Teeth Whitening

BLEACHING INFORMATION

Bleaching is a procedure which is designed to lighten the color of your teeth. When done properly, bleaching will not harm your teeth or gums. Significant lightening can be achieved in the vast majority of cases. Bleaching, like any other treatment, has some inherent risks and limitations. These are seldom serious enough to discourage you from having your teeth bleached, but should be considered in making a decision to have the treatment.

Just about anyone is a candidate for bleaching. However, people with dark yellow or yellow-brown teeth tend to bleach better than with gray or bluish-gray teeth. Multi-colored teeth, especially if stained due to tetracycline, do not bleach very well. In addition, teeth with many fillings, cavities, chips, etc. are usually best treated by bonding, porcelain veneers, or porcelain crowns.

This process involves wearing a custom-made bleaching tray (looks like a thin, transparent night guard) filled with a mild bleaching agent. The tray is worn 2-8 hours per day for two to four weeks until desired shade is reached.

Please remember…

• Teeth are naturally darker along the gumline. These may require more time to lighten than the rest of the tooth surface and usually remain slightly darker.

• A small percentage of patients experience sensitivity with bleaching. Should this occur, contact our office. It may be recommended that you bleach every second or third day, and use a fluoride treatment in your custom tray on the days you do not bleach.

• Food and juices high in citric acid can cause sensitivity to the teeth. Food, drink, or tobacco can restain your teeth over time. Should this occur the teeth can be re -whitened within a few nights by using your bleaching gel.

Please Do Not…

• Do not use bleaching gel while pregnant or lactating.

• Do not eat while wearing your custom trays.

• Do not use tobacco products while wearing your custom trays.

• Do not expose the bleaching gel syringes to heat and/or sunlight.

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