Kiran Shankla presents a Pola Rapid whitening case, showcasing the effectiveness of in-practice whitening for quick and reliable aesthetic improvements.
Patient presentation
A 38-year-old female patient in mid-clear aligner treatment sought a quick and effective solution to improve the shade of her teeth. Discolouration and staining had become prominent during the aligner process, primarily due to her colourful diet and the staining effect of wearing aligners. She preferred a non-invasive whitening treatment that could deliver fast results. At-home whitening was deemed unsuitable as she did not want to spend several weeks applying gel nightly and was concerned about her sensitivity.
Examination and diagnosis
A general dental examination revealed that the patient had moderate oral hygiene with no evidence of caries or periodontal issues. However, her teeth exhibited noticeable discolouration and staining, which the aligner treatment had exacerbated. The initial shade was recorded as A3.5. The patient aimed to achieve a visibly lighter shade while maintaining comfort and minimising treatment duration.
Treatment plan
After discussing various options, the patient opted for in-practice whitening using Pola Rapid and Radii Xpert with Full Arch Bleaching LED. This method offered the advantage of achieving a 3-4 shade improvement in a single visit while requiring minimal post-treatment care, such as adhering to a beige diet for only 24 hours. The patient appreciated the efficiency and simplicity of this option, particularly given her concerns around teeth sensitivity and the personal responsibility of managing an at-home whitening system.
Figure 1: Pre op smile view, mid aligner treatment
Figure 2: Retracted view, current shade A3.5
Figure 3: Soft tissue retracted with gingival barrier placement
Figure 4: Placement of Radii Xpert with Full Arch Bleaching LED
The treatment plan began with oral hygiene instructions to ensure optimal results. A hygiene appointment was conducted before the whitening session to clean the teeth thoroughly. The in-practice whitening session was designed to be straightforward, involving three cycles of gel application and light activation. The process was explained in detail to the patient to manage expectations and ensure comfort.
Treatment procedure
The procedure started with recording the initial shade (A3.5). The teeth were then cleaned using a flour-based pumice to remove superficial stains and prepare the enamel surface for optimal whitening. Cheek retractors were used and a liquid dam barrier was applied to protect the soft tissues from the whitening gel. The gingival barrier was meticulously applied to ensure effective coverage and reduce the risk of irritation during the process. A 6% hydrogen peroxide gel was applied to the teeth undergoing treatment in a thin layer. Radii Xpert with Full Arch Bleaching LED was then used to activate the gel, with each cycle lasting approximately eight minutes.
After the first cycle, the gel was removed using a surgical suction tip, and a fresh layer was applied. This process was repeated twice more, totalling three cycles. The patient experienced no discomfort or sensitivity throughout the treatment, thanks to the desensitising properties of Pola Rapid. The precise delivery system of the syringe and tip allowed even application across the teeth, ensuring uniform results.
After the whitening session, the final shade was recorded as A2. This demonstrated a noticeable improvement of 1.5 shades, which met the patient’s expectations. She was provided with post-treatment instructions, including adhering to a beige diet for 24 hours and possibly a whitening top-up once her aligner treatment was complete.
Figure 5: Second placement of Pola Rapid. Easy placement using the smooth brush tip
Figure 6: Pola Rapid syringe
Figure 7: Third Pola Rapid cycle
Figure 8: Immediate post op shade
Results and patient feedback
The in-practice whitening treatment delivered predictable and consistent results. The patient appreciated the simplicity of the process and the immediate improvement in her smile. Pola Rapid’s built-in desensitiser ensured she experienced no sensitivity during or after the procedure, which was a key concern for her. She was pleased with the efficiency of achieving her desired outcome in just one visit, particularly given her busy lifestyle and ongoing orthodontic treatment.
At the one-month follow-up, the patient’s shade improvement was maintained, confirming the durability of the results. She reported feeling more confident with her smile and expressed gratitude for the professional and comfortable experience.
Figure 9: One month review which shows a maintained reduction in shade
Clinical observations and discussion
Pola Rapid whitening, combined with Radii Xpert with Full Arch Bleaching LED demonstrated its effectiveness as a quick and reliable solution for patients seeking immediate aesthetic improvement. The combination of a desensitising formulation and precise application system made it particularly suitable for patients undergoing orthodontic treatments, where sensitivity can often be a barrier to whitening. The advanced LED light technology of Radii Xpert with Full Arch Bleaching LED further enhanced the efficiency of the whitening process, ensuring predictable results within a short timeframe.
This case highlights the importance of tailoring treatment options to meet patient needs. Pola Rapid provided a positive experience and excellent clinical results by offering a practical, patient-centred approach. The treatment’s simplicity and ability to deliver reliable outcomes make it a highly recommended option for patients seeking in-practice whitening solutions. With proper post-treatment care and the potential for top-up treatments, this approach offers long-term benefits for patients striving to enhance their smiles.
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Kiran Shankla is a restorative dentist based at Kendrick View Dental Practice. Follow her cases @shanklasmiles