How hard is it to be compliant when it is just one visit? With in-office whitening, the patient just shows up once and it’s done. That is the promise. But is that real?

With hopes of overcoming the patient compliance problems of low concentration at-home whitening, in-office whitening has grown in popularity. Exploding on the dental scene with flashy new lights and sizzling marketing campaigns, patients answer the call of single-visit miracle whitening. With the passing of time, the cracks between patient expectations, practice realities, and the actual whitening results reveal major flaws in this strategy.

Incomplete Whitening
Most laser and light modalities are finding they must send their patients home with at-home kits to achieve complete whitening. It is no surprise. Lasers, lights, and lamps only speed up the process of the chemical whitening (usually 35% H2O2). There is only so much whitening that can be done in a single visit. Few cases achieve sufficient whitening in just one appointment.

Safety & Pulpal Sensitivity
There are studies that red flag the use of 35% H2O2 and heat.1 As the popular clinician William Strupp, DDS puts it, "The risk of pulpal damage just isn’t worth it." Ask anyone who has been around a practice with one of these "whitening center" lamps and about the frequency of pulpal sensitivity. Again, it just isn’t worth it.

In-office whitening has its place. It can be the best way to give a patient a jump-start into an at-home whitening regimen. It is a great touch up or quick fix before a special event. But, to achieve complete whitening and true success case after case, you’ll find At-Home 30% Carbamide Peroxide is by far the superior option.

1. Bosma M, Bowman J, Dorfman W, and Soll K, Clinical evaluation of a tray fabrication design and effects on vital tooth bleaching. Hill Top Research, Inc., Miamiville, OH; 1:3

Considering the fact that 80% of all American adults have some form of gum disease, there is clearly a need for a higher level of regular periodontal hygiene. For some patients, it is enough to get them to brush and floss. For many others, there are new tools you can offer them to take their regular oral hygiene to the next level.

Tripick
Less than 20% of adults admit to flossing daily, and only 2% admit to it between every meal. It doesn’t make sense that millions of people allow their oral health to lapse each day when there is such a simple, practical, and effective way for busy people to remove food from between their teeth after every meal. The Life-Like Tripick Toothpicks feature:

• Unique triangular shape is designed to remove innerproximal food and plaque

• Glides smoothly between teeth without splintering

• Plastic construction with reusable strength is supple yet strong

Tongue Scraper
Approximately 60% of all bad breath comes from bacteria in the mouth. The Life-Like Tongue Cleaner:

• Acts like a squeegee to remove the coating of plaque and bacteria on the tongue

• Is more effective at reducing halitosis than even brushing

• Reduces plaque formation on the teeth

• Unlike a toothbrush, it avoids causing the gagging reflex

PerioFormula
PerioFormula, an 8% carbamide peroxide product, is applied using a stent that is trimmed to extend onto the gingiva by 2-3 mm. Patients wear the tray and gel for just 5 to 10 minutes a day. Carbamide peroxide has been shown to:

Reverse gingivitis and incipient periodontitis
• Retard moderate to severe periodontitis

• Remove unhealthy tissue, clean and soothe minor wounds and inflammations

• Significantly reduce halitosis

• Promote periodontal health without antibiotics

• Keep teeth white