Patient Instructions
Patient Instructions for At-Home Bleaching
Congratulations! You are beginning a treatment process that will most definitely improve your appearance. The amount of whitening you obtain during teeth bleaching is dependent on three factors:
- The length of time the appliance is worn
- The number of times the appliance is worn, and
- The susceptibility of your teeth and/or internal contaminants to the bleaching agent
Note: 99% of all cases bleached give results. Results vary, but most patients are ecstatic about having whiter teeth.
The whitening result will reverse over time and, for that reason, it is imperative that "touch-up" bleaching be done every 6 months to maintain the desired result. The initial bleaching fee covers you for 1 months from the start of treatment. Usually 1cc of material is needed to "touch-up". After 6 months, a fee is charged for "materials only" to maintain your bright smile. An appliance should last for many years with good care. A "lab fee only" is charged for a new appliance should you need one in the future.
Procedure:
- Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth before applying the bleach gel.
- Load the appliance with bleaching gel, expressing it from the syringe evenly into the deepest portions of the appliance only (usually less than 1cc of gel).
- Seat the appliance completely and firmly onto the teeth. Gently press with fingers to adapt the appliance to the teeth. Excessive pressure expresses too much gel out of the appliance.
- Gently wipe off excess gel with a Q-tip, 2x2 gauze, or your finger.
- Expectorate any excess material.
- Wear for 3/4 hour to 1 1/2 hour.
- When appliance is removed, brush teeth thoroughly. Appliance should be rinsed thoroughly and placed in your appliance case, ready for the next application.
The "touch-up" may be done anytime, however for best results, should be done immediately after your cleaning appointment.
Possible Side Effects:
Often patients experience increased sensitivity to cold and gum irritation during treatment. Some patients have reported temporary discomfort during bleaching, such as tongue and/or lip soreness, throat irritation or moderate, continuous tooth pain. If any of these symptoms occur and are more than mild and persist, or if you have any questions or concerns, call our office. The common side effects (sensitivity and tissue soreness) most always dissipate within one to three days after interruption or completion of treatment. A fluoride gel can be placed in the appliance for 1-2 minutes to help relieve sensitivity, but this slows the bleaching process. If teeth or gums are sensitive, delay the next application a day or two. In other words, wait until sensitivity or soreness has subsided before continuing treatment.
Precautions:
Keep syringe out of heat and/or direct sunlight at all times or bleaching agent will break down. It is best to store material in a refrigerator. NEVER use any household or commercial bleaching agents in your mouth. ONLY use teeth-whitening agents dispensed and supervised by our office.
Note: Normal tooth whitening starts at the biting edges of the teeth and works its way up. Normal color of teeth is darker toward the gum line.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
KEEP OUT OF HEAT AND SUNLIGHT.
STORE IN REFRIGERATOR TO MAINTAIN SHELF LIFE.
CONTACT OUR OFFICE WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS.
GEL CAN CAUSE WHITE SPOTS ON CLOTHING IF ACCIDENTLY
SPLASHED. RINSE IMMEDIATELY WITH WATER.