Comparing Zoom Whitening, Britesmile, and Rembrandt

Three of the most popular laser teeth whitening treatments used by dentists are compared. Before you choose a system, understand how chemical make up, cost effectiveness, and length of treatment differ amongst these market leaders.

Laser teeth whitening is actually a very simple process. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the gel times and the length of time you leave it on your teeth determines the whitening power. The laser lights are set to specific wavelengths in order to activate the individual gel compositions which simply make the procedure faster. Depending on which system your dentist uses, the cost can range anywhere from $600 to around $1,000. The more expensive their lighting system, the more expensive the procedure is likely to be for you.

Zoom Whitening, Britesmile and Rembrandt are the three most popular laser teeth whitening systems. Understanding the subtle differences between these three systems can help you choose the one that's best suited for your teeth.

The composition and concentration of the peroxide gel determines how much bleach is actually reaching your teeth. The Zoom Whitening System uses a compound of 32 percent hydrogen peroxide gel which is separate from the activating compound. These are combined in the office just before use to create a 25 percent concentration which is then applied to the teeth. Britesmile peroxide gel comes ready mixed, but has a concentration of 15 percent and must be reapplied up to three times during the treatment. Rembrandt's chemicals are packaged separated and are activated by mixing them prior to application for a 35 percent concentration. They include a desensitizing agent in the compound to alleviate any discomfort if your teeth are particularly sensitive to bleaching.

The concentration of the laser light wavelength activates the individual gels, and each popular brand has their own idea of how powerful the wavelengths need to be. Zoom uses a violet colored emitting mercury metal halide light with an infrared filter to ensure that any heat on the tooth is minimal. They use the specific wavelength of over 350 but under 400 nm to activate their gel concentration. Britesmile uses a wavelength of well over 400 nm and a gas plasma LED bleaching light which emanates a blue-green color. They also claim no significant heating of the mouth or teeth during the process. Rembrandt uses a plasma arch light and cranks it up to just under 525nm wavelength. (This also causes a blue-green colored light and no distinct heating of the mouth.)

All three laser teeth whitening companies have patented their gel concentrations and wavelengths, all claim that their wavelengths are set to activate their gel makeup, and all procedures take the same amount of your time; approximately one hour of treatment per visit. Even Britesmile claims to not last more than 90 minutes, even though they have to stop and reapply the gel two times. All three discuss at home treatment follow ups as an option but not a necessity, leaving that to be determined individually by the dentist and patient.

So the big difference: Cost. Your Britesmile dentist rents from the company, who retains ownership to the light and charges the dentist per use. The Zoom dentist paid around $1,500.00 for his system, while the Rembrandt dentist paid well over $4,000.00, and the costs, plus the dentist's margin, are passed onto you.