 | "Bleach" until
they are white: Regardless of making marketing claims say the length of time
it takes for teeth to change color is individually determined.
Remember to quit whitening when your teeth quit changing color because at
this point is when the lightening process is complete.
|
| Look at the
"whites" of your eyes: The most natural look for most people is
when the color of your teeth match the sclera of your eyes. So using
this method you can look at the mirror at yourself and others to determine
how much improvement in general appearance your teeth will receive from
whitening. People whose teeth are more yellow than the whites of their
eyes may end up with the most improved looking smile after using the
whitening technique, while those whose teeth already match their eyes may not
look noticeably better.
|
| Smiles should stay bright
for 1-3 years. |
| Brushing right before whitening is not
recommended as it might cause abrasion and sensitivity. |
| Do not eat or drink anything after
whitening that might cause a stain...coffee, tea, etc. |
| Existing crowns or fillings will not
respond to the whitening agent. |
| Strips do not whiten entire arches.
They only cover the front teeth. |
| Do not smoke or chew tobacco after using
whitening products. |
| Do not use whitening products if you have
decay, gum disease or hypersensitivity. |
| Know the condition of your teeth and oral
tissues. A through examination and cleaning from your
dentist is recommended BEFORE using whitening products. ^ |
The Great
White Hope
Before
Whitening
After Whitening
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The protocol
to help produce whiter
smiles:
1.
Visit your dentist first to determine the health of your teeth and gums before
you start "bleaching" your teeth. This is a screening service to
rule out other causes of discoloration, gum tissue health and condition of tooth
surfaces. Also this is especially important if you have many fillings,
crowns and extremely dark stains. The present shade of your teeth will be
determined:
Tooth color shade guide
We recommend you lighten your teeth with
a dentist supervised at home regimen that has custom fitted trays to avoid TMD
problems.
2. Use potassium nitrate and fluoride to treat sensitivity (potassium
nitrate is already in the kits provided
to our patients). If you have gum recession you may be more likely to
experience tooth sensitivity during home whitening
treatment.*** Use toothpaste with fluoride twice a day;
rinse with a fluoride rinse twice a day, especially at
bed time; and use fluoride gel provided by your dentist as needed. You may
also try an application of potassium
nitrate or fluoride for
10-30 minutes prior to or after whitening, or alternating
night with whitening material, is more than 90% effective in
reducing sensitivity.
3. To maintain the whiteness for as long as possible, consider a whitening
toothpaste that has peroxide in it the help fight off stains. Remember to avoid curry, red wines, coffee, cola and especially smoking all these items
badly stain teeth and shorten the length of time your teeth will stay white.
4. See contra indications for tooth whitening
It is professionally recommended that professional
bleaching be avoided until you are at least 14 and your teeth
are fully formed.
5. Whitening procedure and choices.
6. Tooth
bleaching methods compared
7. Tooth whitening may reduce bad
breath.**
8. Motivate you to maintain good health habits resulting
in
improved oral health.
9. Improved self esteem.
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| Contraindications/limitations
of home bleaching: |
Comments |
| Extensive composite
(white) & porcelain restorations |
Restorations will NOT
bleach and you need to be informed about the cost
of replacement |
| Pre-existing sensitivity |
2/3 of these people will experience
some sensitivity for 1-4 days; usually reversible upon
termination of bleaching |
| Severe gray/blue banded tetracycline
staining |
Guarded prognosis, may
reduce amount of
"masking: required for future |
| Discoloration in gingival
third or exposed yellow |
Guarded prognosis for
whitening |
| Pregnant or
lactating |
No know adverse effects
but avoid use as a precautionary measure |
| TMJ |
Consider bleaching one
arch and monitor comfort |
| Translucent teeth |
May appear darker after
bleaching |
| Amalgam
restoration in front teeth |
Replace amalgams to avoid
"greening effect" |
| Noncompliance or unrealistic
expectation |
Determine realistic
whitening results**** |
^ Tooth whitening, Dental
notes summer 2006 pg 1.
****An Update on Tooth
Whitening, Woman Dentist Journal, pg 10-22, Jan/Feb 2003
*Whiteners put shine on dental care, Stacie Crozier, ADA
News April 16, 2001 pg 8-10 stated by Dr. Heymann.
**Dental Products, pg 59 May 2001.
***Incidence of Tooth Sensitivity After Home Whitening
Treatment; Dr. Jorgensen, Dr. Carroll; JADA, Vol 133; pgs
1076-1082; Aug 2002.
February 06, 2008
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