TEETH WHITENING with CUSTOM TRAYS
Dental Work: Tooth Whitening (bleaching) gel will only whiten natural teeth. It will NOT bleach (whiten), nor harm bonding, caps, crowns, bridges, fillings or any other artificial dental work. You may have to have the dentistry redone in order to match your new white teeth. Tetracycline (an antibiotic) stained teeth or grayish teeth are more difficult to bleach and have a varied prognosis. Exposed root portion of teeth which occurs with gum recession will also not bleach. If you have amalgam (silver) fillings in, near or behind the front teeth, long term bleaching can cause the surrounding tooth to have a greenish tinge. Bleaching teeth which have a lot of translucency (see thru) can cause the teeth to become even more translucent and may give the tooth a darker appearance.
Sensitivity: A small percentage of patients experience sensitivity with the whitening. The bleaching agent does not harm the teeth, but it does open the pores in the teeth so the stains can come out. If sensitivity occurs, stop whitening for 1-2 days. Take 1-2 tablets of Tylenol for pain. Once the teeth calm down continue bleaching every other day or consult Dr. Kitagawa.
Warnings: Keep bleaching gel out of reach of children. Do NOT use if pregnant or during nursing. Do NOT smoke, drink or eat while wearing your trays. Stay away from things that will stain your teeth during the bleaching process. (ie. smoking, coffee, red wine)
Usage Instructions for Professional Dental Whitening Gel
It is important that you apply the teeth whitening gel properly so you do not waste any of the gel and that you experience the least amount of sensitivity while using the gel.
1. Prior to Treatment:
Brush and floss just prior to bleaching your teeth. The whitening gel is the most effective with clean teeth. Try the trays in first without any beach to check the fit and comfort. Make sure that the bleaching trays are clean and dry before applying the whitening gel. Moisture reduces the efficiency of the whitening gel and slows down the whitening process
2. Applying the Bleaching Gel:
When you apply the gel make sure not to fill the trays. Place a SMALL drop of tooth whitening gel half way up on the inner front surface of tray (in the front of each tooth in the tray). Do not spread the bleach around. One syringe should be enough for 3 bleach sessions.
3. Inserting the Bleaching Trays:
Insert whitening tray in the mouth over the teeth. Seat the tray firmly against the teeth. Wipe the excess gel which seeps over the brim of the tray onto your gums. Hold the tray up with one hand and wipe the excess gel off of the gums with your finger or q-tip.
4. Wearing Time:
Follow manufacturers recommended wearing time.
5. After Whitening:
Remove the tray and rinse off your teeth. Brush any remaining gel away. Brush, floss and continue routine dental cleaning.
6. Caring for Your Trays and Gel:
Clean whitening trays with a toothbrush or Q-tip, and cold water. Store trays in the tray holder and gel in cool dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. The gel may be refrigerated to prolong the shelf life, but do not freeze.
Note:
- Teeth are naturally darker along the gum line. The canine (or I – teeth) are also naturally darker. These areas may require more time to lighten and may remain slightly darker than the rest of the tooth.
- Coffee, tobacco, and other products can restain your teeth over time. Typically in 6 months to 1 year you may need to “touch up” with 2 to 3 bleaching sessions.
Conduct your whitening session once per day until desired level of whitening is attained.
|