What You'll Get
The Deal
- $40 for one 50-minute, in-office teeth-whitening treatment ($299.95 value)
Teeth Whitening: More Than a Superficial Change
Whitening treatments involve more than just the surface of the teeth. Read on to reveal the science behind a brighter smile.
Every time you brush your teeth, abrasive compounds and chemicals wear away small particles, leaving a cleaner surface. If toothpaste doesn’t seem to get at yellowish stains, that’s because they’re not actually on the surface—they’ve seeped into the dentin, the more porous layer between the enamel and the small diamond at the root of each tooth. To reach this deeper discoloration, scrubbing won’t work. Instead, technician must deploy some basic chemistry. In most whitening systems, a solution of hydrogen peroxide (or carbamide peroxide, which turns into hydrogen peroxide when it encounters saliva) is left to sit against the teeth in the form of gel-filled trays or strips. Then the peroxide sets to work breaking the chemical bonds of the particles that contain unwanted coloration.
Some formulas are designed to be activated with an LED, laser, or halogen light whose specific wavelength is supposed to accelerate the breakdown of these particles. Although studies as to the light’s effectiveness vary between manufacturers, the basic chemical process remains the same, and technician who use light-activated systems suggest that they can work more quickly.
The Fine Print
Promotional value expires 90 days after purchase. Amount paid never expires. Appointment required. Must sign waiver. Consultation required; non-candidates and other refund requests will be honored before service provided. Limit 2 per person, may buy 3 additional as gift(s). May be repurchased every 30 days. Limit 1 per visit. Merchant's standard cancellation policy applies (any fees not to exceed voucher price). Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.