Helpful Information About Tooth Whitening
Pre-Treatment Info:
- Brush with Sensodyne twice a day for 2 weeks prior to your whitening appointment.
- If you develop sensitivity easily, it is recommended to take 600 mg of ibuprofen an hour before your procedure.
NOTE:
- Appointment time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- During the whitening procedure, you may experience sensitivity, as well as gingival irritation.
- We will place a safety material over your gums and lips to protect them.
- We will take pre-op and post-op shades as well as photographs to compare before and after.
- If you require medication for dental anxiety or need to take pre-medication for specific procedures, our doctors can provide the necessary prescription to suit your needs. We can also provide Nitrous Oxide to calm you during your dental visit. Please inform the doctor prior to your dental visit.
Post-Treatment Info:
- Take ibuprofen for the next 24 hours to avoid any discomfort.
- Desensitizing trays are available. We have placed them today for your comfort. Please remove them in 30 minutes.
- You may see a white or cloudy appearance, which typically disappears within days (your teeth need to rehydrate).
- You may see some white spots on your gums, but do not be alarmed. Most gum irritation goes away within 24 hours.
- Whitening lasts about 1–1/2 years, depending on your personal habits.
- We recommend that you purchase a touch-up bleaching kit to whiten at home every 6 months. A great time to touch up is after your regular hygiene appointment, since all superficial staining has been removed.
- If home bleaching is dispensed, please review appropriate instructions.
- Do not start home bleaching for at least 2 days, since the teeth are more susceptible to sensitivity.
- Please stay away from anything that may stain your teeth (coffee, red wine, and tomato sauce) for at least one day.
- If you haven’t already, now is a great time to quit smoking to avoid future stains (and, of course, improve your overall health).
EXPLORE PATIENT RESOURCES
Use these helpful resources as your journey begins.
Helpful before- and after-care resources for patients.
Good oral hygiene is a contributing factor for positive overall health.
Learn more about ways to manage the cost of dental treatments.
