Whitening

Following Tooth Whitening:

  • Teeth are more susceptible to staining for the first 48 hours following bleaching treatments. For the first 48 hours after whitening, it is best to avoid dark-colored foods or beverages that can stain your teeth. Any item that can stain your clothes can also stain your teeth.

  • Avoid berries, cola or other dark sodas, red wine, coffee and tea, tobacco, and ketchup, soy or other dark sauces.

Instructions for At-Home Whitening

Our office has performed this procedure hundreds of times with excellent results, minimal side effects (if any), and no irreversible effects to the teeth.  The amount of whitening you obtain during the whitening process is dependent on three factors: The length and number of time the trays are worn, and the depth and severity of staining on your teeth.

  • All patients exhibit whitening; some results are mild, and some are dramatic.

  • The whitening agent is not harmful to your teeth or to you if ingested.

  • The whitening result is permanent, but keep in mind that it does not prevent your teeth from staining in the future.  Most patients will do a “touch up” application as needed to maintain the desired results.

Procedure:

1.     Brush and floss before applying the whitening gel.

  • Using Your Custom Trays: Follow the instructions given by our office, place a small amount of whitening gel (smaller than a green pea) into the center of each tooth space in the tray so that the gel will rest against the front surface of the teeth once it is placed in your mouth. If you taste an excess of the material, you may use less on the next application

  • Wear trays for the recommended time.

  • Rinse the trays with cool water and gently remove any gel remaining on your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush.

  • Brush and floss your teeth normally.

Normal tooth whitening starts at the biting edges of the teeth and works towards the gumline.  As you bleach, the color will even out proportionally.

Possible Side Effects

In a few cases, patients can experience sensitivity to temperature in their teeth or minor irritation in the gum tissue while bleaching.  This always goes away when the process is discontinued.

Usually, whitening every other day instead of each day, minimizes this side effect.

If you have any problem or question, discontinue use and call the office.

Precautions

Never use household or commercial bleaching agents in your mouth.

Do not use over-the-counter whitening agents in your trays.  Over-the-counter agents often have a very acid pH that can harm your teeth.  Our gel has a neutral pH.

If you are storing whitening agent for longer periods of time (i.e. months), store in refrigerator to maintain shelf life.

Keep the bleach agent out of heat or sunlight as it can reduce its effectiveness.

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