Whitening Menu

From here, we will explain in detail each whitening menu offered at SACHI Dental Clinic.

Dual Whitening – For those who want to see results quickly

Dual whitening is a method that combines “office whitening” performed at the dental clinic with “home whitening” performed at home. By combining the benefits of each, higher effectiveness and longevity can be expected compared to performing either method alone.

• Advantages:
  • The biggest advantage is achieving whiter teeth in a short period and maintaining that whiteness longer by gaining both the immediate effect of office whitening and the lasting effect of home whitening.
  • Combining the two methods allows the whitening agent to penetrate deeper more easily than with a single treatment, resulting in a more even whitening finish.
• Disadvantages:
  • Since it involves the costs of both office and home whitening, it tends to be more expensive than other methods.
  • Due to the use of high-concentration agents, symptoms of sensitivity may occur.
• Recommended for:
  • Those who have upcoming weddings, pre-wedding photoshoots, or important events and want to whiten their teeth as quickly as possible.
  • Those who want to maximize the whitening effect and maintain the whiteness for a long time.

Office Whitening – Professional treatment performed at the dental clinic

Office whitening is a method performed by a dentist or dental hygienist at the dental clinic. Because it uses high-concentration whitening agents and specialized equipment, it is characterized by the ease of seeing results after just one session.

• Advantages:
  • As it’s performed by professionals, you can undergo the treatment with peace of mind.
  • Results are often noticeable after a single session, making it recommended for those short on time.
  • Our clinic uses Opalescence BOOST (35% hydrogen peroxide) by Ultradent.
• Disadvantages:
  • Due to the use of high-concentration agents, symptoms of sensitivity may occur.
  • The cost may be slightly higher compared to home whitening.
• Recommended for:
  • Those who want to whiten their teeth quickly.
  • Those who find self-administered whitening cumbersome.
  • Those who want safe and reliable whitening.

Whitening Flow

① Examination & Diagnosis – Proposing the optimal whitening plan

First, we carefully examine your oral condition to determine if whitening is suitable. We check for cavities, gum disease, the condition of the tooth nerves, etc., to ensure whitening can be performed safely.

Furthermore, we use a color sample called a shade guide (like the one in the photo above) to check the current color of your teeth. While listening to your desired level of whiteness, we consider together which whitening method is optimal. At this time, based on your oral condition and wishes, we discuss which method – office whitening, home whitening, dual whitening, or walking bleach – is best and decide on a schedule.

If you wish to align whitening with events like weddings, pre-wedding photoshoots, or other photo sessions, please inform us in advance. It may be difficult to accommodate requests made immediately before the event, so visiting us well in advance allows a higher possibility of achieving the ideal result timed to your desired date.

② Pre-Whitening Preparation – Important steps to enhance effectiveness

Preparation beforehand is crucial to maximize the effects of whitening. Our clinic recommends a professional cleaning called PMTC (Professional Mechanical Tooth Cleaning) before whitening.

What is PMTC?: It is a thorough tooth surface cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized equipment. By removing plaque, stains, and biofilm (bacterial clusters) adhering to the tooth surface, the whitening agent can penetrate the tooth more easily, enhancing its effect. PMTC is effective not only for enhancing whitening but also for preventing cavities and gum disease.

③ Whitening Procedure – Performed considering pain and safety

• Office Whitening Procedure Flow:
  The procedure takes about 1 hour. First, we take pre-treatment photos of your teeth along with a shade guide. Next, as pre-treatment before applying the whitening agent, we perform preparations such as protecting the lips and protecting the gums with resin. Once ready, the whitening gel is applied to the tooth surface. Our clinic uses Opalescence BOOST (35% hydrogen peroxide) by Ultradent. With this system, the gel is mixed within the syringe for each office whitening session, ensuring the agent is always fresh. After the agent has been applied for the designated time, the gel is suctioned off. (This step is repeated 2-3 times). Finally, post-treatment photos are taken with the shade guide to confirm the color change, completing the session.
• Home Whitening Usage Instructions:
  First, custom mouth trays are fabricated for the patient. Once the trays are ready (usually available about a week after taking impressions), we explain how to use them at home. After thoroughly cleaning your teeth by brushing and flossing, apply the appropriate amount of whitening gel into the tray and wear it on your teeth. Wearing time is typically 2-3 hours per day (varies depending on gel concentration), usually continued for 2 weeks. The whitening mouthpieces we create have reservoirs (small indentations) to hold the whitening agent effectively and make it easier for you to gauge the amount of agent to put in at home. If gel overflows from the mouthpiece when worn, remove it with a toothbrush or cotton swab. Leaving it can cause irritation or damage to mucous membranes like lips, gums, or cheeks. After wearing the mouthpiece for about 2 hours, remove it, rinse your mouth, and clean off any remaining gel from the tooth surface. You may use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, clean the remaining gel from the mouthpiece thoroughly. Depending on symptoms like sensitivity, we may recommend not using it consecutively.
• Walking Bleach Procedure Flow:
  First, the condition of the target tooth is carefully checked. X-rays are taken to confirm if the root canal treatment was done properly and if there are no apical lesions (pus at the root tip). If there are gaps in the root filling material, the whitening agent could leak, potentially causing internal resorption of the tooth. Also, apical lesions could worsen the tooth’s condition, potentially leading to extraction even after whitening. Therefore, these issues are treated first. Walking bleach involves placing the agent inside the tooth and changing it several times to gradually whiten the tooth. Usually, the tone improves after 2-3 sessions, but results vary individually. Pressure can build up inside the tooth due to the chemical reaction of the agent, potentially causing pain. If the temporary filling comes off, please rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and contact our clinic.

④ Regular Check-ups, Touch-ups – To maintain white, beautiful teeth

The effects of whitening are not permanent, and “rebound” (color regression) inevitably occurs over time. Regular maintenance is important to maintain whiteness for longer.

Our clinic recommends regular check-ups every 3-6 months. During check-ups, we examine the condition of your mouth and perform cleaning as necessary. Depending on the degree of rebound, performing touch-ups (additional whitening) is also effective.