What is Body FX's whitening system, and how does it work to remove stains?

Body FX's whitening system uses a custom percentage of hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel process accelerated by a LED light which activates the gel components. Our system will remove most stains with a gentle LED bleaching action that whitens your teeth.  As the active ingredients in the gel are broken down, heat, oxygen and light acts upon the stained deposits, which oxidizes them into a whiter color. This process makes the overall tooth color closer to its natural unstained color while your tooth structure remains unchanged. Most achieve some level of tooth whitening. This procedure may or may not require additional whitening in order to achieve the desired lightened shade.

 

As an added bonus, we are able to capture a before and after image of your teeth magnified many times  by our oral camera for you to view your results on our 8" LCD monitor. A print out will be given upon request.

 

How long does the treatment take?

The process takes only 20 minutes ( 1 application), 40 minutes (2 – 20-minute applications), or 60 minutes (2  - 30 minute applications) to achieve a whiter and brighter smile. It is broken down into a few applications to allow for maximum gel concentration and light exposure, and to prevent gum irritation. Those with very

heavy stains may need additional treatments.

 

How many shades whiter can I expect my teeth to get?

The amount of whitening varies from client to client and cannot be predicted or guaranteed; but in general use, teeth may lighten anywhere from 4 to 10 shades on the whitening shade guide.  The results depend on how discolored the teeth were originally.  Yellow or brown teeth, surface stains, and uniformly darkened teeth are easiest to whiten.  Additional whitening treatments may be needed in order to achieve the desired shade, especially with heavily stained teeth.

 

How long will the treatment last?

This will very from client to client and greatly depends on the types of foods and drinks you ingest and how well you maintain your teeth. The affects from this bleaching process should last from 6 months to a year.  Again, depending on your habits, periodic touch up treatments maybe recommended for those who drink coffee, smoke, drink red wine, iced tea, colas, and other staining foods.  Typically, most people like to whiten again every 3 to 6 months. Our Body FX Whitening Gel Pens can help maintain the effectiveness of the in-office treatment.

 

Is it Safe?

Yes, Body FX's  FDA approved whitening light and gel ingredients are safe and effective for cosmetic teeth whitening.  The dental industry has used this same technology and gel products for many years.  This process does not change or damage the structure of the teeth.

 

Does this process hurt?

Most client experience no pain or sensitivity from the treatment.  We use  a custom percentage of hydrogen peroxide to lower the sensitivity in your teeth during the treatment, unlike other dental practices that use up to 35% hydrogen peroxide. A percentage that high can cause extreme tooth sensitivity. There is only a very small percentage of clients that experience some slight tingling sensitivity. We also use a desensitizing gel, if needed, to help lessen any sensitivity you might be feeling. We advise to avoid very hot or very cold drinks if tooth sensitivity does occur. In the unlikelihood that sensitive persists for more then several hours, we will recommend that you contact your dentist.  We also recommend that you visit your dental office regularly. Lastly, the bleaching gel, if misplaced and comes in contact with the gums, can cause temporary inflammation and white spots. This should resolve itself within a few hours.

 

Does your mouth or teeth get hot from the whitening light process?

No. The LED light source very comfortable, even to the touch.

 

Why is having an FDA Approval important when other systems do not have FDA clearance?

The whitening system used by Body FX is approved by the FDA initially for use in the dental industry.  An FDA approval verifies that the whitening system works according to the way it was designed, represented and tested for the dentists. Because of the FDA’s recent determination regarding teeth whitening, it is now considered a cosmetic procedure when certain “procedural guidelines” are followed. These guidelines require that the teeth whitening be a self-applied process.

 

Without FDA approval, there is no regulatory committee overseeing who is selling what products for teeth whitening, what is being put in the whitening gel, if it is safe, effective or what light source is being used. Basically, these non-professional, non-dental systems are not been tested or approved for safety or human use, if they work, or if their claims are real.

 

Will fillings and crowns be affected by the whitening?

Hydrogen peroxide will have no negative effect on the integrity of fillings and crowns, but these materials will not whiten in any type of bleaching procedure.  However, the peroxide will remove staining from composite materials.

 

Will deeply colored or naturally “tinted” teeth whiten?

Deeply discolored teeth or naturally embedded through the tooth may never whiten.  Naturally tinted teeth may never become bright white, but removing surface stains will dramatically improve the smile.

 

Is whitening for everyone?

We recommend that pregnant and nursing mothers, children under the age of 14, diabetics and those with pre-existing medical or periodontal problems consult their physician/dentist prior to undergoing any whitening procedure.  Consumers with severely tetracycline stained teeth may choose bonding and veneers as the best option.  Tetracycline stain can not be removed.  Tetracycline stains are stains that are deep inside the tooth. Teeth whitening can only penetrate the outer surfaces of the tooth.

 

Does the whitening system work on Dentures, or Veneers?

Yes — and no,  The process was designed to enhance the natural whiteness of the enamel, but clients do claim that it also brightens up veneers and dentures.  Clients typically apply the gel product only to their natural teeth, allowing these treated teeth to lighten up to match a cap, crown, or veneer.

 

Are there any other benefits to teeth bleaching?

Yes, studies have shown that bleaching also contributes to destroying bacteria in the mouth, and helps control gingivitis and halitosis.

 

What is in your gel product?

We pride ourselves in having FDA approved ingredients. The gels contain 10%-25% hydrogen peroxide as their key ingredient. Our Gel product has a shelf-life of approximately one year and must be stored in a cool environment. (Though not harmful, it is not recommended to swallow the gel.  You will rinse out your mouth after each procedure).

 

Who Administers the Product?

The customers handle and apply the products themselves.  It is a self managed procedure, but the Body FX staff will guide and assist indirectly in the application and answer any question and concerns you might have throughout the procedure.

 

What causes the gum discoloration after whitening?

Part of the gum line may turn white if extra bleaching gel comes in contact with these softer tissue areas.  The peroxide component will bubble and turn white.  This is a common occurrence in the dental industry known as “blanching.”  The affected areas should return to normal in 15 – 30 minutes.  Rubbing vitamin E on these areas will help relieve any sensitive issues and return the natural color of the gums.

 

What causes the white streaks in the teeth after whitening?

These bright white streaks are caused by the calcium deposits embedded in the teeth.  This will subside to normal over the next 48 hours — or sooner.

 

Why does Body FX suggest purchasing whitening gel pens to each client?

To maintain that healthy and white beautiful smile of course!  You buy a kit after your first appointment and then take it on the go every where you go. You have enough gel in each pen to last you a month. If a follow-up session is needed less time would be required. The pen is a 2 ml tube of dental quality 10% hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel.