PATIENT INFORMATION FOR TAKE-HOME DENTAL WHITENING SYSTEM


Frequently asked questions:


What is tooth whitening? It's actually a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of enamel and dentin. One system uses a mild solution retained in a custom-fitted tray that is worn over your teeth either while you sleep or several hours during the day. Another system incorporates a formulated gel accelerated by the specific light & energy absorbed from an argon laser. This process is also completely safe and usually takes approximately one hour. Laser bleaching is the preferred technique for heavy or stubborn stains.


What causes tooth discoloration? There are many causes. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, colas, tobacco), trauma which causes pulp damage, tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride during formative years, nerve degeneration, and old restorations.


Who may benefit from tooth whitening? Almost everyone. However there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. A dentist may determine viable candidates for the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis. The tooth-whitening system is ideal for patients who have healthy, un-restored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile.


Why is the take home process unique? You can whiten your teeth comfortably and effectively in private while you sleep or for a few hours during the day.


Is the process safe? Research indicates that dentist supervised teeth whitening with carbamide or hydrogen peroxide is completely safe.


How does the take-home system work? The gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel, carbamide peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin and bleaches the colored substances. The structure of the tooth color is made lighter.


How long does it take? Take-home results are usually seen in the first night. Maximum results generally occur when the process is continued for 10 to 14 nights. Laser bleaching usually yields impressive results after only one application.


Are there any side effects? Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment. These symptoms always disappear within 1 to 3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment. Patients experiencing tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment should report these sensations. Cold sensitivity tends to disappears over time.


General Information: Dental whitening kits are intended for use only in a professionally prescribed course of treatment under the supervision of a dentist. Since 1974, CARBAMIDE PEROXIDE, the whitening agent, has been sold with FDA clearance as a nonprescription oral antiseptic. To date, millions of people worldwide have used carbamide peroxide to bleach teeth. Please read the instruction booklet in your kit.


Side effects: Do not delay in reporting any symptoms of discomfort to your dentist. During the first few days of treatment only, the most common discomforts experienced are sore gums or tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. Your dentist may decrease your whitening tray wear-time or adjust the tray to quickly resolve these problems. Also, over-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen may help reduce any discomfort. There is no evidence that this system will adversely affect pregnancy. However, no specific clinical testing has been done, so consult your doctor if you have any questions.


Expected Results: Results vary from patient to patient, but most obtain significant whitening in two to three weeks. Crowns, bonding, and tooth-colored restorations will not whiten and may require additional treatment. Whitened teeth are usually stable for three to five years. However, food, beverages, and tobacco usage will cause gradual re-staining and may require a maintenance program such as use of whitening toothpaste or occasional touch-up whitening. For best results carefully follow your dentist's instructions.


Patient's Responsibilities: I understand the background information and instructions, both written above and given verbally by the dentist. My failure to return for scheduled appointments, to use the bleaching system as directed, or to use the follow-up toothpaste may cause unsatisfactory bleaching results and/or damage or irritation to my teeth, gums, and soft tissue. I have had an opportunity to ask the dentist questions about any aspects of this treatment that is unclear to me. I understand how to apply bleaching gel to the tray and know the number of hours per day to wear the tray. I consent to treatment; to the fee for this treatment; and to treatment records for this bleaching of my teeth. I understand that proper use of a Bleaching Toothpaste may help prevent relapse of my bleaching results.