Teeth whitening using the White&Smile method. Advantages and disadvantages

Author of the article:

Soldatova Lyudmila Nikolaevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Clinical Dentistry of the St. Petersburg Medical and Social Institute, Chief Physician of the Alfa-Dent Dental Clinic, St. Petersburg

Cold lamp teeth whitening is one of the most modern ways to lighten enamel. The procedure is carried out using a special LED lamp with cold light.

This method is often confused with whitening with a conventional incandescent lamp, which heats the enamel, which is unsafe for the teeth, as it leads to their cracking, and also causes a lot of unpleasant sensations during the process itself. It is no wonder that patients are often distrustful of lamp bleaching.

The impact of an LED lamp is very different from a standard one; Let's figure out how effective and safe it is, and whether we should be guided by old stereotypes.

Information about the company White&Smile

White&Smile International is the brainchild of two European companies, namely White and Smile (France) and InSmile (Italy). This conglomerate is famous in the world for the production of products and cosmetic solutions for express teeth whitening. The company appeared in Russia in 2013 and now opens studios here every month under its brand through the sale of a franchise - currently there are 200 W&S salons in Russia, providing cosmetic, rather than dental, enamel lightening services.

In fact, official importers of exclusive products work on behalf of the company in Russia, who guarantee quality from European manufacturers and quick results, namely, teeth lightening by 2-12 shades in a very short period of time (from 15 to 45 minutes). The company's representative office in Russia claims that among similar products, only this product is approved by the specialized research institute of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation1.

The company appeared in Russia in 2013

In 2022 and 2022, W&S was included in the TOP 25 most profitable franchises according to Forbes magazine. In 2022, the brand was recognized as an industry leader, and in 2022 it was included in the list of one hundred best enterprises and organizations in Russia. All this is good for those who provide the service. However, consumers or patients are more interested in quality, cost, effectiveness and safety. We propose to talk about this further.

When can this method be used?

Chemical lightening will be effective if:

tooth enamel has darkened as a result of eating dyed foods;
there is plaque on the teeth, which led to darkening;
there is an age-related color change;
the enamel has become dark due to caries or its complications.

The chemical reagent will help to lighten naturally yellowish teeth.

No medical education is required to perform the procedure

White and Smile whitening, as the manufacturer assures, does not require licensing or medical education, because According to its characteristics, the product that allows you to achieve results belongs to cosmetics intended for home enamel lightening. That is, to carry out the procedure, you do not need a dentist on staff, and in general, it is not at all necessary to perform it in dentistry. This can be done in any cosmetic salon or beauty center. The only thing that is required of the salon is to have specialized LED equipment and undergo training in the use of the brightening composition.

According to the creators, their method is good because a person can save as much free time as possible and maintain a good mood. For example, the procedure can be carried out without leaving the shopping center, at the same time as making various purchases, because often beauty salons are located in shopping malls and shopping malls. In addition, a person will not have to sit in the dentist’s chair, which usually causes stress and psychological discomfort.

For those who provide the service, this is a definite plus, because you can purchase a franchise with a minimum amount of costs, but at the same time make a good profit.

No medical education is required to perform the procedure

However, we recommend that patients approach everything “smartly”, because any type of whitening involves a rather aggressive effect on the enamel, taking into account individual health indicators and the condition of the oral cavity, eliminating contraindications, preliminary preparation and dental treatment as necessary. Only a specialist with a higher medical education can objectively evaluate all this data, carry out the preparation and carry out the procedure safely, no matter how much the manufacturers claim to the contrary.

Contraindications

You should not resort to whitening with an LED lamp in the following cases:

high sensitivity of teeth;
defects on enamel;
pregnancy or lactation (there are other methods);
intolerance to the active components that make up the gel;
fixed dentures, crowns or a large number of fillings;
The procedure is also not recommended for children under 16 years of age;
caries, periodontitis and other diseases.

In the latter case, the ban is temporary, since the procedure can be carried out after you have treated your teeth.

White and Smile is a cosmetic service, not a dental service.

According to statements from the official manufacturer, to lighten the enamel by 2-12 tones, you just need to visit a salon, where a specialist will install trays with whitening gel and turn on the LED lamp. Everything happens the same way as with some types of professional whitening, which is carried out in dentistry by an experienced doctor. What are the differences?

This type of whitening is a cosmetic procedure.

For cosmetic lightening using the White and Smile technology, you will be offered a gel with a much lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide (4.5% versus 10, 15 and 35% in professional dental gels). The composition is relatively safe for the enamel and soft tissues of the oral cavity. In addition, during the procedure, the gel is exposed to a blue spectrum photolamp, which has a gentle effect on the tissue, but is very effective - it enhances the effect of peroxide. Also, the gel developed by W&S contains sodium fluoride and calcium hydroxyapatite, which have a remineralizing effect, reduce the sensitivity of enamel and strengthen it.

The concentration of 4.5% hydrogen peroxide in the gel is quite safe, but professional doctors are skeptical that it can lighten teeth by more than 4-5 shades. There is one more nuance: even the most minimal concentration of the active substance can cause harm if the gel is applied to unprepared or weakened enamel by diseases (caries, pulpitis, the presence of leaky fillings, non-carious lesions). Therefore, before the procedure, you must undergo an examination and consultation with a dentist.

Complications after teeth whitening

The most common problem that patients encounter after whitening is increased tooth sensitivity. The cause of painful sensations is the process as a result of which the teeth, under the influence of the whitening gel, lose moisture and are then re-saturated with liquid. Remineralizing therapy before the procedure and the use of special medications help neutralize pain after teeth whitening. Increased tooth sensitivity can also be relieved by taking painkillers.

W&S offers three express lightening options

White and Smile is teeth whitening in a beauty salon. There are three programs within the method. Which one to choose depends on your expectations, availability of free time and financial capabilities:

“express”: the session lasts only fifteen minutes. During this period, you can lighten the enamel by 2-4 tones. Cost – from 1300 rubles,
“classic”: in general, the technique is the same as in the first case - the doctor will install mouth guards with gel on the teeth and point a photo lamp at them. However, you will need to repeat the procedure 2 times for 15 minutes, i.e. in total you will waste 30 minutes of precious time. The result is whitening up to 6-8 tones. Cost – from 2400 rubles.
“extra”: everything is the same here, only you need 3 lightening sessions of 15 minutes each. Total 45 minutes and the result is up to 8-12 tones. Cost – from 3000 rubles.

There are three lightening programs within the method.
Remember that contraindications to this type of whitening are pregnancy and lactation, age under 18 years, the presence of braces and individual intolerance to carbamide peroxide.

The manufacturer promises that the positive result will last about 2-3 months, but, of course, only if you follow a white diet and give up such a bad habit as smoking. In order for a snow-white smile to please you for a longer time, it is recommended to undergo a similar procedure at least 4 times, but no more than 6 times a year. To consolidate the result, the manufacturer also suggests using dental cosmetics for oral care of the W&S brand of the same name, which we will talk about later.

Effective teeth whitening

Before the patient agrees to whitening, the doctor must warn that the results may be disappointing. This is especially true for complex cases, such as teeth with fluorosis. In addition, the patient should be warned about the possible replacement of old restorations. Whitening of fillings, crowns, veneers or implants is not possible.

The most effective methods of teeth whitening are professional techniques. The leading place in terms of effectiveness is occupied by laser whitening, which to some extent can even cope with tetracycline teeth. Then comes photobleaching - the most famous and popular in-office technique today. Closing the top three is the chemical technique, which is used very rarely, but definitely deserves attention. Home professional whitening is also quite effective, but to get results you need to take a fairly long course.

As for non-professional whitening systems, the most effective of them are those that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. All other products without the listed active whitening substances have only a good cleaning effect from plaque and polishing the tooth surface.

If we talk about the effectiveness of whitening in general, then, even when using the same product, different patients will have different results. The best and fastest effect is achieved by whitening teeth with natural yellowish tints; teeth with grayish shades are less bleached. And although everything depends on the specific case, to say that the effect of the procedure is completely unpredictable is also wrong. A dentist who has good practice can predict the outcome in simple clinical cases.

White and Smile whitening strips for home use

If you don’t trust salon cosmetologists and want to carry out all the procedures at home, then White and Smile has developed home complexes especially for you. They should be selected based on the condition of the teeth:

Medium strips: contain charcoal, but no hydrogen peroxide. Designed for a course of 5-10 days, during this period they promise to lighten the enamel by 3-4 tones. Cost – from 2000 rubles,
Delicate strips: suitable for sensitive enamel; in 5-10 days they will lighten it by 2-5 tones. Cost – from 1700 rubles,
Intensive strips: suitable only for those people who have strong and healthy enamel. In 5-10 days your teeth will be lightened up to 5 shades. The cost of the kit is from 2500 rubles,
Luxury strips 2 in 1: this is a combination set consisting of 20 strips, 10 of which are intended for delicate whitening and 10 for intensive whitening. Cost – from 3000 rubles,
Sample box: this is a so-called test kit for those who do not want to take risks and spend a lot of money at once. The kit includes two strips for delicate and 2 for intense lightening. In just 4 days you will complete an express whitening course and change the color of your enamel by 2-3 tones. Cost – from 800 rubles.

The company produces whitening strips for home use.
Before using any option, you must consult a dentist.

“Once I bought myself Intensive strips on sale for only a thousand rubles, but they did not live up to my expectations. After you remove these strips, at first it even becomes scary, because terrible white spots appear on your teeth, they are uneven, but they go away in the morning, and the color of the enamel remains the same as it was before. Well, maybe it ended up being 1 tone lighter. In general, I think this is a dummy. It’s better and safer to have professional hygiene done at the dentist - it’s much safer, and the effect in terms of color will be the same.”

Sirena, fragment of a review from otzovik.com

Teeth whitening in dentistry

It seems to modern people that snow-white teeth have always been an integral attribute of an attractive appearance, but this is far from the case. During the Roman Empire, wearing gold dentures was considered a blessing—a symbol of power and prosperity (by the way, in Russia, gold crowns once played the same role). The aristocracy of the Middle Ages was proud of rotten teeth - a sign of high origin and wealth. In Ancient China, things were no better: women deliberately made their smile black in order to please the future groom. Of course, darkened teeth were not held in high esteem everywhere and not at all times, and there were people who were looking for more and more new means for whitening them.

W&S brand oral care products

You can purchase such products in the network of beauty salons where you had cosmetic whitening, or via the Internet. All products are certified and suitable for daily oral care.

Dry mouthwash MINT BLAST

These are effervescent tablets designed to dissolve in the mouth. After being placed in the oral cavity, such a tablet dissolves without residue, helps remove soft plaque and bacteria, freshens breath, and normalizes the acid-base balance. One tablet contains xylitol and propolis, which effectively fight cariogenic bacteria. It also contains mint.

The mouthwash can be used after basic brushing with toothpaste and brush, as well as after any snack. The tablets are convenient to carry with you in your purse, to take to the country house, to the office, or on a trip.

Cost – from 400 rubles.

Effervescent tablets designed to dissolve in the mouth

Pearl Ice

This is a remedy that helps strengthen hard tissues and protects them from cariogenic bacteria. Contains xylitol, pearl substances, calcium. In appearance, the product resembles powder or powder, which must be applied to the enamel. Thanks to it, teeth become smooth and shiny, their surface is leveled, and microcracks are sealed. The product also has a slight cooling effect, which will help soothe sensitive gums.

Cost – from 800 rubles.

A product that helps strengthen hard tissues

Whitening powder W&S

The product contains soft abrasive particles, active oxygen and cocoa butter, and calcium hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. And also flavors to choose from: peppermint and watermelon, or pineapple and lemongrass. The powder helps remove age spots and soft plaque, brightens enamel, prevents the appearance of hard deposits, and freshens breath. Allantoin, which is part of the powder, promotes the regeneration of soft tissues of the oral cavity and partially relieves inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane. Calcium helps seal microcracks in the enamel and makes it stronger.

The product is suitable for daily use instead of regular paste. It is recommended to apply it to the brush 2 times a day - morning and evening, and brush your teeth according to the standard scheme, i.e. at least 2 minutes. However, you should not abuse it and use it for more than 2-3 weeks in a row.

Cost – from 700 rubles.

Powder helps remove age spots and soft plaque

Mousse W&S

This product is designed specifically for the care of sensitive teeth. It gently removes impurities and promotes remineralization of hard tissues. Mousse must be applied to the brush instead of regular paste. Due to its foaming consistency, it penetrates well into the most inaccessible areas and interdental spaces.

The product reduces enamel sensitivity and freshens breath, has a mint-lime aroma and taste.

Cost – from 500 rubles.

Care product for sensitive teeth

Instant Fresh mouthwash gel with hyaluron

Contains aloe juice and hyaluronic acid, which relieve inflammation of the gums, nourish soft tissues and promote their rapid regeneration. The gel is suitable for daily use after brushing your teeth; it creates a protective film on the surface of the enamel that prevents pathogenic microorganisms from “clinging” to the teeth. The product also helps prevent dry mouth.

Cost – from 300 rubles.

The gel is suitable for daily use after brushing your teeth.

Bamboo toothbrush

An eco-brush made of bamboo has medium-hard bristles and an antibacterial coating that prevents the proliferation of pathogens.

Eco-brush has antibacterial coating

Cost – from 200 rubles.

Want to know all the benefits of bamboo toothbrushes? Read on the topic: 5 advantages of a bamboo brush.

While destroying, create!

Any whitening is a big stress for the enamel. Therefore, it should be carried out on healthy teeth and under the supervision of a dentist. If you still prefer home whitening, do not forget about visits to the dentist for regular examination and remineralization of the enamel. Thanks to this procedure, the enamel is saturated with fluoride, calcium, phosphorus and other substances beneficial for teeth in 30 minutes. As a result, the tooth surface is reanimated, cracks and scratches are filled, and the risk of caries and other diseases becomes much lower.

Advantages and disadvantages of technology

In conclusion, we can summarize that the White and Smile technology, which helps to carry out cosmetic teeth whitening, has its advantages and disadvantages.

Among the advantages are a large selection of products that will help achieve results and maintain them at a fairly high level, the low cost of whitening procedures in comparison with professional dental techniques, a minimum of time spent and no need to make an appointment at the dentist.

The products of this brand have passed all the necessary quality tests in Europe and comply with the requirements of the legislation of France and Russia. However, you need to remember that anyone can use the product in their practice, because its use does not require strict licensing, specialized medical education and high professionalism - in this case, the technology becomes a tool that may not always fall into the hands of conscientious owners. The end result may be unpredictable.

The creators of the White and Smile technology claim that in one session of enamel lightening, teeth lose exactly as much calcium as is washed out with one sip of carbonated drinks. That is, one glass of soda will cause 10 times more harm than one whitening procedure.

The main disadvantage is the absence of any serious requirements for the professionalism of the person performing the procedure. Remember that a person without medical education, i.e. in this case, not a dentist, will not be able to prepare for the procedure (strengthen enamel and gums, cure existing diseases), assess the condition of the oral cavity, exclude contraindications and warn you about it.

Anyone can use the product in their practice

If you decide to undergo such a procedure, do not forget to visit the dentist first and eliminate all existing problems, otherwise you may waste money and get into trouble: weakened sensitive enamel and gums, premature tooth decay.

The difficulty is that it is impossible to carry out such training in a beauty salon - there are no appropriate specialists and equipment. This is a saving for business owners, but harmful for those people who want to get a beautiful smile

Another drawback is the effect declared by the manufacturer, which guarantees up to 12 tones of enamel lightening. According to professional doctors, this effect can only be achieved with stronger, professional means. However, you can only check how many tones your enamel will lighten in practice.

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whitening

According to the official websites of the representative company white-smile.biz and white-and-smile.ru

Expert “Products for home (ie, non-professional) whitening should require the same serious approach and preparation as in-office whitening. Before them, it is necessary to strengthen the enamel, carry out professional oral hygiene, and cure dental diseases. Only then will it be more effective and safe for the patient.” Dental hygienist Victoria Nikolaevna Kashaeva

Consulting specialist

Kashaeva Victoria Nikolaevna

Specialization: Dental hygienist Experience: 8 years

Reviews

Among the people, chemical whitening is less popular than the Air Flow method and ultrasound. But there are people who prefer it to all other methods. This is explained as follows: the effect is noticeable, and it is achieved in one procedure. Let's read the reviews.

Anna

“I decided to undergo chemical whitening for the first time a year ago. At first I went to the dentist 10 times as if I was going to work: it turned out that I needed to cure many minor defects. Afterwards I carried out the procedure. The result is still visible: the teeth do not darken! True, I follow all the recommendations.”

Oksana

"I am afraid of pain. Having arrived at the doctor at the appointed hour, I first of all asked if it was possible to have anesthesia before the procedure. The dentist was upset: he said that it was impossible, because the patient should tell the doctor about his feelings so that he could assess whether harm was caused to the teeth and gums. But everything went smoothly! There was practically no pain. After the procedure, the teeth became more sensitive for a couple of days, then everything returned to normal. The color makes me happy!”

Alexander

“My teeth are naturally yellowish. I decided to conduct an experiment: will chemistry help? The result was pleasantly surprising: white teeth! The doctor warned that in 3-4 years the shade would become the same, but it would be possible to use the method again. So far I'm happy."

Comments

I have been visiting this studio every 4 months for 3 years now. The enamel is fine, there is no sensitivity. They also have a super cool pineapple powder.

Anna (01/19/2020 at 08:46 pm) Reply to comment

I have fluorosis, will White and Smile help me somehow improve the situation?

Marina (02/03/2020 at 16:31) Reply to comment

Editorial staff of the portal UltraSmile.ru (02/06/2020 at 09:22) Reply to comment

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Minuses

We have listed the advantages, now a few words about the disadvantages to make the picture objective:

teeth become more sensitive and react to cold and hot;
possible damage to surrounding tissues;
“over-whitening”, when dentin and enamel are damaged.

To avoid harm to yourself, whiten your teeth at the dentist's office. A procedure performed independently can lead to complications, since the patient cannot predict the reaction to a chemical reagent and cannot immediately eliminate the consequences.

Important components of whitening toothpastes -

Whitening toothpaste (in addition to abrasive-polishing components and/or carbamide peroxide) may contain additional beneficial components that will increase its effectiveness. Some of these components help remove existing pigmentations, while others will prevent the deposition of pigments and plaque on the teeth (24stoma.ru).

The enzymes Bromelain and Papain are proteolytic enzymes that help loosen the already formed tightly attached microbial plaque, which certainly contributes to its removal by the abrasive components of toothpastes. This happens due to the fact that enzymes destroy the protein matrix of dental plaque (i.e., intercellular structures). Bromelain is obtained from pineapple, and papain is obtained from papaya.
Pyrophosphates and Polydon - these components are inhibitors of the crystallization of calcium phosphate (this is a mineral component of tartar). Thus, they prevent the formation of tartar, but do not affect existing tartar. By the way, citrates have a similar effect to pyrophosphates - these are salts of citric acid, which can also sometimes be found in toothpastes (usually sodium citrate is used for this).
Polyphosphates - polyphosphates include, for example, Sodium Hexametaphosphate and Trisodium Phosphate. These are excellent components that prevent pigments and plaque from sticking to the teeth and, accordingly, they help prevent the formation of tartar (but they do not affect existing plaque). Polyphosphates are found in some whitening toothpastes “President”, “Lacalut”, as well as in the “Blend-a-med Pro-EXPERT” series of toothpastes.
Hydroxyapatite – the deposition of a thin layer of hydroxyapatite particles on the teeth will prevent bacteria from attaching to the tooth enamel, and hence the formation of plaque.