteSmile whitening gel is applied to your teeth and the revolutionary, patented BriteSmile light will be positioned over your teeth to activate the gel. As you watch TV, listen to music or nap, your teeth will lighten and your natural whiteness will be restored in about an hour through a completely safe process of oxidation. Because of the unique BriteSmile chemistry and revolutionary blue wavelength light, a process that used to take many hours can now be accomplished in just one hour.
[Return to Top]

Is it safe?
Yes. You can feel confident with the BriteSmile tooth whitening system. Clinical testing has proven that the procedure is safe and sound. Safety studies conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and confirmed by senior researchers at New York University, found conclusively that BriteSmile whitening resulted in no structural change in teeth; no adverse impact on fillings and no softening of tooth enamel.

The primary ingredient in the BriteSmile's gel is hydrogen peroxide, which has been safely used in teeth whitening for over 100 years and is recognized as an effective whitening ingredient by the dental community. The percentage of hydrogen peroxide used in BriteSmile's proprietary gel is only 15%, much lower than other whitening gels that often contain 35%-50% hydrogen peroxide. The pH balanced proprietary gel is not harmful to the gums and, because it is not ingested, the gel does not carry the risks or side effects of other options in the marketplace.

Unlike the "do-it-yourself" at-home whitening options, the doctor and our well-trained staff control every aspect of the BriteSmile procedure.
[Return to Top]

Will it hurt?
The majority of our clients experience no pain or sensitivity after the BriteSmile Teeth Whitening treatment. A very small percentage of customers may experience a minor dull "ache" following the procedure. Taking some sort of analgesic (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen) almost always resolves the feeling. It is best to avoid very hot or very cold drinks for the first 24 hours, if there is any tooth sensitivity.
[Return to Top]

How much does it cost?
The price of a BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening treatment varies depending on the severity of the staining and the number of sessions required, but generally costs around $600.
[Return to Top]

How does BriteSmile compare to other whitening options?

BriteSmile offers the most advanced technology available in teeth whitening. Clinical studies have proven BriteSmile whitens an average of 8+ shades in one hour. Compare this to a leading tray system which achieved only 6 shades and took weeks. In fact, many gel/tray users never achieve even a few shades, as it is difficult to complete the regimen - night after night sleeping with trays full of bleaching gel, often accompanied by sensitivity and gum irritation. As you can see, BriteSmile is a tremendous value by comparison.
Incidentally, the same study showed that a leading whitening toothpaste was only able to achieve 1.5 shades of improvement after an entire month of use.
[Return to Top]

Will my dental insurance cover this procedure?
No. As with most cosmetic dental procedures, insurance will not cover the treatment cost. However, it may be able to be reimbursed out of a pre-tax medical expense account, if offered by your employer.
[Return to Top]

Is this procedure for everyone?
Virtually everyone wanting to whiten his or her teeth can benefit from using BriteSmile - including people with severe food, coffee, tobacco or tetracycline stains. The dental examination by Dr. Smith will determine if you are a good candidate for whitening at the time of your appointment. If he uncovers a condition that would delay whitening, you will be referred back to your primary dentist for possible treatment.
[Return to Top]

How old do you have to be?
Currently, the minimum age is 14 years old, with clinical proof of safety and effectiveness. Young adults 14+ are good candidates for the procedure, particularly if they have heavy staining after orthodontic treatment is complete and their braces are removed.
[Return to Top]

Will the procedure whiten my existing crowns/veneers/bonds, etc.?
The BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening treatment has been successful at removing stains from caps, veneers or bonded teeth. However, a whitening treatment in general cannot change the original color of the caps, veneers or bonds. We recommend that you discuss your situation with our dental staff to determine what you can expect.
[Return to Top]

Can I have this done if I am pregnant?
BriteSmile recommends that you not do this process while nursing or pregnant. While we have no data that suggests BriteSmile would be problematic for pregnant women, we simply choose not to do so. Rather, we recommend that patients wait until after childbirth and/or nursing, to have our whitening process performed
[Return to Top]

How can I maintain my new white teeth?
We recommend the following to maintain your new BriteSmile:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice daily or after each meal; floss daily
  • Use the BriteSmile Whitening Toothpaste and the Rotadent toothbrush
  • You may wish to consider using other BriteSmile whitening products, such as the mouthwash and gum, which are both designed to prevent stains from adhering to the surfaces of teeth.
  • Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups (at least every 6 months)

[Return to Top]

OK, I'm interested. What's the next step?

To Schedule a Complimentary Examination Click Here
or call 401-739-3900

500 Tollgate Road,  Warwick, RI 02886 • 401.739.3900  fax 401.739.8626
e-mail: lhughes@tollgateorthodontics.com   www.TollgateOrthodontics.com
STATE OF THE ART CARE

Home | Dr. Smith | Philosophy | Complimentary Exam
Treatment | New Technologies | Common Questions | Office Location
Payment Options | Contact Us | Email Your Suggestions | Games

Copyright © 2001 Tollgate Orthodontics

Website Designed by TeleVox Custom Website Design for Dental and Orthodontic Practices

Click here to view our Web Site Disclaimer